Applications are open for the Global Schools Prize 2027 - the Varkey Foundation’s US$1 million programme recognising exceptional schools worldwide that are reimagining education.
Ten category winners each receive US$50,000; one overall winner receives the Global Schools Prize of US$500,000. Applications close 16 December 2026; winners are announced at a ceremony in May 2027.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Global Schools Prize / Varkey Foundation materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Global Schools Prize 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Varkey Foundation |
| Prize pool | US$1 million total |
| Overall winner | US$500,000 |
| Category winners | 10 × US$50,000 |
| Who | Schools worldwide (students roughly ages 4 - 18 / compulsory school age) |
| Open | 16 September 2026 |
| Deadline | 16 December 2026 |
| Announcement | May 2027 ceremony |
| Apply | Varkey Foundation Awards Platform |
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
- US$500,000 for the overall Global Schools Prize winner (to scale impact, subject to VF grant terms)
- US$50,000 for each of ten category winners
- Longlisted schools: Global Schools Prize Badge + access to the Global Schools Network (partnerships, PD, collaboration)
- Global visibility via a transparent process audited by MediaSense and PwC (or VF-selected equivalent)
Eligibility
- Open to schools in every country (subject to England & Wales fund-transfer restrictions)
- Must be an educational institution for compulsory school age / roughly ages 4 - 18 - not nurseries, HE colleges, or universities
- State/public, private/independent, faith, special, and specialist schools may apply
- Applicant must be legally able to participate and receive the prize; not insolvent/bankrupt
- Must not have conducted itself so as to bring the profession or Varkey Foundation parties into disrepute (e.g. special measures, serious safeguarding issues)
- Schools may self-apply or be nominated (nominated schools must still complete an application)
How to Apply
- Review the prize on globalschoolsprize.org and the terms and conditions.
- Choose one category that best fits your school’s impact story.
- Complete the application on the Varkey Foundation Awards Platform by 16 December 2026.
- To nominate a school, use the apply or nominate pathway - the school must still submit a full application.
Official Links
Global Schools Prize (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- HSC Youth Ambassador Program 2027
- Joyful Impact Accelerator for Social Entrepreneurs 2026
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all awards
FAQs - Global Schools Prize 2027
When is the deadline?
16 December 2026.
How much can a school win?
Category winners receive US$50,000 each; the overall winner receives an additional US$500,000 (US$1 million programme total).
Who can apply?
Government-run and privately funded schools worldwide teaching roughly ages 4 - 18 / compulsory school age, meeting legal and conduct requirements in the terms.
Where do I apply?
Via the Varkey Foundation Awards Platform.
