Global Schools Prize 2027: Win Up to US$500,000 for Your School | Applications Open Worldwide

Schools worldwide are invited to apply for the 2027 Global Schools Prize, an international education award established to recognise and celebrate exceptional schools that are transforming education, improving learning experiences, and preparing young people for the future.

Organised by the Varkey Foundation, the Global Schools Prize has a total award value of US$1 million. Ten outstanding schools will each receive US$50,000 as category winners, while one exceptional school will be awarded the US$500,000 grand prize to scale its impact and expand its contribution to education.

The prize recognises schools that are going beyond traditional approaches to learning. It celebrates institutions that are developing innovative teaching methods, embracing technology responsibly, promoting creativity, strengthening teacher development, supporting student wellbeing, advancing inclusion, and preparing learners to become responsible global citizens.

The opportunity is open to eligible schools around the world, including government-run, privately funded, and alternative schools that teach students up to the age of 18, subject to applicable local laws. Schools can apply directly or be nominated by another person or organisation. However, a nominated school must also complete an application to be considered.

Applications for the 2027 Global Schools Prize opened on 16 September 2026 and will close on 16 December 2026. The Top 50 finalists are expected to be announced in March 2027, while the overall winner will be announced in May 2027.

For schools in Kenya, across Africa, and in other parts of the world that are implementing innovative approaches to education, this is an opportunity to showcase their achievements on an international platform and potentially secure funding to strengthen their work.

1. Overview of the Global Schools Prize 2027

The Global Schools Prize is an international education award that recognises schools as institutions of innovation, transformation, and social impact.

Established in 2025 by education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the prize was created to recognise exceptional schools that are reimagining what is possible in education. It complements the Global Teacher Prize and the Global Student Prize, forming a broader initiative that celebrates the contributions of teachers, students, and schools to educational development.

The programme acknowledges that educational transformation does not happen through individual teachers or learners alone. Schools themselves play a central role in shaping the learning environment, supporting teachers, developing students’ abilities, and responding to the changing needs of society.

Some schools are using technology to improve teaching and learning. Others are developing strong approaches to inclusion, environmental sustainability, student wellbeing, teacher development, or education in difficult circumstances.

The Global Schools Prize provides an international platform through which these institutions can demonstrate their achievements, share their experiences, and gain recognition for their contribution to education.

According to the official programme information, the prize will identify ten category winners from a longlist. Each category winner will receive US$50,000, and one school will be selected as the overall winner to receive an additional grand prize of US$500,000.

Longlisted schools will also receive a Global Schools Prize Badge and be welcomed into the Global Schools Network, which offers opportunities for professional development, partnerships, and collaboration with other leading institutions.

These benefits mean that the programme is not only about awarding money. It also seeks to recognise educational innovation and encourage the exchange of ideas that can inspire improvements in schools worldwide.

Key Details at a Glance

Opportunity detail	Information
Name of opportunity	Global Schools Prize 2027
Organising institution	Varkey Foundation
Year established	2025
Type of opportunity	International education award and school innovation prize
Total award value	US$1 million
Number of category winners	10
Award for each category winner	US$50,000
Overall grand prize	US$500,000
Eligible applicants	Schools teaching students up to age 18, subject to local laws
Geographical eligibility	Schools worldwide
Eligible school types	Government-run, privately funded, and alternative schools
Application method	Direct application or nomination followed by an application from the nominated school
Applications opened	16 September 2026
Application deadline	16 December 2026
Top 50 finalists announced	March 2027
Overall winner announced	May 2027

2. What Is the Purpose of the Global Schools Prize?

The Global Schools Prize seeks to identify and celebrate schools that are making exceptional contributions to education.

Education systems face changing demands as societies respond to technological developments, environmental challenges, social inequalities, changing employment opportunities, and the need to prepare young people for an increasingly interconnected world.

Schools must therefore do more than deliver a curriculum. They also need to create environments where learners can develop knowledge, practical skills, creativity, resilience, responsible values, and the ability to work with others.

The Global Schools Prize recognises institutions that are responding to these challenges through meaningful approaches to teaching, learning, leadership, and school development.

Recognising Innovation in Education

Innovation in education can take many forms.

Some schools may introduce technology that improves access to learning or supports teachers in delivering lessons. Others may develop creative teaching methods, strengthen practical science education, or integrate arts and cultural heritage into the learning experience.

