Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, a global award that recognises and supports innovative practices that enhance the effectiveness of teachers.
Established and funded by the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, the prize is awarded every two years to three laureates, each receiving USD $100,000, for a total prize value of USD $300,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Demonstrate innovative and impactful practices that improve teaching and learning.
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Have ongoing activities that have been implemented for at least one year.
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Be an individual, NGO, educational institution, or other entity working in the field of teacher development anywhere in the world.
Prize Value
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Three winners will each receive USD $100,000.
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Total prize pool: USD $300,000.
Nomination Procedure
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Nominations must be submitted by the governments of UNESCO Member States through their National Commissions or by NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO.
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Each nominating body may propose up to five candidate projects.
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Self-nominations are not accepted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UNESCO website.
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, an international award that acknowledges and encourages innovative practices aimed at improving teacher efficacy. Sponsored by the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, the prize awards a sum of USD $100,000 each to three laureates, with a total prize pool of USD $300,000.
Eligible applicants are those who can demonstrate innovative and impactful practices in teaching, have ongoing initiatives that have been in place for at least a year, and can be individuals, NGOs, educational institutions, or others dedicated to teacher development worldwide. Nominations must be made by UNESCO Member States' governments via their National Commissions, or by NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO, with a limit of five candidate projects per nominating body. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Applications must be submitted via the official UNESCO website, and the deadline for submissions is October 31, 2025. The prize aims to provide global recognition and support for outstanding contributions to the field of education and teacher development.
