British Council

Ajman University's Partnership with the British Council

Ajman University has cultivated a long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership with the British Council, the United Kingdom's international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. This collaboration underscores Ajman University's commitment to providing world-class educational services, fostering international academic connections, and empowering its community with globally recognized credentials.

The relationship, which has evolved over more than a decade, reflects a shared vision to enhance educational quality, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based society in the UAE.

A Legacy of Collaboration

The partnership between Ajman University and the British Council has deep roots. As early as September 2011, the two institutions began formal discussions to explore potential areas of cooperation. During a visit by Ms. Kate Owen, then British Council Director Dubai and Deputy Director UAE, to the Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) campus, both sides agreed to collaborate on initiatives including IELTS and other English language courses, developing partnerships with UK universities, and co-organizing joint events.

This dialogue culminated in January 2016 with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ajman University and the British Council. The signing ceremony, attended by senior representatives from both institutions including Mr. Nick Godfrey (Regional Exams Manager), Mr. Marc Jessel (British Council Director), and Mr. Md Nayeemur Rahman (Country IELTS Manager), marked a significant milestone in a relationship that had already been nurtured for eight years.

Key Areas of Collaboration

1. IELTS Testing Services

A cornerstone of the partnership is the provision of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exams on Ajman University's campuses. The MoU signed in 2016 officially established Ajman University as a venue for offering IELTS exams on both its Ajman and Fujairah campuses. This initiative makes the globally recognized English language proficiency test more accessible to students and the wider community, supporting their academic and professional aspirations. Ajman University continues to serve as an official IELTS test center, hosting regular test dates throughout the year.

2. Winning the Alumni UK Climate Action Grant (May 2025)

In May 2025, Ajman University's Office of Sustainability was awarded the prestigious British Council Alumni UK Climate Action Grant. This competitive grant, launched by the British Council in response to the climate crisis, provides financial support to UK alumni worldwide who are running successful climate projects and looking to test new ideas, innovate, or scale their impact.

Out of more than 300 applications, only 20 projects across 12 countries were selected for funding. The funded projects span themes from sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and waste reduction to indigenous knowledge, gender equity, and digital storytelling. Grants of up to £5,000 were awarded to successful applicants, with projects expected to run from May to December 2025.

The grant supports the University's award-winning "Greening Communities: Mangrove Planting Project" and reflects the British Council's commitment to supporting locally rooted, globally connected action that advances sustainability, resilience, and just transitions.

3. Climate Action through the Alumni UK Grant

Building on the grant award, Ajman University's Office of Sustainability launched a series of awareness workshops titled "Rooted in Community: Protecting Our Mangrove Guardians" in March 2026. The workshop series aims to motivate youth to engage with local environmental issues while connecting them to global climate action through interactive games and hands-on educational experiences.

The workshops strategically reframe mangrove conservation not as a distant environmental issue, but as a tangible, community-driven, nature-based solution that participants can directly support and promote. Through practical simulations and role-based activities, the workshops simplify complex scientific concepts, demonstrating how mangroves absorb significant amounts of carbon and play a vital role as natural coastal guardians while maintaining ecological balance.

The series has been delivered across multiple schools, including National Charity School, Ajman American Private School, Sharjah American International School, Pakistan Islamia Secondary School – Ajman, Crown Private School, and Dubai Police's Hemaya Schools, engaging approximately 375 participants and 22 organizers and volunteers. This broad participation has expanded environmental awareness and reinforced sustainability and climate action concepts among students at different educational levels.

4. Faculty Development & Pedagogical Excellence

The partnership also extends to professional development for faculty members. As outlined during the 2016 MoU signing, both institutions have expressed a strong interest in cooperating on TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) faculty training programs, including CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching) certifications. These programs enhance the quality of English language instruction at Ajman University and contribute to the professional growth of its faculty.

5. Academic Exchange & Research Collaboration

The partnership has also facilitated academic exchange and research collaboration. Ajman University and the British Council have explored opportunities for student exchange programs, faculty exchange programs, and mutual participation in events. The Research Connect Program, which aims to strengthen ties between UK and UAE researchers, has been identified as another area for future cooperation.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence & Global Impact

Through its enduring partnership with the British Council, Ajman University continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence, student empowerment, and global engagement. From making IELTS testing more accessible to winning the competitive Alumni UK Climate Action Grant in May 2025 and advancing faculty development, this collaboration delivers tangible benefits to students, faculty, and the wider community.

The partnership reflects Ajman University's dedication to providing its students with globally recognized credentials, fostering international academic connections, and contributing to the UAE's vision of a knowledge-driven, sustainable future.