Innovation may also involve changing how schools support learners with disabilities, protect students’ mental and physical wellbeing, develop teacher capacity, or help children continue learning despite poverty, displacement, conflict, or other barriers.

The prize provides a platform for schools to demonstrate how their approaches are making a difference.

Celebrating Schools That Go Beyond Routine Educational Delivery

The award is intended for schools that are going above and beyond to deliver quality education.

This emphasis is important because schools often make meaningful improvements that may not be widely recognised outside their local communities.

A school may have developed an effective approach to improving learning outcomes, supporting vulnerable learners, encouraging student leadership, protecting the environment, or strengthening relationships between teachers, parents, and communities.

The Global Schools Prize provides an opportunity for eligible institutions to present their work and explain the educational impact of their initiatives.

Encouraging the Sharing of Successful Ideas

Recognising innovative schools can also help other institutions learn from their experiences.

When schools share their approaches, challenges, and achievements, other educators may discover ideas that can be adapted to their own circumstances.

The Global Schools Network is part of this broader ambition. The official programme information states that longlisted schools will be welcomed into the network, with opportunities for partnerships, professional development, and collaboration with other leading institutions.

The prize therefore seeks not only to recognise individual institutions but also to encourage wider conversations about how education can be improved for learners around the world.

3. Global Schools Prize 2027 Award Amounts and Benefits

The Global Schools Prize has a total award value of US$1 million, distributed through ten category awards and one overall grand prize.

Schools interested in applying should understand the distinction between the category awards, the grand prize, and the recognition available to longlisted institutions.

A. Ten Category Winners Receive US$50,000 Each

The programme will select ten outstanding category winners from a longlist.

Each category winner will receive US$50,000.

The ten categories recognise different dimensions of educational innovation and school impact. They include AI transformation, arts and culture, character and values, global citizenship and peacebuilding, health and wellbeing, overcoming adversity, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and inclusive education, STEM education, sustainability, and teacher development.

This structure recognises that educational excellence can be demonstrated in many ways.

A school does not have to be recognised for the same achievements as every other institution. Instead, applicants are assessed within the category or categories they enter, according to the relevant criteria.

Schools should review the official category descriptions and identify where their work is most closely aligned.

B. One Overall Winner Receives US$500,000

In addition to the category awards, one exceptional school will receive the overall Global Schools Prize and US$500,000 to scale its impact.

The grand prize is intended to support the expansion of the winning school’s impact.

For example, a school with a successful initiative may wish to extend its reach, strengthen its existing programme, or build on its achievements to benefit more learners. The precise activities supported by the award will be governed by the prize’s applicable grant terms and conditions.

The US$500,000 award should not be confused with the US$50,000 category prizes. The grand prize is reserved for the overall winner selected from the competition.

C. Global Schools Prize Badge

Longlisted schools will receive a Global Schools Prize Badge.

The badge symbolises recognition of their achievements and impact in education.

Being longlisted can help distinguish a school as an institution whose work has been recognised through an international selection process.

Schools may find this recognition valuable when communicating their achievements to their communities and educational stakeholders. However, applicants should not assume that receiving a badge automatically guarantees funding or selection as a category winner.

D. Membership in the Global Schools Network

Longlisted schools will also be welcomed into the Global Schools Network.

According to the official programme information, the network provides access to opportunities involving:

• Partnerships.
• Professional development.
• Global collaboration with other leading institutions.

These opportunities can help schools connect with other organisations working to improve education, exchange ideas, and explore possible collaborations.

For institutions that want to strengthen their educational programmes, such connections may provide value beyond the financial awards.

E. International Recognition for Educational Innovation

The prize provides an opportunity for schools to present their work on an international stage.

This recognition can help draw attention to innovative approaches that may otherwise remain known mainly within a school or local community.

It can also create opportunities for educational leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders to learn about initiatives that are responding to important challenges in education.

The prize’s overall structure combines financial awards with recognition and networking opportunities. Schools should review the official rules to understand the conditions attached to each award and benefit.

4. Who Is Eligible for the Global Schools Prize 2027?

The Global Schools Prize is open to schools in countries around the world, subject to applicable local laws.

The official eligibility information identifies government-run and privately funded schools that teach students up to the age of 18 and are going above and beyond to deliver quality education.

The Varkey Foundation also describes the opportunity as open to public, private, and alternative schools teaching students up to age 18.

The central focus is on the school as an institution and the work it is doing to improve education.

