How to apply

The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education (formerly the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes) are open to higher and further education qualification-awarding providers in the UK subject to external validation and assurance by the relevant recognised body.

For reference, the Trust refers to the following as quality assurance sources:

• The Department for Education (including Office for Students registration)
• The devolved administrations and where relevant, associated non-departmental public bodies (e.g. The Scottish Funding Council)

Further guidance on eligibility can be provided by the Trust on request. The final decision on eligibility to enter the Prizes scheme remains at the discretion of the Royal Anniversary Trust.

Entries can be in any subject, field or discipline and must meet each of the Prize scheme criteria:

• Quality and excellence
• Innovation and distinctiveness
• Impact and benefit to the university or college
• Impact and benefit to the wider world

Prizes are granted every two years by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister following a rigorous, independent process of review managed by the Royal Anniversary Trust.

Universities and colleges apply using our simple online portal. You can start an entry, save your progress, and come back to it at any time.

Apply Now

Below is the current Prizes timetable which shows the various stages of entry assessment:

The Royal Anniversary Trust manage a rigorous, independent assessment of review for all entries to the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education. Rules and conditions of entry can be found here.

Frequently asked questions about the entry and assessment process can be found here.