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 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. The 2026 prize cycle has not opened yet: the official site says applications and nominations for the 2026 prize will open later, with no dates announced.