UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 – Up to $30,000
Country: Online
Category: Awards
Funding: Paid
Deadline: May 18, 2026
Theme: Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity
Application Mode: Nominations only through the official online platform
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 are a global award initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The program recognizes effective literacy practices and supports the growth of literate communities around the world. It is open to institutions, organizations, and individuals who are promoting literacy through innovative programs or projects.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 Overview
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 include two award types: the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize and the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy. Each prize will offer three awards, and winners will receive a medal, a diploma, and a cash prize of $30,000. The King Sejong Literacy Prize focuses on mother language-based literacy development, while the Confucius Prize for Literacy emphasizes functional literacy and the use of technological environments to support adults in rural communities and out-of-school youth.
Benefits of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes
✓ Winners of the King Sejong Literacy Prize will receive a medal, a diploma, and $30,000.
✓ Winners of the Confucius Prize for Literacy will receive a medal, a diploma, and $30,000.
✓ The awards recognize impactful literacy work and promote literate communities globally.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• The award is open to institutions, organizations, and individuals.
• Applicants must be actively promoting literacy through innovative programs or projects.
• They must have a proven record of innovative work in literacy for at least two years.
• Programmes must still be operating and must show measurable impact.
• Previous recipients of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes within the last five years are not eligible.
• Direct applications to UNESCO are not accepted. Candidates must be nominated by the government of a UNESCO Member State or by an NGO or foundation in official partnership with UNESCO.
Selection Criteria
Eligible nominations will be assessed by an international jury using these criteria:
• Relevance to the theme
• Impact
• Quality of teaching and learning
• Relevance to individuals, societal needs, and robustness
• Innovative features
• Sustainability
Application Process for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes
The application process has two stages: application and nomination. Self-nominations will not be considered. All applications must be submitted through an online platform and endorsed by a nominating entity such as a National Commission for UNESCO or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO. Applications will be reviewed against the selection criteria, and the final decision will be made by the Director General.
Deadline
• 18 May 2026: Deadline for candidates to submit applications to nominating entities.
• 1 June 2026: Deadline for nominating entities to submit nominations to UNESCO.
