Ireland's education sector is invited to enter the Education Awards 2027, with submissions now open across 26 categories ahead of the 18 December deadline.

Winners will be announced at the awards gala on 15 April 2027 at the Johnstown Estate Hotel and Spa, where outstanding achievement across Irish education will be celebrated before hundreds of senior executives.

The Education Awards celebrate innovation, educational leadership and teaching excellence across Ireland's higher education, further education and training institutions, recognising both State and privately funded providers.

Entries opened on 16 September, with universities, colleges and education bodies now encouraged to register and submit ahead of the December closing date.

The 2026 programme reflects the breadth and ambition of Irish education, with categories spanning education innovation, digital learning, research excellence and sustainability in education.

From Overall Excellence Award and Outstanding Contribution Award to Most Innovative Digital Transformation, Best Online Learning Experience and Best Research Project, the programme covers the full scope of the education sector.

People and student-centred categories include Best Student Experience Award, Career Impact Strategy, Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality Award, Best Workforce Upskilling Initiative and Innovative Access to Third-Level Education, while collaboration and international engagement are recognised through the Best Erasmus Programme and Best Collaboration Award categories.

Among the standout recipients at the 2026 ceremony were Ulster University, named Overall Excellence Award winner, Iarnród Éireann for Best Graduate Training Programme and Best Workforce Upskilling Initiative, Mary Immaculate College for International Engagement and Best Education Outreach, and University College Cork for Innovative Access to Third-Level Education and Best Masters Programme. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland received the Best Education Outreach Award for Community and Public Engagement.

The 2027 programme is supported by gold sponsors SOLAS Skills to Advance and Compass Education, supporter Amárach Research and communications partner The Irish Times.

Entry is free, with submissions assessed by an independent panel of domestic and international education experts.

Organisations ready to enter can submit at the official entry page. Visit the Education Awards website to explore past winners, review category details and subscribe to the newsletter for updates.