Applications and nominations are open for the Global Teacher Prize 2027 - a US$1 million Varkey Foundation award for an exceptional educator who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession and their community.
Eligibility now includes classroom teachers, digital educators, education-programme leaders, and teachers in refugee/non-formal settings. Deadline: 12 October 2026.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Global Teacher Prize materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Global Teacher Prize 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Varkey Foundation |
| Prize | US$1,000,000 (paid in 10 × US$100,000 annual instalments) |
| Who | Educators worldwide (students aged 4 - 18; min. 5 years’ experience) |
| Settings | Classroom, digital, refugee/non-formal, education programme leaders |
| Deadline | 12 October 2026 |
| Apply | Varkey Foundation Awards Platform |
| Nominate | Apply or Nominate page |
Prize
- US$1 million total award
- Paid in equal annual instalments of US$100,000 over 10 years (subject to applicable tax withholding)
- Global recognition elevating the status of the teaching profession
Eligibility
- Any nationality / any country (subject to local laws)
- Minimum 5 years working in education of students aged 4 - 18
- Classroom teachers (state and independent); Early Years teachers on a recognised curriculum
- Teachers in non-formal settings (e.g. refugee education)
- Digital educators reaching students via video or other published formats with ongoing cohorts
- Founders/leaders of education programmes who design, direct, and scale structured learning for ages 4 - 18
- Part-time, contract, and self-employed educators eligible on the same basis
- Not eligible: purely administrative/managerial roles without ongoing teaching design/practice; further/higher education (18+) teachers
Selection Criteria (summary)
- Effective and innovative instructional practice (replicable/scalable)
- Demonstrable learning outcomes attributable to the candidate’s work
- Impact beyond the immediate classroom/platform/cohort
- Education for global citizenship and peace
- Strengthening the teaching profession (mentorship, sharing practice, teacher education)
- Recognition by peers, institutions, communities, or platforms
How to Apply
- Review the prize on the official Global Teacher Prize page and eligibility & criteria.
- Self-apply via the Awards Platform, or start a nomination from the Apply or Nominate page.
- Submit by 12 October 2026.
Official Links
Global Teacher Prize (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Global Schools Prize 2027 ($500,000 prize)
- HSC Youth Ambassador Program 2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all opportunities
FAQs - Global Teacher Prize 2027
When is the deadline?
12 October 2026.
How is the US$1 million paid?
In ten equal annual instalments of US$100,000, subject to tax/withholding rules.
Who can apply?
Educators with 5+ years teaching/leading learning for ages 4 - 18 - including classroom, digital, refugee/non-formal, and programme leaders. HE/FE (18+) teachers are not eligible.
Where do I apply or nominate?
Via the Varkey Foundation Awards Platform / Apply or Nominate page.
