Funding Type: Paid
Location: Online
Deadline: May 18, 2026
Organization: UNESCO
Prize Theme: Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity
Award Amount: $30,000
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 recognize literacy efforts carried out by institutions, organizations, and individuals. The program is an initiative of UNESCO and highlights innovative literacy practices that help build literate communities across the world.
What the Program Is About
This prize program has been running since 1967, and the source says that more than 500 projects and programmes have been recognized over the years. In 2026, there are two prize categories: the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize and the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy. Each category offers three awards.
The submission theme is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” Moreover, every submission must align with this theme. An international jury of experts evaluates the eligible nominations, and UNESCO awards the prizes each year on International Literacy Day.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 Benefits
The benefits are straightforward and clearly stated in the source. Winners receive cash prizes, medals, and diplomas. Therefore, the awards provide both recognition and financial support.
• King Sejong Literacy Prize: medal, diploma, and $30,000.
• Confucius Prize for Literacy: medal, diploma, and $30,000.
• The prizes promote impactful literacy practices and the development of literate communities globally.
Eligibility and Nomination Rules
The program is open to institutions, organizations, and individuals. However, applicants must be actively promoting literacy through innovative programs or projects. They also need a proven record of innovative literacy work for at least two years.
• Programmes must still be active and show measurable impact.
• Previous recipients from the last five years cannot apply again.
• Direct applications to UNESCO are not accepted. Only nominations are accepted.
• Nominations must come from a UNESCO Member State government, or from an NGO or foundation in official partnership with UNESCO.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 Application Process
The process begins with an application and ends with a nomination. Candidates must submit their applications through an online platform and have them endorsed by a nominating entity, such as a National Commission for UNESCO or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO. Self-nominations are not considered.
The source also states that all applications are reviewed against the selection criteria, and the final decision on the winners is made by the Director General. The criteria include relevance to the theme, impact, quality of teaching and learning, relevance to individuals and societal needs, robustness, innovative features, and sustainability.
Deadline
The deadline has two parts. Candidates must submit applications to nominating entities by 18 May 2026. After that, nominating entities must submit nominations to UNESCO by 1 June 2026.
