CANIE Climate Awards — FAQ
Eligibility and who can enter
Who can enter?
The Awards are open to current CANIE Accord signatories. This year we're accepting self-nominations only, so your organisation enters its own work.
Is there a fee to enter?
No. Entry is free.
We're not a signatory yet — can we enter?
Only signatories can enter, but you can sign the CANIE Accord now and become eligible: canie.org/the-canie-accord/become-a-signatory
We've just signed the Accord but haven't received a submission link. What do we do?
Email us at awards@canie.org and we'll get you sorted.
Categories
How many categories can we enter?
Up to two per organisation.
Can we enter the same project in two categories?
No. Each entry has to be a different project, program or initiative. If you go for two categories, they need to be two distinct pieces of work.
What are the categories?
Ten in all.
By institution size (based on students in international education programs): Best Large (30k+ students), Best Mid-size (10k–30k students), Best Small (under 10k students).
Providers and conferences: Best Large Global Education Provider (1,000+ pax), Best Small Global Education Provider (under 1,000 pax), Best Global Education Service Provider (insurance, support, tech, housing, etc.), Best Global Education Conference.
Initiatives: Best Student-focused Sustainability Initiative, Best Carbon Reduction Initiative, and The CANIE Award: Best Environmental Sustainability Program 2026.
Can we enter The CANIE Award?
Not directly. The selection committee chooses it from all the submissions received.
What to submit
What does an entry include?
A written description of up to 500 words, at least one link to supporting media (a video, website or other materials that show the work), and a note on which elements of the CANIE Accord the work speaks to.
Is 500 words a hard limit?
Yes. If you enter two categories, you get up to 500 words for each — a separate description per entry.
What counts as supporting media?
At least one link to a video, website or other digital material that supports your submission. Links only for now.
Does the work have to be recent?
For 2026, entries can cover initiatives from the last two years. From next year onward, entries will be limited to work from the previous year.
Can we edit or withdraw our entry after submitting?
Once it's in, an entry can't be edited, so please check it over before you send. If you need to correct or pull a submission, email awards@canie.org.
Do we need a Google account? Can we save and come back?
No account needed. The form doesn't save partway through, so it's best to prepare your text and links first and paste them in.
Dates
Entries open: 10 July 2026
Deadline: midnight GMT on 21 August 2026
Finalists announced: 28 August 2026
Winners announced: 15 October 2026
Judging
Who judges?
An internal CANIE panel: the CANIE Global Board, chapter leaders from Europe, Oceania and the Americas, and the Academic Advisory Council.
How are entries scored?
Each entry is scored 0–10 on four criteria, for a total of 40. For institutions, providers and conferences: alignment with the CANIE Accord, demonstrated action and results, contribution to the field, and evidence and credibility. For initiatives: impact, scale and reach, innovation and transferability, and alignment with the CANIE Accord. Any judge connected to an entrant steps back from scoring that category.
Can CANIE use our entry, and is it kept confidential?
Your entry is reviewed by the judging panel. By submitting, you're agreeing that CANIE may use the materials and information in your submission, including in republishing it at the awards and in future CANIE communications — for example featuring standout initiatives to share good practice across the field.
The announcement
Where and when are winners announced?
At the opening plenary of The Forum on Education Abroad's Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Conference in Lisbon, on 15 October 2026. The conference runs 14–16 October at the Universidade de Lisboa.
Do we have to be in Lisbon? Is there a cost?
You don't have to attend. Being there in person means registering for The Forum and EMEA Conference, which is a paid event run by The Forum on Education Abroad. We'll livestream the announcement so finalists and winners who can't travel can take part virtually.
What do winners and finalists receive?
Everything is digital, so there's no shipping or travel involved. Winners get a “CANIE Climate Awards 2026 Winner” digital badge to use on their website, email signature, social profiles and marketing through 2026, a digital winner's certificate, a spotlight write-up on the CANIE website, a dedicated social post, a mention in the CANIE newsletter and awards press release, a permanent listing on the winners page, and an invitation to share their work at a CANIE webinar. Finalists get a “Finalist” digital badge and certificate, recognition in the finalists announcement and a group social post and newsletter mention, and are eligible to be featured as best practice too.
Can finalists or winners use the CANIE Climate Awards seal on their own materials?
Yes — winners and finalists each receive a digital badge (a version of the seal marked “Winner” or “Finalist”) to use on their website, email signatures, social profiles and marketing through 2026, along with a short usage guide.
Still have questions?
Email info@canie.org.