Congratulations to Cara McMahon, who received the prestigious Overall Student of the Year Award at the Study USA graduation ceremony held at Stormont last week.

Cara was selected for the top award from a cohort of 60 graduating students, receiving the accolade in front of an invited audience that included the Department for the Economy Permanent Secretary. During the ceremony, Cara spoke passionately about her experience and the positive impact the Study USA programme has had on her.

Her achievement follows an exceptional year at Manhattan University in New York City, where she was also one of only 12 students to achieve a perfect GPA of 4.0.

Our involvement with Study USA continues this academic year, with three students currently studying in the United States, placed at Misericordia University, Albright College and Wilson College.

Looking ahead, the British Council will visit on Monday 5 October to promote Study USA and encourage applications for the 2027/28 programme.

Cara’s success is a fantastic example of the academic, personal and international opportunities available through Study USA, and we congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.