Yidan Prize – Quick Key Points
- The Yidan Prize is one of the world’s largest education-focused awards, established in 2016.
- It was founded by Dr. Charles Chen Yidan, co-founder of Tencent.
- The prize recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations making transformative contributions to education.
- Awards are given in two categories: Education Research and Education Development.
- Each laureate receives a total prize valued at HK$30 million.
Yidan Prize for Education Research & Education Development 2026 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prize Name | Yidan Prize for Education |
| Organization | Yidan Prize Foundation |
| Opportunity Type | Global Education Award |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Location | Global |
| Categories | Education Research & Education Development |
| Total Prize Value | HK$30 million |
| Cash Award | HK$15 million |
| Project Funding | HK$15 million |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
About the Yidan Prize
The Yidan Prize was established to highlight and support outstanding contributions that advance education worldwide. By recognizing innovative ideas and impactful practices, the prize aims to create a more inclusive, effective, and future-ready education ecosystem.
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Administered by the Yidan Prize Foundation, the award brings global visibility to laureates while providing substantial financial support to scale proven solutions in education.
Prize Categories
The Yidan Award is awarded annually in two distinct categories:
Education Research
This category recognizes research that deepens understanding of how people learn and how teaching can be improved. It supports evidence-based insights that influence educational practice and policy.
Education Development
This category honors initiatives that improve education systems, policies, or practices. It focuses on real-world implementation and scalable solutions that deliver measurable impact.
Prize Benefits for the Fully Funded Yidan Prize for Education Research & Education Development 2026
Each Yidan Award laureate receives:
- A total prize valued at HK$30 million.
- HK$15 million as an unrestricted cash award.
- HK$15 million in project funding administered by the Yidan Prize Foundation.
- Global recognition and international media visibility.
- Access to a prestigious global network of education leaders, innovators, and policymakers.
- Opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and long-term impact.
Eligibility Criteria for the Fully Funded Yidan for Education Research & Education Development 2026 Award
The Yidan Award is open to nominees who meet the following requirements:
- Open to individuals, teams, or organizations worldwide.
- Nominees must demonstrate transformative and measurable impact in education.
- Contributions may fall under education research or education development.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- All nominations must be submitted by a third party.
How to Apply for the Yidan Award 2026
The Prize operates through a nomination-based process. Follow the steps below:
- Secure a nominator
Identify an individual or organization familiar with your work who is eligible to submit a nomination on your behalf. - Prepare supporting documents
Required documents typically include:- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or organizational profile
- Detailed description of the project or contribution
- Evidence of impact and outcomes
- Letters of reference or endorsement
- Complete the online nomination form
The nominator must submit the nomination through the official Yidan Prize online portal. - Submit before the deadline
All nominations must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered. - Selection process
Nominations are reviewed by expert panels and international judging committees. Final decisions are made by the Yidan Prize Council.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Fully Funded Yidan Education Research & Education Development 2026 Award
Is the Yidan Prize fully funded?
Yes. The prize provides both a cash award and dedicated project funding.
Can organizations apply for the Yidan Prize?
Yes. Individuals, teams, and organizations are all eligible through nomination.
Can I nominate myself?
No. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Is the prize limited to a specific country?
No. The Yidan Prize is open globally.
How many winners are selected each year?
Laureates are typically selected in both Education Research and Education Development categories.
What can the project funding be used for?
Project funding supports scaling, implementation, and long-term sustainability of education initiatives.
Does winning the prize require a service obligation?
No service obligation is required. Laureates are encouraged to continue advancing education impact.
When are laureates announced?
Successful laureates are announced after the completion of the review and selection process.