A. Government-Run Schools

Government-run schools may apply if they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

These institutions may be implementing educational innovations within public education systems, developing programmes to support learners, strengthening teaching practices, or addressing specific challenges affecting their students.

Schools should review the relevant category criteria and prepare an application that demonstrates how their work meets the requirements.

B. Privately Funded Schools

Privately funded schools are also eligible, subject to the programme’s rules.

Private schools may have initiatives relating to teaching and learning, technology, student wellbeing, environmental sustainability, inclusion, or other areas recognised by the prize.

As with all applicants, they should focus on demonstrating their actual achievements and how their initiatives contribute to quality education.

C. Alternative Schools

The Varkey Foundation’s eligibility information includes alternative schools that teach students up to the age of 18.

This is important because educational innovation can happen outside conventional school structures.

Some alternative educational institutions may work with learners whose circumstances make access to traditional schooling difficult. Others may use specialised educational approaches to address particular learning needs.

Such institutions should examine the official eligibility requirements to establish whether their structure and educational arrangements qualify.

D. Schools in Any Country

The prize is open to schools worldwide, subject to local laws.

This means the opportunity is not restricted to schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, or any other single country.

Eligible schools in Kenya and other African countries can review the requirements and consider applying.

However, international availability should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every institution automatically qualifies. Schools must still satisfy the formal eligibility conditions and submit an application that meets the programme’s requirements.

E. Schools That Demonstrate Educational Impact

The official eligibility information emphasises schools that go above and beyond to deliver quality education.

Schools should therefore be prepared to explain their initiatives and demonstrate their relevance to the category or categories they select.

The exact evidence and assessment requirements may differ by category. Applicants should read the official criteria rather than relying solely on a general description of the prize.

Important Eligibility Clarification

The opportunity is intended for schools, not individual teachers or students applying in their personal capacity.

Individual teachers, parents, students, alumni, education professionals, community members, or organisations may be able to nominate a school. However, the nominated school must also complete an application.

The official rules and application platform should be consulted for the complete eligibility requirements and any additional conditions.

5. The Ten Global Schools Prize Categories Explained

The Global Schools Prize recognises excellence across ten categories.

Schools can apply to multiple categories, with entries judged against the relevant criteria.

Choosing the right category is important because it helps a school present its work in the context that best reflects its achievements.

The following explanations summarise the categories using the official programme descriptions.

Category 1: AI Transformation

The AI Transformation category recognises schools that have effectively and inclusively integrated artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.

The focus is not simply on whether a school has access to technology. It is on how AI is incorporated into education, whether its use improves learning outcomes, and how students are taught to use the technology responsibly.

Relevant school initiatives may involve using AI-supported tools to improve learning experiences, helping teachers integrate technology into instruction, or developing students’ understanding of responsible AI use.

Schools considering this category should examine the official criteria carefully and explain how their approach to AI contributes to teaching and learning.

They should focus on demonstrated educational value rather than presenting technology adoption as an achievement on its own.

Category 2: Arts, Culture and Creativity

This category celebrates schools that nurture creative expression through the arts and integrate cultural heritage into the educational experience.

Arts and culture can contribute to students’ ability to express ideas, explore different perspectives, appreciate heritage, and develop creative skills.

Schools may use music, visual arts, drama, dance, storytelling, cultural activities, or other creative approaches as part of their educational experience.

The category also recognises the role of cultural heritage in learning.

Schools should explain how their initiatives support students’ development and how creativity and cultural learning are integrated into the educational environment.

Category 3: Character- and Values-Driven Education

The Character- and Values-Driven Education category recognises schools that help students develop values such as empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

The official description also includes schools that foster student leadership and governance.

Education involves more than academic achievement. Schools also help learners develop attitudes, responsibilities, and ways of relating to others.

Initiatives in this category may focus on student leadership, responsible citizenship, respect for others, community service, ethical decision-making, or the development of a supportive school culture.

Applicants should demonstrate how their approach to values and character development is reflected in the school’s educational practice.

Category 4: Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding

The Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding category recognises schools that promote intercultural understanding, peace education, and global awareness.

The objective is to support the development of a more tolerant and inclusive world.

The official description also highlights critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.

Schools may have initiatives that encourage learners to understand different cultures, address conflict constructively, work collaboratively, and appreciate their responsibilities within wider communities.

