October 26, 2026
Celebrating the People Who Shape Knowledge
International Professor's Day, observed each year on October 26, is a global recognition of the professors whose work powers higher education. Behind every graduate, every breakthrough, and every published discovery is a professor who taught, questioned, mentored, and persevered.
It is a day to move appreciation from the abstract to the personal — to name the educators who changed the trajectory of a career, and to renew World's collective commitment to a thriving academic community.
Why Professors Matter
The professoriate sits at the intersection of teaching and discovery — a dual role that few other professions carry.
They Educate Generations
Professors prepare the doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders every society depends on.
They Drive Discovery
University research led by professors underpins advances in medicine, technology, and policy.
They Mentor the Next Wave
PhD candidates and early-career academics grow under the guidance of experienced professors.
They Inform Public Debate
As trusted experts, professors bring evidence and rigor to the issues shaping our world.
How to Celebrate International Professor's Day
Four meaningful ways students, institutions, and communities can mark October 26.
1. Thank a professor directly
Send a personal message, email, or handwritten note to a professor who shaped your thinking or career. Be specific about the impact they had.
2. Share their work publicly
Amplify a professor’s research, publication, or teaching online with #InternationalProfessorsDay so their contribution reaches a wider audience.
3. Nominate them for recognition
Put forward an outstanding professor for a faculty, teaching-excellence, or research award within your institution or discipline.
4. Champion academic careers
Encourage talented students to consider the professoriate, and help institutions across the world attract and retain world-class faculty.
Recognize a professor publicly
A thoughtful, honest review is one of the most lasting tributes a student can leave. Celebrate the ones who made a difference on Rate My Professor, or explore the top-rated professors shaping World's classrooms.
International Professor's Day FAQs
When is International Professor's Day celebrated?
International Professor's Day is observed annually on October 26. The next observance falls on October 26, 2026. It is a global moment for students, institutions, and communities to recognize the lasting impact professors have on knowledge, research, and society.
What is the purpose of International Professor's Day?
The day exists to celebrate and thank professors for their dedication to teaching, mentorship, and the advancement of human knowledge. Professors do far more than deliver lectures — they supervise research, publish discoveries, guide early-career academics, and prepare each generation of graduates for the workforce.
Across the world, it is also an opportunity to highlight the value of academic careers and to encourage greater public and institutional support for higher education and faculty.
How can students get involved?
Students can write a thank-you note to a professor who made a difference, leave an honest, constructive review on Rate My Professor, nominate them for a teaching or research award, share a tribute on social media using #InternationalProfessorsDay, or simply attend a lecture with renewed appreciation. Small gestures of gratitude carry real meaning for the educators who invest in student success.
How can universities and colleges participate?
Institutions can host recognition ceremonies, feature faculty achievements across campus channels, fund teaching and research excellence awards, and spotlight the careers of standout academics. Promoting open faculty positions on the day is also a powerful way to signal an institution's commitment to building a world-class academic community.
Why do professors matter to society?
Professors are at the center of nearly every major advance in medicine, technology, policy, and culture. They train the doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders of tomorrow, and their research underpins innovation that improves lives globally. Recognizing them is recognizing the engine of long-term human progress.
How is this day different from World Teachers’ Day?
World Teachers' Day (October 5) honors educators across all levels of education. International Professor's Day focuses specifically on the higher-education professoriate — the academics who combine advanced teaching with original research and the supervision of postgraduate and early-career scholars.
Honor a Professor This October 26, 2026
Whether you thank a mentor, nominate a colleague, or help your institution attract world-class faculty — International Professor's Day is a chance to invest in the people who advance World's academic future.
AcademicJobs.com — Connecting talented academics with institutions worldwide.
Honoring United States' Professors
1. Bill Clee
Mathematics
Community College of Philadelphia
Amazing Feedback
“Wonderful teacher ❤”
2. Amine Mohamed Aboussalah
New York University
Amazing Feedback
“An empathetic and attentive teacher”
3. Chenyu You
Computer Science
SUNY Stony Brook University
Amazing Feedback
“Great advisor and mentor. Very supportive, responsive, and always willing to discuss research ideas. He encourages independent thinking while providing useful and practical guidance.”
Honoring United Kingdom's Professors
1. Amelia Hadfield
University of Surrey
Amazing Feedback
“A true expert who inspires confidence. Professor Amelia Hadfield stands out as one of the most impressive academics I have met in European Studies. I first encountered her work — and her remarkable professionalism — during our work at the Institute for European Studies at VUB Brussels. Her ability to connect theory with practice, her leadership in EU foreign affairs, and her outstanding publication record make her a truly exceptional professor and author. She inspires students, supports colleagues, and elevates every academic environment she is part of.”
2. James Cotton
University of Glasgow
Amazing Feedback
“A true gem in the academic community.”
3. Jess Rickenback
Geoscience
Edinburgh University
Amazing Feedback
“A master at fostering understanding. A true role model for academic success. Interesting lectures very passionate about the subject. She is very knowledgeable and good speaker and her lessons are kept up-to-date with current events. Always happy to answer your questions too. I would recommend her classes.”
Honoring Australia's Professors
1. Dora Velenczei
Law
Monash University
Amazing Feedback
“Dora is an absolute gem, she explains concepts very well and answers questions well after the other professors stop because it is 'too close to exam time'. You are lucky if you have her as your prof.”
2. Leo Langa
University of Western Australia
Amazing Feedback
“He has been amazing with the way he delivers his Lectures & how he motivates all the students.”
3. Jacqueline Bailey
University of Newcastle
Amazing Feedback
“Best lecturer / demonstrator i've ever had”
Honoring Canada's Professors
1. Linh Mitchell
Education
Capilano University
Amazing Feedback
“She's the best teacher one can ever have.”
2. Joel Feinman
Law
University of Victoria
Amazing Feedback
“Fantastic instructor, engaging, friendly skd knowledgeable. He's always happy to discuss with students and help out.”
3. Linh Mitchell
Education
Capilano University
Amazing Feedback
“Thank you, Linh, for being such a supportive and caring instructor. I really enjoyed your classes and learned so much from you. Your guidance and encouragement helped me build confidence throughout the HCA program. I trully appreciate all your support!”