Deadline: October 15, 2025
Are you a student in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation with a brilliant thesis or doctoral research focused on education? The Philippe Maystadt Prize for Tomorrow’s Education 2024-2025 is an excellent opportunity to showcase your innovative work and receive recognition for your contribution to the future of education.
This prestigious prize celebrates originality, academic excellence, and the potential to shape education systems for tomorrow.
About the Philippe Maystadt Prize for Tomorrow’s Education 2024-2025
The Philippe Maystadt Prize for Tomorrow’s Education 2024-2025 rewards the best final student projects and theses (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels) from higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (Belgium).
The prize aims to highlight outstanding work that explores different dimensions of education—particularly higher education—and has the potential to be applied across the entire Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
The award is named in honour of Philippe Maystadt, former Minister of State and ex-Chairman of the Board of ARES, for his significant contributions to education and research.
Prize Categories and Awards
Successful applicants will receive the following prizes:
| Category | Description | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Baccalaureate (Bac) | Final thesis at the end of 1st cycle studies (bachelor, arts, or specialised) | €2,000 |
| Master’s | End-of-studies thesis at second cycle (including specialisation, teacher training, etc.) | €2,000 |
| Doctoral (Doc) | Doctoral thesis for the doctorate degree | €4,000 |
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the prize, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The work must be personal, original, and unpublished, and submitted by the author(s).
- The work must have been successfully presented and/or defended during the 2024-2025 academic year at a recognised higher education institution in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
- For “Bac” and “Master” prizes, the work must be an end-of-studies thesis under Article 126 of the “Landscape” Decree.
- For the “Doc” prize, the work must be a doctoral thesis as defined under Article 71, § 3 of the “Landscape” Decree.
- For Bac and Master categories, the applicant must have obtained a minimum score of 16/20 (approximately 80%), documented through an official transcript, certificate, or diploma.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by a jury based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of the theme to education, especially higher education.
- Originality and innovative character of the topic or its treatment.
- Theoretical framework, methodological approach, and scientific rigour.
- Clarity and coherence of arguments.
- Popularisation potential (how easily the work can be communicated to a wider audience).
- Quality of analysis and results.
Additional considerations include:
- Potential impact on education, particularly the possibility of applying the research to the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
- Societal contributions, including aspects of sustainable development, well-being, and social emancipation.
Important Dates and Submission Guidelines
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2025
Required Documents (in PDF format):
- The final thesis or doctoral dissertation.
- Official proof of results (transcript, diploma, or certificate). Screenshots are not accepted.
- A one-page summary in French, including the subject, theoretical and methodological framework, limits, conclusions, and perspectives.
- A 10-line maximum popularisation summary in French, outlining the research’s contributions to education policy and practice, and how it aligns with the prize’s objectives.
Language Requirement
Please note that both summaries must be written in French, so non-French speakers should ensure high-quality translation and proofreading.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Emphasise the transferability of your research to the Wallonia-Brussels educational context.
- Ensure your thesis meets the originality and academic excellence criteria.
- Double-check your grade documentation to confirm eligibility for the Bac and Master categories.
- Write a clear, concise popularisation summary that communicates the value of your work to non-specialist audiences.
Application & Further Information
Interested applicants can access the official application form and learn more about the prize through the links below:
✍️ Need Help with Your Application?
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