GMA Awards

The GMA Awards is an annual accolade celebrating excellence in the practice of technology-enhanced education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. The Awards provides an international platform for global education practitioners to share the frontline practices of integrating cutting-edge technology in higher education.

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2026 GMA Awards

Setting an International Benchmark for Technology-Enhanced STEM Teaching and Learning

The GMA Awards gathers outstanding examples of STEM teaching and learning from around the world and invites an evaluation committee of education experts and learners drawn from UNESCO and other leading institutions. Through a rigorous review and global showcasing process, the Awards supports the digital transformation of higher education and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): “Quality Education”.

The 2026 GMA Awards reaffirms this commitment by highlighting the leading edge of technology-enhanced higher education. With a focus aligned to UNESCO’s advocacy for STEM education as a driver of solutions to global challenges and progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Awards further strengthens its role as an international benchmark. By recognizing exemplary courses that demonstrate high standards of quality and innovation across diverse contexts, the GMA Awards provides a trusted reference for institutions seeking to advance effective, inclusive, and scalable digital learning.

Target Applicants/Eligibility

Applicants shall be from all universities and educational institutions worldwide.

WHY GMA Awards?

  • Establish a global benchmark: Showcase internationally representative examples of high-quality, technology-enhanced STEM education.
  • Recognize excellence in AI-enabled learning: Highlight outstanding courses demonstrating meaningful application of AI and Generative AI in teaching and learning.
  • Promote global exchange and collaboration: Enable mutual learning and knowledge sharing among institutions, experts, and learners worldwide.
  • Amplify impact and visibility: Increase the reach of exemplary practices through GMA platforms and sustained international promotion.

Brief Timeline

Submit the application form(s) and any supplementary materials via email to [email protected]. Click the button below to download the application form.

Download the application form

How to apply:

1. Read the introduction below carefully.

2. Fill out the application form for each course.

3. Send the application form via email and ensure the subject line of your email is “2026 GMA Awards Application” for proper identification.

4. A reply email of confirmation will be sent to the applicant’s email.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit application materials to nominate a course

A “course” includes any teaching unit, which typically has a clear syllabus, teaching design, structured teaching content, and a well-organized teaching process. For example, the scope of the submission includes but is not limited to, a MOOC on online education platforms, a course/module open to students in universities, a themed and well-designed workshop, a themed series of webinars, a certificate program, and other educational activities with comparable function and format.

2. Mandatory Application Materials

Each submission of a course must be accompanied by a completed application form. For example, if you are applying for several courses, please fill out the corresponding number of application forms.

3. Optional Application Materials

Applicants may provide additional materials to highlight key aspects of their course(s). This includes, but is not restricted to, multimedia presentations, research papers, testimonials, and innovative teaching materials. It’s important that these supplementary materials are easily accessible to evaluators. If the materials require specific software or viewing conditions, detailed instructions must be provided.

4. Demonstrate innovative practices in the submitted course

The scope of innovative practices includes but is not limited to, digital learning design (e.g., digital educational games), online instructional resources (e.g., MOOCs, live tutorials), immersive technologies (AR/VR), and advanced AI applications (e.g., generative AI, large language models, AI tutors, machine learning and deep learning algorithms, computer vision). The Awards seek to honour and promote exemplary practices in these areas, driving forward the integration of technology in STEM education.

An esteemed panel of evaluators from UNESCO, world-leading universities, online education platforms, and various educational organizations, along with learners from these institutions, will conduct a review of all submissions based on the same criteria. This diverse committee ensures a comprehensive assessment from multiple perspectives. Results will be officially announced on the GMA website and communicated to applicants via email. Award-winning teams will also have the opportunity to attend the GMA Awards Ceremony in person at the 2026 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference, expected to take place in mid-November 2026.

Award-winning teams will be invited to present their course(s) on GMA social media and at GMA-organized events, facilitating international dialogue with experts in digital innovation and technology-enhanced higher education. This provides an exceptional opportunity for educators to showcase their innovative approaches and engage with the global audience.

Note: Detailed schedules and notifications will be sent to applicants via email prior to each event.

Memorable Moments

Awards Benefits

  • Winners:
  • Award-winning courses will be honored at the official GMA Awards Ceremony held as part of the Global MOOC and Online Education Conference (GMC), witnessed by international leaders and representatives in education.
  • A round-trip travel support to the Global MOOC and Online Education Conference (GMC) for one representative per award-winning course.
  • Award-winning courses will receive an official “GMA Awards Digital Badge” for use on course covers and promotional materials as a mark of quality recognition and international credibility.
  • Award-winning courses may be invited to be featured on the XuetangX platform, with a dedicated GMA Awards section.
  • Award-winning courses will be continuously promoted through the GMA official website and social media channels throughout the year.

  • Participants:
  • All participants may be invited to join the Online Education Dialogue (OED) to present their courses and get broadcast on the XuetangX platform.

Any questions regarding the 2026 GMA Awards?

Please reach out to Ms. Hongru Li ([email protected]), the Assistant Secretary General of the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance. Your inquiries are welcome, and our team is ready to assist you with your application or provide further details about the GMA Awards and associated events.

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