Deadline: 27-Dec-2025
Applications are now open for the Zairi International Award to honor higher education institutions creating sustainable impact and addressing global educational challenges through excellence and innovation in areas such as digital transformation, research impact, community service, internationalization, equity, and inclusion.
Each year, this international award highlights inspiring success stories of higher education institutions that have developed and implemented creative responses to ongoing issues in the sector. Open to both public and private higher education institutions worldwide, the award aims to celebrate institutions that demonstrate unique achievements, distinctive capabilities, and impactful innovations over the past two to three years. The award criteria and process are endorsed by leading global organizations, ensuring a fair and credible evaluation process.
The awards feature six categories of excellence. The Award of Excellence for Digital Transformation honors institutions that have successfully implemented digital initiatives to enhance learning experiences, improve operational efficiency, and inspire continued innovation in educational technology. The Award of Excellence for Outstanding Not-for-Profit Contribution to the Community recognizes institutions that excel in community engagement, volunteerism, outreach, and fostering institutional commitment to social good. The Award of Excellence for Research Impact celebrates groundbreaking research that addresses real-world challenges and creates meaningful impact across various disciplines.
The Award of Excellence for Disruptive Education acknowledges institutions that reimagine the future of higher education through innovative and agile programs or unique pedagogical approaches that align with 21st-century skills and market needs. The Award of Excellence for Equity and Inclusion honors institutions that champion diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity through strategic initiatives that create equitable educational environments. Finally, the Award of Excellence for Internationalization recognizes institutions with impactful and sustainable internationalization efforts, emphasizing creativity and institutional commitment to global engagement.
Applications must be submitted by a senior administrator of the institution, endorsed by the head (Rector, Chancellor, President, or equivalent), and accompanied by supporting annexes in English. Each institution can apply for only one award per cycle, and winners may not reapply in the same category in consecutive cycles. The applications, limited to five pages excluding annexes, must follow the specified format and be submitted via email by the stipulated deadline.
Shortlisted finalists will be announced on January 30, 2026, and the award recipients will be unveiled on April 15, 2026, during the 7th MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum in Dubai, UAE.
The deadline for applications is 27 December 2025.
For more information, visit CLICKS.
