UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development 2026 (USD 300,000)

Scholarship, Training

France

August 29, 2025

Scholarship

Urgent

Application deadline closed.

Date Posted

August 29, 2025
Location:

France
Expiration date

October 31, 2025
Gender

Both
Funding Type

Fully Funded
Level

Non-Degree, Short Program
Language Requirement

Not required

Job Description

Apply for the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development 2026. Three winners will share USD 300,000 for innovative projects improving teacher quality and learning worldwide.

Opportunities

The UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development is now open for nominations! Established in 2008, this prestigious award supports projects that enhance the quality of teaching and learning, contributing directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). The Prize was awarded every two years to three winners, with a total prize fund of USD 300,000 generously supported by the Hamdan Foundation (UAE)

Key Information

Host Organization: UNESCO & Hamdan Foundation
Prize Amount: USD 300,000 (USD 100,000 per winner)
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Jury Meeting: February–March 2026
Award Ceremony: 5 October 2026 (World Teachers’ Day) at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
Frequency: Every two years
Eligible Countries: All UNESCO member states
Languages Accepted: English or French

Who Can Nominate?

Governments of UNESCO Member States (via National Commissions to UNESCO)
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) officially partnered with UNESCO
- Each nominating body can nominate up to 5 candidates.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible organizations include:

Educational institutions
Research organizations
NGOs and international/national bodies active in teacher training and learning

Nominations from individuals are not accepted.

Project Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, projects must:

Have been running for at least three years with proven results
Contribute significantly to improving teaching and learning
Demonstrate innovation in promoting teacher quality and effectiveness
Provide scalable and replicable outcomes
Mobilize intellectual and material resources effectively
Align with UNESCO’s goals for sustainable education

Selection Process

Step 1: Prize Secretariat reviews applications
Step 2: International Jury of five experts evaluates and shortlists candidates
Step 3: UNESCO’s Director-General selects 3 winners based on Jury recommendations
Step 4: Winners are announced on World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2026, in Paris

How to Apply?

Contact a Nominating Body
- National Commission for UNESCO in your country
- Or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO
Obtain a Nomination Letter
- Must be written on official letterhead, signed, and dated
- Maximum 300 words
- Language: English or French
- Must confirm accuracy of the application
Register Online
- Create an account on the UNESCO Hamdan Prize online platform
- Receive an invitation link via email
Submit Application
- Upload your nomination letter and completed online form