January 2026
Dubai
Celebrating Excellence Across the Education Spectrum
Join us for one of the most prestigious education recognition platforms globally — the 35th Elets World Education Awards. This landmark event will confer 100 awards across 7 distinct categories, capturing the depth and diversity of the global education ecosystem.
The awards will spotlight the phenomenal efforts of individuals and institutions spanning K-12, higher education, vocational training, policy-making, EdTech, inclusive education, and more.
Participation in the World Education Awards is by invitation-only. Only shortlisted nominees will be eligible to submit final entries.
Award Categories
Honouring transformative educators shaping student success
Who Can Apply: Teachers, trainers, professors, tutors, instructional designers
Key Qualities:
- Innovative, adaptive teaching methods
- Proven academic and personal impact on learners
- Mentorship and institutional/community engagement
Evaluation Criteria: Pedagogical innovation, measurable impact, mentorship, community contribution, professional growth
Spotlighting pioneering education innovators and tech disruptors
Who Can Apply:EdTech founders, curriculum developers, education researchers, social entrepreneurs
Key Qualities:
- Development of scalable learning solutions
- Tech-enabled tools improving access, efficiency, or engagement
- Research-backed design and impact measurement
Evaluation Criteria:Novelty, technical effectiveness, scalability, impact, collaboration
Recogniaing bold leaders shaping policy and systemic change
Who Can Apply:School leaders, government officials, policy-makers, NGO leaders, deans
Key Qualities:
- Leading education reform or institutional change
- System-wide policy implementation
- Building multi-stakeholder coalitions
Evaluation Criteria:Strategic vision, systemic impact, capacity building, equity advocacy, sustainability
Celebrating advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion in education
Who Can Apply:Special educators, inclusion coordinators, counselors, community leaders, NGO professionals
Key Contributions:
- Programs supporting differently-abled and marginalized learners
- Inclusive classroom design, counseling, or outreach
- Empowerment through accessibility-focussed innovation
Evaluation Criteria:Inclusivity impact, learner advocacy, innovation in access, sustainability of efforts, community reach
Honouring education innovators who are transforming learning through entrepreneurial vision and scalable impact.
Who Can Apply:Founders, Co-Founders, CEOs of EdTech Startups, Education Ventures, Social Enterprises
Key Contributions:
- Redefined learning access through tech-driven solutions
- Built scalable models addressing real educational gaps.
- Nurtured inclusive, impact-focused learning ecosystems.
Evaluation Criteria:Vision, Social Impact, Innovation Quotient, Business Scalability, User Engagement
Honouring innovative platforms or products transforming learning and delivering measurable impact.
Who Can Apply: EdTech Startups, Product Teams, Innovation Units (Platform or Product-Level Recognition)
Key Contributions:
- Redefining Learning through cutting-edge digital tools and pedagogies.
- Scaling Innovation with measurable outcomes across institutions.
- Enhancing Engagement via personalised, student-first experiences.
Evaluation Criteria: Institutional impact, Scalable practices, Leadership vision, Student-centric results
Honoring institutions delivering holistic educational impact
Who Can Apply:Schools (K-12), Higher Education Institutions (Universities, Colleges), Vocational & Skills Training Institutes, Learning Platforms, Education-focused NGOs or Foundations
Key Contributions:
- Prioritising academic, emotional, and life-skill development.
- Seamlessly integrating technology to enhance learning outcomes.
- Fostering inclusive growth through outreach and equitable access.
Evaluation Criteria:Holistic student development, technology integration, academic performance, teacher development, equitable access, community outreach, and sustainability practices.
What are the Benefits of being Nominated or Winning?
Global Recognition among education leaders from 45+ countries
Profile Features on Elets' website, magazine, and social media
Learning & Networking Opportunities at the 32th Elets World Education Summit
FAQs
The World Education Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence in global education, presented as part of the 35th Elets World Education Summit 2026 in Dubai. The awards celebrate impactful educators, innovators, policymakers, institutions, and changemakers shaping the future of learning.
Nominees can be:
- Individual educators, leaders, EdTech innovators, policy advocates, researchers
- Educational institutions (K–12 schools, universities, vocational institutes)
- NGOs, government education departments, startups, or training providers
Anyone can nominate themselves or others, provided they meet the criteria specified under each award category.
There are 7 categories, including:
- Transformative Educator Award
- Innovation in Education Award
- Leadership & Advocacy Award
- Inclusive Education Champion Award
- Visionary Edupreneurs Award
- Trailblazing EdTech Solution Award
- Institutional Excellence Award
Each category focusses on a unique aspect of education—from pedagogy and innovation to policy, leadership, and impact.
There will be 100 awardees across different categories, selected through a rigorous evaluation process by an esteemed jury of education experts and global advisors.
Yes, there is a nomination and processing fee. The fee varies depending on the category and will be communicated during the nomination submission process. It supports the evaluation process, jury coordination, digital and physical event logistics.
Nominations for the World Education Awards 2026 will close by 30 November 2025. Early submissions are encouraged to ensure thorough evaluation.
Nominations must be submitted through the official Elets World Education Awards portal. Each category has a tailored nomination form with a mix of open-ended and multiple-choice questions, along with document upload options for supporting materials.
NomEach award has clearly defined evaluation parameters, such as:
- Innovation & Creativity
- Measurable Impact
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Scalability & Sustainability
- Equity & Community Engagement
A detailed breakdown is included in each category description.
Yes, as long as the nominee meets the eligibility and evaluation criteria for each category. Separate forms must be filled out for each nomination.
After submission:
- Your nomination is reviewed for completeness.
- Eligible entries undergo evaluation by the jury.
- Shortlisted candidates are notified and promoted across Elets platforms.
- Final winners will be announced and honored during the award ceremony in Dubai.
The awards will be presented at the 35th Elets World Education Summit, held on 14–15 January 2026 in Dubai. Winners will be invited to attend and receive their honours onstage before an international audience. Our team will confirm the venue soon!
Absolutely! The summit is open to all education professionals, institutions, startups, researchers, policymakers and innovators.
Please reach out to our Awards Coordination Team at: 📧 awards@elets.org 🌐 Visit: www.worldeducationsummit.com
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