Deadline: June 27, 2025

Applicants will be asked to make submissions related to the 2025 theme “Promoting literacy in a digital era” and take into consideration the specific focuses of the two prizes when applying.

Member States and International Non-Governmental Organizations which maintain official relations with UNESCO are invited to solicit and submit nominations for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. 512 projects and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have been recognized. Through these prestigious Prizes, UNESCO seeks to support effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies.

Currently there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:

• The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards)

Established in 1989, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea, it gives special consideration to mother language-based literacy development. Each prizewinner receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000.

• The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards)

Established in 2005, with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, it gives special consideration functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth. Each prizewinner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• 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.

AWARD

1. The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Each prizewinner receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000.
2. The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards): ach prizewinner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.

APPLICATION

1. The first stage is for an applicant to fill in and submit an application form through either a National Commission for UNESCO or an International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) maintaining official relations with UNESCO.
2. The second stage is for the concerned National Commission or international NGO to review and nominate the successful candidatures to the Secretariat of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. 

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK