Zayed Sustainability Prize - Global High Schools
US$150,000 school project grant
Zayed Sustainability Prize - Global High Schools is a competition by Zayed Sustainability Prize for children aged 11 to 19, open to students across India. Registration closed 22 Jun 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
Submissions stay open for about five months each cycle, and winning projects are implemented over 12 to 24 months.
Format
Team
Time needed
Varies by project. Students research, plan and budget the proposal across the submission window, then deliver the project over one to two years if funded.
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 26 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 22 Jun 2026
- Competition
- 12 Jan 2027
- Results
- 12 Jan 2027
Online · Zayed Sustainability Prize online submissions portal
About this opportunity
The Global High Schools category of the Zayed Sustainability Prize funds student-led sustainability projects proposed by secondary schools. Schools from six world regions compete, and Indian schools are entered in the South Asia region.
Students form a project team at their school and propose a project in health, food, energy or water that can be implemented and operational within one to two years. The application must be submitted by the students and supported by the school management. Entries are accepted only through the Prize online portal, and there is no entry fee.
One winning school in each region receives US$150,000 to build the project, and twelve finalist schools receive US$25,000 each. The award is not given for past achievements. The money funds the proposed project itself, at least 80 percent must be spent on expenses directly related to the proposed solution, and it cannot be used for general school infrastructure.
Submissions are assessed in three stages, through technical due diligence, a Selection Committee that shortlists finalists, and a Jury of global sustainability leaders that elects the winners. All finalists are invited to the awards ceremony in the United Arab Emirates with flights and accommodation provided.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 11 to 19 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Applicant must be a high school or secondary school; the proposal must be prepared by its students and supported by the school management.
Prerequisites
- A student-led project team formed at the school
- A project plan in health, food, energy or water with costed budget
- School management endorsement of the submission
Open to high schools and secondary schools serving students aged 11 to 19, anywhere in the world. Indian schools compete within the South Asia region. The project proposal must be prepared and submitted by the students and supported by the school management. Entry is free and made only through the online submissions portal.
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Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Students identify a sustainability challenge in health, food, energy or water, design a solution, cost it, and set out how it will be built and sustained.
Rewards and recognition
Award
US$150,000 per winning school
One winning school in each of the six world regions receives US$150,000 to implement the sustainability project described in its submission. Twelve finalist schools receive US$25,000 each. The funds must go towards the proposed project, at least 80 percent must be spent on expenses directly related to the proposed solution or technology, and the funds cannot be used for general school infrastructure.
Prizes
Winner and finalist awards
Six regional winners and twelve finalist schools are recognised each cycle, and all finalists are invited to the annual awards ceremony in the United Arab Emirates.
Recognition
International recognition for the school
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- One winning school per world region
- Funds a project not yet built, not past work
- At least 80 percent must go to the proposed solution
- Finalist travel to the UAE ceremony is covered
Rounds & format
Entries are submitted through the online portal during the annual submission window. The first stage is technical due diligence on every submission to confirm it meets the eligibility and evaluation criteria. In the second stage the Selection Committee evaluates and scores entries and draws up a shortlist of finalists. In the third stage the Jury meets in person to deliberate on the finalists and elect the winner in each region, and final decisions must be unanimous. Applicants are notified only if they are selected as finalists, and winners are announced at the annual awards ceremony.
How entries are judged
Global High Schools entries are scored on three published criteria: Inspiration at 40 percent, Innovation at 30 percent and Impact at 30 percent. Innovation looks for a creative idea proposed by students who work together to identify a challenge and build a solution, and for the use of planning, scheduling and budgeting techniques. Impact looks for measurable sustainability outcomes in sustainable energy, clean water, basic healthcare or nutritious food that benefit both current and future students. Inspiration looks for alignment with Sheikh Zayed's core values, long-term sustainability of the project, and the ability to inspire students and the wider community to act.
Selection process
One winning school is selected per world region, giving six winners each cycle, alongside twelve finalist schools. Shortlisting is done by the Selection Committee after due diligence, and the Jury elects the regional winners by unanimous decision. Projects must be able to be implemented and operational within one to two years and must benefit the school community or the local community for several years. Proposals aimed at administrative projects or educational reforms at the school are not eligible, and the award is not given for past achievements.
How to apply
- 1Form a student-led project team at the school
- 2Research a sustainability project and consult experts
- 3Prepare a project plan with costs
- 4Register on the Prize portal and complete the category form
- 5Submit the entry before the annual deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Zayed Sustainability Prize - Global High Schools?
The registration deadline is 22 Jun 2026. Registration for this edition has closed.
Is Zayed Sustainability Prize - Global High Schools free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Zayed Sustainability Prize - Global High Schools?
Children aged 11 to 19.
What will my child gain from Zayed Sustainability Prize - Global High Schools?
US$150,000 grant for the winning school in each region. US$25,000 for each of the twelve finalist schools. Funding builds the students' own sustainability project. Flights and accommodation covered for finalists. International recognition at the UAE awards ceremony.
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