Applicants should explain how their programmes help students develop the knowledge and attitudes needed to participate constructively in a diverse and interconnected world.

Category 5: Health and Wellbeing

The Health and Wellbeing category highlights schools that prioritise the health of students and staff.

The official description includes support services, emotional education, and a nurturing environment, with attention to both physical and mental health.

A supportive school environment can help learners feel safe, develop healthy relationships, manage challenges, and participate more effectively in education.

School initiatives may address student wellbeing, emotional support, healthy habits, mental health awareness, or the development of an environment in which students and staff can thrive.

Applicants should explain what the school is doing, whom the initiative supports, and how the approach contributes to health and wellbeing.

Category 6: Overcoming Adversity

The Overcoming Adversity category recognises schools that have achieved success despite significant barriers.

The official examples include:

• Conflict.
• Refugee integration.
• Poverty.
• Natural disasters.
• Limited resources.

This category is particularly relevant to institutions that continue providing meaningful educational opportunities despite circumstances that make schooling difficult.

Some schools work with displaced children, learners affected by conflict, communities experiencing poverty, or students facing significant barriers to traditional education.

The focus is on how the school responds to adversity and sustains or improves education in challenging circumstances.

Applicants should describe the challenges affecting their institution, the actions taken, and the educational impact of those actions.

The application should demonstrate the school’s work and achievements rather than relying solely on a description of the difficulties it faces.

Category 7: SEND and Inclusive Education

SEND refers to special educational needs and disabilities.

The SEND and Inclusive Education category recognises schools that have made exceptional achievements in providing access to high-quality education for children with special educational needs.

Inclusive education involves creating learning environments in which students with different needs can access meaningful educational opportunities.

Schools may have approaches that support accessibility, adapt learning experiences, strengthen participation, or improve educational support for students with disabilities and special educational needs.

Applicants should consult the official criteria to determine which achievements and evidence are relevant to this category.

The central consideration is how the school is contributing to access to quality education for learners with special educational needs.

Category 8: STEM Education

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The STEM Education category recognises schools that have made exceptional achievements in these areas, including the development of transversal or 21st-century skills.

These skills may include problem-solving, analytical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to apply knowledge to practical challenges.

Schools may have initiatives that strengthen science and mathematics learning, encourage experimentation, support technology education, or help learners develop practical skills.

Applicants should explain how their programmes contribute to students’ educational development and demonstrate the school’s achievements in STEM education.

Category 9: Sustainability

The Sustainability category recognises schools that champion environmental education, climate action, and sustainability practices both inside and outside the classroom.

Schools play an important role in helping young people understand environmental challenges and develop responsible attitudes towards the natural world.

Initiatives may involve environmental education, climate awareness, resource conservation, school-based sustainability practices, or activities that connect classroom learning with environmental action.

Schools considering this category should explain how sustainability is integrated into their educational activities and how their initiatives contribute to environmental learning or action.

The official criteria should guide the preparation of the application.

Category 10: Teacher Development

The Teacher Development category celebrates schools that invest deeply in the professional growth, training, and wellbeing of their teachers.

Teachers are central to educational transformation. Their skills, knowledge, confidence, and wellbeing influence the learning environment and students’ educational experiences.

Schools may have initiatives that support professional learning, training, collaboration, mentoring, or teacher wellbeing.

Applicants should explain how their institution supports teachers’ development and why its approach is important to educational improvement.

The focus is on the school’s contribution to the professional growth and wellbeing of educators, in line with the official category criteria.

6. Can a School Apply to More Than One Category?

Yes. The official eligibility and criteria page states that schools can apply to multiple categories.

This gives eligible institutions an opportunity to demonstrate different dimensions of their educational work.

For example, a school may have a strong environmental education initiative while also operating a teacher development programme. Another school may be known for inclusive education and have a separate initiative that supports student health and wellbeing.

Where a school’s work genuinely aligns with more than one category, it may consider submitting applications to those categories.

However, schools should avoid choosing categories simply because they appear attractive. Each application should be grounded in the school’s actual work and aligned with the relevant criteria.

How to Choose the Most Appropriate Category

Schools may find it useful to:

1. Review all ten category descriptions.
2. Identify the initiative or achievement they want to present.
3. Determine which category most closely reflects the initiative’s primary purpose.
4. Read the detailed assessment criteria for that category.
5. Identify the evidence that demonstrates the initiative’s contribution to education.
6. Consider whether another category is also relevant to a distinct aspect of the school’s work.
7. Ensure that each submission accurately describes the school’s activities and achievements.

A clear category choice can help the school present its work more effectively.

The official application instructions should be followed for any additional requirements that apply when submitting entries in multiple categories.

7. How Does the Global Schools Prize Selection Process Work?

The Global Schools Prize uses a multistage selection process.

According to the Varkey Foundation, applications and nominations undergo review, and the selection process involves the Global Schools Prize Council and the Varkey Foundation’s Prize Academy.

The official programme information identifies the following broad stages.

Stage 1: Application or Nomination

Schools may apply directly or be nominated by another person or organisation.

If a school is nominated, it must also complete an application.

A nomination should therefore not be treated as a substitute for the school’s own application.

Schools that learn they have been nominated should review the official instructions and complete the required process before the deadline.

Stage 2: Application Review

After the application period closes, submissions are assessed as part of the selection process.

The official terms and conditions describe an initial review and scoring process conducted by a panel of online judges to identify the longlist.

Applications are evaluated in relation to the relevant category criteria.

Schools should ensure that their submissions clearly explain their initiatives and demonstrate how their work aligns with the category in which they are entered.

Stage 3: Longlisting

The selection process identifies a longlist of schools for further consideration.

Longlisted institutions receive the Global Schools Prize Badge and are welcomed into the Global Schools Network, according to the official programme information.

Longlisting is a recognition milestone, but it should not be confused with selection as one of the ten category winners or as the overall grand prize winner.

Stage 4: Further Assessment

The official terms and conditions describe additional assessment stages, which may include online interviews and potential school visits.

These stages allow the selection process to examine shortlisted institutions in greater depth.

Schools should consult the current rules for details about what may be required at each stage.

Stage 5: Selection of Ten Category Winners

The Global Schools Prize Council is involved in the selection process.

The programme will identify ten category winners, one for each of the ten categories.

Each category winner will receive US$50,000 and a Global Schools Prize Badge.

Stage 6: Selection of the Overall Winner

One school will be selected as the overall winner of the Global Schools Prize and receive US$500,000.

The official terms and conditions describe a further selection process involving the Global Schools Prize Academy, together with additional screening, background and reference checks as applicable.

The precise process and requirements are governed by the official rules.

Stage 7: Announcement of Finalists and Winner

The official schedule for the 2027 prize states that the Top 50 finalists will be announced in March 2027.

The overall winner will be announced in May 2027.

Applicants should follow the official Global Schools Prize website for announcements and any updates to the recruitment or selection schedule.

8. How to Apply for the Global Schools Prize 2027

Schools interested in the prize should begin by reviewing the official application information.

The process allows schools to apply directly or to be nominated. However, a nominated school must still complete an application.

The official website provides access to the application process and category-specific eligibility information.

Official Global Schools Prize website

Varkey Foundation website: https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/global-schools-prize

Step 1: Confirm That the School Is Eligible

Begin by reviewing the official eligibility criteria.

Confirm that the school falls within the eligible categories of institutions, teaches students up to the age of 18, and complies with the applicable local laws.

Schools should also review any additional conditions specified in the official application rules.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Category

Read the descriptions of all ten categories.

Identify the category or categories that best reflect the school’s achievements.

Schools should select categories based on the actual initiatives they have implemented and the criteria against which their applications will be assessed.

Step 3: Review the Detailed Application Requirements

Read the application instructions carefully before preparing the submission.

The official pages provide information about the prize and its categories, but applicants should consult the application platform for the current prompts, required materials, and submission conditions.

Do not assume that the same supporting documents or evidence will be required in every category.

Step 4: Prepare an Accurate Account of the School’s Work

Prepare a clear description of the initiative or achievement the school intends to present.

The application should accurately reflect the school’s activities and explain how the work aligns with the selected category.

Where relevant to the official questions, the school may wish to organise information about:

• The educational challenge or need being addressed.
• The initiative or approach developed by the school.
• The activities the school has implemented.
• The people or groups the initiative serves.
• The outcomes or achievements the school can demonstrate.
• The lessons the school has learned.
• The initiative’s relevance to the selected category.

These are general preparation considerations, not a substitute for the actual application questions. Applicants must follow the official prompts and requirements.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Use the official application platform and follow its instructions.

Check that the submission is complete and accurate before sending it.

