The Global Student Prize is an annual $100,000 award presented by the Varkey Foundation and Chegg.org to recognize one exceptional student who has made a real difference in the lives of their peers, community, and beyond. Established in 2021 as a sister award to the Global Teacher Prize, it has received nearly 11,000 nominations and applications from 148 countries.
Selection criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Impact on peers
- Community contributions
- Resilience in the face of adversity
- Creativity and innovation
Past winners:
- 2025: Adarsh Kumar (India) — 18-year-old innovator
- 2024: Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano (Mexico)
- 2023: Nhial Deng (South Sudan)
- 2022: Igor Klymenko (Ukraine)
- 2021: Jeremiah Thoronka (Sierra Leone)
Students can be nominated by others or apply directly. Part-time and online students are eligible. Applications for the 2027 prize cycle are expected to open in early 2027.