UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026

UNESCO has opened the call for applications and nominations for the 2026 International Literacy Prizes. Literacy educators, organizations, and governments from around the world are invited to submit outstanding programmes that have made a meaningful contribution to literacy as a driver of human empowerment and sustainable development.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest
• Aim and Benefits of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest
• Requirements for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest

Aim and Benefits of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest

The Prizes aim to promote literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning, equity and sustainable development, especially in light of ongoing global challenges. Despite progress, over 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills, and millions of children remain out of school or struggle with reading and numeracy.

The prizes include six annual awards:

• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards): Supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea since 1989, the Prize highlights mother-tongue and multilingual literacy efforts. Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma and US$ 30,000.
• UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards): Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China since 2005, the Prize recognizes programmes supporting functional literacy in rural areas and among out-of-school youth, particularly through technology. Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma, and US$ 30,000.

Requirements for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest Qualification

• Applications are open to individuals, non-governmental organizations and government bodies engaged in literacy promotion.
• Programmes must demonstrate measurable impact and align with the 2026 theme “Literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity”.
• Institutions, organizations and individuals promoting literacy through effective and innovative programmes.
• Programmes must be still in operation and have a proven record of innovative work in the field of literacy for at least 2 years.
• Programmes that have not been awarded the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes in the past five years.

Interview date, Process and Venue for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Contest

• All the eligible nominated applications submitted to UNESCO will be examined by an international jury, composed of distinguished experts appointed by UNESCO’s Director-General, which meets in Paris once a year.
• Based on its recommendations, the Director-General of UNESCO makes a final decision about the Prizewinners.
• The Prizes are awarded every year at an official ceremony on the International Literacy Day, 8 September.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Interested candidates should submit their applications through the online platform and seek endorsement from an eligible nominating entity — either a National Commission for UNESCO or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO.
• Nominating entities will review applications and forward the strongest candidates to UNESCO. Submissions will be evaluated by an independent International Jury composed of five experts, using established selection criteria.

Applicants can request the access to the online application form through this link: https://unes.co/ilp-account

For more information, kindly visit UNESCO scholarship webpage.