If the school is applying in multiple categories, ensure that each entry follows the applicable instructions.

Step 6: Complete the Application Even if Nominated

If another person or organisation nominates the school, the institution must still complete an application.

A nomination alone does not complete the process.

School leaders should therefore confirm that the nominated institution has submitted the required application before the deadline.

Step 7: Submit Before 16 December 2026

The application deadline is 16 December 2026.

Schools should avoid leaving the application until the final day, especially if they need to coordinate information or approvals across different departments or school leaders.

Applicants should verify the exact submission requirements and any time-zone information on the official application platform.

Apply or explore the official prize information

9. Global Schools Prize 2027 Application Timeline

The official programme information provides the following anticipated timeline for the 2027 prize.

Milestone	Date
Applications and nominations open	16 September 2026
Application deadline	16 December 2026
Top 50 finalists announced	March 2027
Overall winner announced	May 2027

Applications Opened on 16 September 2026

The 2027 application and nomination period opened on 16 September 2026.

Eligible schools can review the opportunity, examine the category criteria, and prepare their submissions.

Applications Close on 16 December 2026

The final deadline for applications and nominations is 16 December 2026.

Schools should ensure that they complete all required steps before the deadline.

In particular, a school that has been nominated should not assume that the nomination alone is sufficient. The institution must also complete an application.

Top 50 Finalists Expected in March 2027

The programme expects to announce the Top 50 finalists in March 2027.

This milestone will identify schools that have progressed through the initial selection process.

The exact announcement date has not been specified in the information reviewed.

Overall Winner Expected in May 2027

The overall winner is expected to be announced in May 2027.

The winning school will receive the US$500,000 grand prize to scale its impact, subject to the applicable prize terms and conditions.

The ten category winners will each receive US$50,000.

These dates are based on the official programme information and should be checked for any subsequent changes.

10. Why Should Schools Consider Applying for the Global Schools Prize?

The Global Schools Prize offers several potential advantages for institutions that are implementing meaningful approaches to educational improvement.

The value of applying is not limited to the possibility of winning the grand prize.

A. Opportunity to Secure Funding for Educational Impact

The prize offers ten category awards of US$50,000 each and a US$500,000 grand prize.

For winning schools, the funding can support activities that further the charitable objectives of the Varkey Foundation, subject to the applicable grant terms and conditions.

The award may therefore be relevant to schools that have a strong educational initiative and want to scale its impact.

However, applicants should not assume that submitting an application guarantees funding.

B. Recognition of School-Level Innovation

Schools often develop valuable educational initiatives that may not receive recognition beyond their immediate communities.

The Global Schools Prize provides an international platform for institutions to present their achievements.

Recognition can help communicate the school’s contribution to education and draw attention to its approach.

The value of recognition will depend on the school’s circumstances and how it uses the opportunity to communicate its work.

C. Opportunity to Share Lessons With Other Schools

Educational challenges differ across countries and communities, but schools can often learn from one another.

A school working to improve teacher development may find useful ideas from institutions using different approaches to professional learning. A school addressing inclusion may learn from another institution’s experience of supporting learners with special educational needs.

The Global Schools Network is intended to create opportunities for collaboration and professional development among longlisted schools.

D. Recognition Across Different Areas of Educational Excellence

The ten categories recognise a broad range of school achievements.

This is significant because quality education can be advanced through different approaches.

Schools may contribute through technology, creative learning, character development, peacebuilding, wellbeing, inclusive education, STEM, sustainability, teacher development, or efforts to overcome adversity.

The category structure allows applicants to present their work in a context that reflects its focus.

E. Opportunity to Demonstrate Educational Impact

Preparing an application can also encourage a school to organise and communicate its achievements.

Applicants must consider how their work relates to the category criteria and how they can accurately describe their initiatives.

This process may help school leaders reflect on the purpose, implementation, and outcomes of their programmes.

However, schools should ensure that any claims made in an application are accurate and supported by appropriate evidence where required.

11. What Should Schools Consider Before Applying?

Before beginning an application, school leaders should assess whether the prize is appropriate for their institution and whether they can meet the requirements.

Confirm the School’s Eligibility

Review the official rules to establish whether the school qualifies.

The programme is open to eligible schools worldwide, but the general description should not be treated as a substitute for the complete requirements.

Select a Category That Matches the School’s Work

Choose the category based on the initiative or achievement being presented.

