Application Deadline:
16 December 2026
About Organisation
The Global Schools Prize is organised by the Varkey Foundation, an organisation known for supporting initiatives that recognise and strengthen education worldwide. The Foundation’s Global Schools Prize celebrates schools that are developing innovative approaches to teaching, learning, inclusion and student wellbeing. The prize aims to highlight institutions that are addressing major educational challenges and creating models that can inspire wider change. The 2027 edition recognises schools working across areas including artificial intelligence, arts and creativity, global citizenship, health and wellbeing, inclusive education, STEM, sustainability and teacher development.
About the Grant
The Global Schools Prize 2027 is a US$1 million global education prize recognising schools that are transforming learning and responding creatively to the challenges facing education. Ten category winners will each receive US$50,000. From these winners, one overall Global Schools Prize winner will receive an additional US$500,000 to expand and accelerate its impact. The programme recognises schools across ten categories, including AI transformation, arts and culture, sustainability, STEM education, inclusive education, student wellbeing and teacher development. Longlisted schools will also receive a Global Schools Prize badge and access to the Global Schools Network.
Who can Apply?
The prize is open to government-run and privately funded schools worldwide that demonstrate exceptional work in improving education. Applicants should be able to show meaningful impact, innovation or leadership in one or more of the prize’s ten categories. Relevant areas include AI transformation, arts and creativity, character education, peacebuilding, health and wellbeing, overcoming adversity, inclusive education, STEM, sustainability and teacher development. Schools should demonstrate how their work benefits students and contributes to stronger educational outcomes. The programme is intended for schools with established initiatives that demonstrate meaningful impact rather than purely conceptual projects.
How to Apply?
Schools should review the Global Schools Prize application requirements and submit their entry through the official prize application platform. Applicants should explain their school’s approach, achievements, impact and innovation and select the category that best represents their work. Schools may also be nominated by others. Entries should be completed online before the application deadline. Longlisted schools will proceed through subsequent evaluation stages leading to category and overall prize selection.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 16 December 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
