SOAS alumni network

28/08/2026

SOAS Alumni in North America! 🇨🇦 🇺🇸
Join Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib, SOAS staff and fellow SOAS alumni across North America this October for a series of exclusive alumni events.

Together, we'll explore the socio-economic implications of the Iran War, hear the latest updates from SOAS, and engage in insightful discussions on global change with alumni and expert speakers.

📍Chicago | 7 October | in partnership with Chicago Council on Global Affairs
📍Washington DC | 12 October | with SOAS Professor of Economics Mushtaq Khan
📍New York | date TBA | with SOAS Professor of Economics Mushtaq Khan
📍Toronto | 19 October | with SOAS Professor of Economics Mushtaq Khan

We will be sharing more details about discussion themes, speakers and alumni panellists in the coming weeks.

Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early for your chosen city. We look forward to welcoming you.

👉 RSVP: soas.ac.uk/about/event/soas-alumni-receptions-north-america

27/08/2026

Did you know SOAS alumni receive a 10% discount on Language Courses? 💬

If you're considering learning a new language, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more.

The Language Centre, SOAS University of London invites you to an evening of languages, culture, and conversation.

Enjoy a selection of free language taster sessions, meet our experienced teachers and Language Centre staff, and connect with fellow language learners in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

📅 Monday 14 September, 6 – 8.30 pm
📍 SOAS, Paul Webley Wing

👉 Reserve your spot by 7 September: eventbrite.co.uk/e/soas-language-centre-open-evening-and-social-event-tickets-1994069986007?aff=oddtdtcreator

27/08/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu SAN, distinguished legal scholar, educator and SOAS alumnus.

Professor Kasunmu studied for a Master of Laws (LLM) at SOAS in 1961-62 and went on to become one of Nigeria's most respected legal figures. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos, Attorney-General of Lagos State, and was among the earliest recipients of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Throughout his career spanning academia, public service and legal practice, he made a lasting contribution to Nigeria's legal profession.

lawandsocietymagazine.com/professor-a-b-kasunmu-san-foremost-lawyer-and-scholar-dies-at-92/

26/08/2026

We are delighted to announce a new scholarship funded through the Philanthropic Consortium and Omenaa Foundation, helping widen access to postgraduate study for underrepresented international students.

The scholarship will support students pursuing an MA in African Studies or an Africa-focused MA in History of Art and Archaeology, removing financial barriers and creating new opportunities for academic growth.

👉 Read more on the SOAS website: soas.ac.uk/about/news/omenaa-foundation-gift-widens-access-study-africa

25/08/2026

💬 “When our names were called, we had the pleasure of being capped by Graça Machel, Mozambican politician, humanitarian, and international advocate for women's and children's rights.

I would like to thank the Chevening Scholarship for funding my tuition and covering all other study-related expenses during my time in the UK.

To those graduating this year, make sure you arrive at the graduation hall early so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Be present during the ceremony and relish your well-deserved moment. Congratulations, you've earned it!” — Sibahle Magadla (MSc Development Economics, 2019)

24/08/2026

Our August roundup of SOAS news and events is here! 🗞️
Discover opportunities to support SOAS students, reconnect with alumni, and join upcoming events in Edinburgh, London and North America. Stay connected with the global SOAS community and catch up on the latest news.

👉For more information, check out the newsletter in your inbox or email [email protected]

❓Didn’t receive the newsletter? It’s time to update your details! Do it now: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/KWQxvVJSgC

20/08/2026

Great to see Keshav Suri recognised for the extraordinary impact he has had on advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion in India. The article traces his journey from his time studying at SOAS and other UK institutions to becoming a leading voice for change through both business and activism.

👉 harpersbazaar.in/culture/story/how-keshav-suri-helped-shape-indias-queer-movement-1423283-2026-07-13

Reading it reminded us of our own interview with Keshav, which offers an equally inspiring insight into his leadership, commitment to inclusion and the values that continue to drive his work today.

His story is a powerful example of how SOAS alumni are shaping positive change on a global scale.

▶️ youtube.com/watch?v=ZXFhNjcSz6o&t=859s

19/08/2026

SOAS Alumni in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

We’re delighted to invite you to a SOAS alumni gathering on Thursday 27 August hosted by SOAS Alumni Ambassador Max Schmidt (MSc Research for International Development, 2020).

This informal gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow SOAS alumni living in, visiting, or passing through Edinburgh. Whether you're in town for the Edinburgh Fringe, escaping the summer heat elsewhere, or are a proud local resident, we'd love for you to join us.

📅 Thursday 27 August, from 7 pm
📍 Middle Meadow Walk, Edinburgh

👉 Sign up here: https://brnw.ch/21x538B

18/08/2026

SOAS alumna Lidia Maria Nunes Matias (MA International Studies and Diplomacy, 2019) dedicates these verses to the SOAS Class of 2026, celebrating their achievements and the journeys that lie ahead. 🎓

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Today, it is the day to CELEBRATE a hard-won graduation!

Thank you, Lidia!

There's still time to share your graduation photos and favourite memories! We'll be posting them in the coming days as we prepare to celebrate the class of 2026. 🎉

👉 Email [email protected] or send them via DM.

17/08/2026

Congratulations to this year's honorary awardees! 🎓

As we prepare to celebrate Graduation Week, we're proud to recognise these exceptional individuals whose achievements, leadership, and impact inspire our graduates as they begin their next chapter.

As we prepare to celebrate our next cohort of students graduating from SOAS, we are proud to award eight distinguished changemakers with honorary degrees at the forthcoming 2026 Graduation Ceremonies! 🎓

Celebrating their pioneering work and insightful contributions in each of their respective fields, the awardees are:

- Acclaimed musician Dr Nitin Sawhney CBE
- Public servant Baroness Catherine Ashton
- Contemporary artist William Kentridge
- Social and community advocate Atif Choudhury
- Columnist and researcher Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi
- Renowned economist Professor Justin Yifu Lin
- Entrepreneur and philanthropist Fadi Ghandour
- Leading figure in international climate finance, Alex Michie

SOAS Graduation Ceremonies will take place from 8-10 September 2026.

Image - from top left to bottom right: Atif Choudhury, William Kentridge, Professor Justin Yifu Lin, Fadi Ghandour, Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, Baroness Catherine Ashton, Dr Nitin Sawhney CBE and Alex Michie.