If the school is considering multiple categories, make sure its work genuinely aligns with the relevant criteria in each entry.

Read the Official Application Instructions

The detailed requirements should guide the preparation of the application.

Do not rely on general summaries when the official platform provides specific prompts, instructions, or conditions.

Be Accurate About the School’s Achievements

The application should describe the school’s work truthfully.

Avoid making claims that cannot be substantiated or presenting planned activities as though they have already been implemented.

Understand the Award Conditions

The prize money is subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Schools should review the official rules to understand the conditions governing the use of funds and any obligations associated with receiving an award.

Pay Attention to the Deadline

The deadline is 16 December 2026.

Allow enough time to review the application, coordinate any necessary approvals, and complete the submission.

Keep Track of Official Announcements

The Top 50 finalists are expected in March 2027, and the overall winner is expected in May 2027.

Applicants should monitor the official website for updates to the selection process and announcement dates.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About the Global Schools Prize 2027

What is the Global Schools Prize?

The Global Schools Prize is an international education award established by the Varkey Foundation to recognise exceptional schools that are reimagining education and contributing to educational innovation.

How much is the Global Schools Prize worth?

The total award value is US$1 million.

Ten category winners will each receive US$50,000, and one overall winner will receive US$500,000.

When is the Global Schools Prize 2027 application deadline?

The application deadline is 16 December 2026.

Who can apply for the Global Schools Prize?

The prize is open to eligible government-run, privately funded, and alternative schools in countries worldwide that teach students up to age 18, subject to local laws.

Applicants should consult the official rules for the complete eligibility requirements.

Can schools in Kenya apply?

The prize is open to eligible schools worldwide, subject to local laws. Schools in Kenya can review the official criteria and determine whether their institutions qualify.

Can an individual teacher apply?

The opportunity is designed for schools as institutions. Individuals may nominate a school, but the nominated school must also complete an application.

Can a school be nominated by another person?

Yes. Schools may be nominated by others or apply directly.

A nominated school must still complete an application.

Can a school apply to multiple categories?

Yes. The official eligibility and criteria page states that schools can apply to multiple categories. Each entry should follow the relevant category criteria and official application instructions.

What are the ten categories?

The ten categories are:

1. AI Transformation.
2. Arts, Culture and Creativity.
3. Character- and Values-Driven Education.
4. Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding.
5. Health and Wellbeing.
6. Overcoming Adversity.
7. SEND and Inclusive Education.
8. STEM Education.
9. Sustainability.
10. Teacher Development.

What benefits do longlisted schools receive?

According to the official programme information, longlisted schools receive a Global Schools Prize Badge and join the Global Schools Network, which offers access to partnerships, professional development, and global collaboration opportunities.

When will the finalists be announced?

The Top 50 finalists are expected to be announced in March 2027.

When will the overall winner be announced?

The overall winner is expected to be announced in May 2027.

Where can schools apply?

Schools should visit the official Global Schools Prize website to access the application information and instructions.

Official website

The Varkey Foundation’s official page

Conclusion: Apply for the Global Schools Prize 2027

The Global Schools Prize 2027 offers eligible schools around the world an opportunity to gain international recognition for educational innovation and compete for a share of US$1 million in awards.

With ten category awards of US$50,000 and an overall grand prize of US$500,000, the programme recognises schools that are making meaningful contributions to education through approaches that include AI transformation, arts and culture, character development, global citizenship, health and wellbeing, overcoming adversity, inclusive education, STEM, sustainability, and teacher development.

The opportunity is open to eligible government-run, privately funded, and alternative schools teaching students up to the age of 18, subject to local laws. Schools can apply directly or be nominated by others, but a nominated school must also complete an application.

Beyond the financial awards, longlisted schools receive a Global Schools Prize Badge and access to the Global Schools Network, creating opportunities for professional development, partnerships, and collaboration with other leading institutions.

Schools considering applying should carefully review the official eligibility requirements, select the category or categories that genuinely reflect their achievements, and prepare an accurate application that follows the official instructions.

Application deadline: 16 December 2026.

The Top 50 finalists are expected to be announced in March 2027, and the overall winner is expected to be announced in May 2027.

Schools that are developing innovative approaches to teaching, learning, inclusion, sustainability, student wellbeing, or other areas of educational improvement should review the opportunity and determine whether their work aligns with the prize criteria.

Explore the Global Schools Prize and application process

Learn more from the Varkey Foundation