Global Schools Prize 2027 (US$50,000 per School)
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.
The Global Schools Prize recognises schools across 10 categories:
- AI Transformation
- Arts, Culture and Creativity
- Character- and Values-Driven Education
- Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding
- Health and Wellbeing
- Overcoming Adversity
- SEND/Inclusive Education
- STEM Education
- Sustainability
- Teacher Development
Benefits
- Those longlisted will be awarded a Global Schools Prize Badge, symbolising world-class impact and achievement in areas ranging from AI transformation to teacher development.
- These schools will also be welcomed into the Global Schools Network, gaining access to partnerships, professional development, and global collaboration opportunities with other leading institutions.
- The ten category winners will each receive $50,000. From these, one school will be selected as the overall Global Schools Prize winner and awarded a further $500,000 to expand its impact and accelerate its work.
Eligibility
The Global Schools Prize is open to government-run and privately funded schools worldwide that are going above and beyond to deliver quality 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.
Applications close: 16 December 2026
Also Read: Other Opportunities to Apply
