The MEDEA Awards 2026 is now open for submissions! Organised by the Media and Learning Association, the annual MEDEA Awards celebrate the best use of media in education across all levels and learning contexts.
We are once again looking for outstanding entries that demonstrate excellence and innovation in educational multimedia, including (but not limited to): 🎥 Video • 🎶 Audio • 🎨 Graphics • 🎮 Games & Simulations • 👩💻 AR/VR/XR apps • 🎧 Podcasts • 🤳 Vlogs • 👾 Animations • 🧠 AI tools — and any other creative applications of media in learning.
We welcome submissions from students, teachers, schools, universities, production facilities, training companies, agencies, and anyone involved in the creation or use of educational multimedia.
📅 Deadline: 28 February 2026
💡 Submission fee: Free of charge
🔗 Submit here
About the MEDEA Awards
The MEDEA Awards were launched in November 2007 and were an immediate success, attracting submissions from across Europe and beyond. Over the years, several new awards have been introduced to recognise different aspects of media in education and its significance in a European context. Since 2010, the MEDEA Awards have been integrated into the Media & Learning Conference, which brings together practitioners and policymakers and showcases the latest developments in digital and media competences in education and training.
From 2012 to 2014, the MEDEA Awards were supported by the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Commission through the MEDEAnet project. Earlier European Commission projects that expanded the reach of the MEDEA Awards included MEDEA:EU (2008–2011) and MEDEA2020 (2010–2012). Since 2015, the awards have been supported by the Media & Learning Association.
In recent years, interest in digital video and audio in education has grown significantly, driven by multimedia platforms and mobile devices with advanced imaging capabilities. The pedagogical vision is clear: only when video and audio are routine components of education and online learning will educational environments reflect the media-rich world in which learners now live.
Each year, a specific thematic focus is announced, along with a detailed timetable for submission and judging. Entries are submitted online before the deadline, and evaluation is carried out by an expert judging panel. The MEDEA Awards Judging Panel consists of key figures from educational multimedia, higher education institutions, research centres, production houses, and broadcasters specialising in the use of audio-visual materials in education.
For more information on the MEDEA Awards Organising Committee, please visit our site
MEDEA Awards Prizes 2026
All participants will be eligible for the following prizes:
- 🏆 MEDEA Award for Best Educational Media entry: awarded to the most outstanding educational media, resource, tool, or service produced across all sectors and levels of education and training.
- 🎖 Special MEDEA Jury Prize: presented at the jury’s discretion to recognise exceptional entries in pedagogical or technical design.
- 💛 Audience Favourite Prize: the audience will have one week to vote for their favourite entry.
- 🔬 Thematic Prize – Best Use of Educational Media in Science: in 2026, the thematic prize will spotlight innovative applications of educational media in science, celebrating projects that have demonstrably enhanced teaching and learning. This prize is co-awarded with the International Association of Media in Science (IAMS), founded in 1992 as the successor of ISFA. Entries will be evaluated based on: How the medium contributed to and changed teaching and its effects on the learning process
Call for Volunteer Judges
If you have experience in media, video, technology, education, or training and would like to contribute your expertise, we invite you to volunteer as a judge for the 2026 edition of the MEDEA Awards. Judges will be asked to dedicate 5 to 10 hours between March and April 2026 to evaluate a selection of submissions via our online judging platform. All judges are expected to act independently and objectively, with conflicts of interest avoided when assigning entries. This is a voluntary position and does not involve payment.
To apply, please complete this form and include a short biography along with a brief explanation as to why you would make a suitable judge.
Important Dates
- Deadline submission: 28 February
- Top finalists announced: Mid-April 2026
- Media & Learning Conference: 17–18 June 2026, Leuven, Belgium
- Awards Ceremony: During the conference, with finalists invited to showcase their work
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and impact in educational media. Submit your entry today and join the celebration of learning innovation!
