Congress
Members of ICSEI come from all corners of the earth, from diverse settings and hold a variety of perspectives, with representation from policy makers, practitioners and scholars. ICSEI conferences generally attract people from over 50 countries and have been organised by local members and committees around the world.
These photographs capture the ICSEI 2025 Community at the University of Melbourne. Participants were advised the event was being photographed and the pictures may be used for promotional purposes. Participants were asked to inform event staff if they did not wish to be photographed.
Welcome to ICSEI 2026
Congress Venue: Qatar University
Congress Date: 18 - 22 January 2026 - Registration closes 15 December
Theme and Context
Welcome to Doha, Qatar
Dear colleagues, friends, and fellow changemakers,
With great joy and anticipation, we welcome you to Doha, Qatar, and to the 39th International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI 2026), taking place from January 18 to 22, 2026.
As Co-Chairs, we are deeply honoured to host this congress in the Arab Gulf world for the very first time. Under the theme “Crossing Boundaries in Education: Fostering Innovative, Inclusive, and Sustainable Learning Environments,” ICSEI 2026 will be a space where boundaries are bridged between research and practice, past and future, local and global and where new possibilities for education take shape.
This extraordinary gathering is made possible through the generous support and vision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar, which proudly sponsors and hosts ICSEI 2026. We are also privileged to partner with Qatar University, our congress venue, and with the Arab Center for Educational Training for the Gulf States, both of which play an essential role in driving educational excellence and innovation in the region.
Doha is more than just our host city, it is a crossroads of civilizations, ideas, and aspirations. Here, ultramodern learning spaces rise beside ancient souqs, and the rhythm of tradition dances with innovation. From Education City’s cutting-edge research hubs and the National Museum of Qatar, to the bustling energy of Souq Waqif, and the architectural wonders of Msheireb Downtown, every corner of Doha tells a story, one of identity, openness, and relentless curiosity.
ICSEI 2026 will be a congress unlike any before it. For the first time, participants will engage in sessions in both English and Arabic, with major events fully translated. We are proud to present an accessible congress for all, where physical, linguistic, and digital inclusion is not just a feature, but a promise. Our vibrant social program will bring delegates face-to-face with Qatar’s culture, heritage, and innovation, while new initiatives such as masterclasses, learning visits, and TED-style talks will ensure that this is not only a conference, but an unforgettable learning experience.
Together, in Doha, we will push the boundaries of what is possible in education. We will listen, challenge, dream, and act guided by our shared commitment to justice, equity, and excellence in schools and systems worldwide.
We can’t wait to welcome you to ICSEI 2026 in Qatar.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Asmaa Al-Fadala & Dr. Ibrahim Alhouti
Co-Chairs, ICSEI 2026 Doha, Qatar
Crossing Boundaries in Education: Fostering Innovative, Inclusive and Sustainable Learning Environments.
Please note: The congress is a fully face-to-face event; online participation is not available.
Congress sub-themes include:
Innovation in Education
- Technology Integration and Digital Equity: Addressing the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology in education, focusing on bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to quality digital resources.
- The Age of Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the integration of AI in teaching and learning processes, focusing on personalised education, flexible instruction, automated administrative tasks, and ethical considerations in AI applications.
- Digital Literacy in Education: Emphasising the importance of digital literacy skills for students and educators, exploring strategies for incorporating digital literacy into curricula, enhancing critical thinking in digital environments, and ensuring students are equipped to navigate and utilise digital technologies effectively and responsibly.
Inclusivity in Learning Environments
- Teacher Education and Professional Development: Examining the evolving role of teachers and the need for ongoing professional development to equip educators with the skills and knowledge required in an evolving educational environment.
- Equity and Inclusivity in Education: Recognizing the diverse needs of learners and ensuring that education systems are equitable and inclusive, accommodating diverse learning needs and backgrounds.
- Mental Health and Well-being in Education: Highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being for students and educators and integrating well-being strategies into educational practices.
Sustainability in Education
- Global Collaboration and Localised Solutions: Encouraging global collaboration while focusing on localised solutions that cater to the unique needs of diverse educational systems and communities.
- Sustainable Practices in Education: Addressing the role of education in promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and global citizenship.
Sponsors & Strategic Partners
Key Dates
Important Information for Registration
Please note that all registrations and payment options will close on 15 December (Doha time).
How to REGISTER and PAY ICSEI for the 2026 Congress in Doha
- Create a ConfTool account.
- Register by selecting all the events you want to attend. Some events have additional fees.
- Pay your registration fees via You can pay by PayPal or with a credit card.
*** If you do not complete this payment step, your registration is not confirmed. You cannot register or pay after 15 December
Key Dates
- 30 April – Call for proposals available
- 7 May – Proposal submission system open
- 17 June – EXTENDED -Proposal submission system closes
- 16 August – Registration opens
- 16 August – Notification of successful proposals
- 30 September- Draft program available
- 30 September – Presenter Guidelines available
- 31 October – Early Bird registration closes
- 15 December – Registration closes
- 18 January – Pre-conference events *additional fees
- 19 January – Congress Opening Day 1
- 19-22 January – Main conference Day 1 – 4
Not a Member? Join Now
Interested receiving the discounted rate and joining the ICSEI community?
Fees
Congress Fees
Please note that all registrations and payment options will close on 15 December (Doha time).
How to REGISTER and PAY ICSEI for the 2026 Congress in Doha
- Create a ConfTool account.
- Register by selecting all the events you want to attend. Some events have additional fees.
- Pay your registration fees via You can pay by PayPal or with a credit card.
*** If you do not complete this payment step, your registration is not confirmed. You cannot register or pay after 15 December.
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ICSEI members enjoy discounted registration rates, making it more affordable to participate in this global event. By becoming a member, you not only save on registration but also gain access to a vibrant international network of educators, researchers, and policy makers. You must become an ICSEI member before registering for the Congress to receive the discounted rate. Membership details can be found here. Please ensure you use the same email address when registering for both ICSEI membership and the ICSEI Congress, as this helps us link your records accurately across platforms. *By registering through ConfTool, you acknowledge and accept the cancellation and refund policy. We kindly ask that you read this policy carefully before completing your registration.
ICSEI does not issue invoices to schools, organisations, or universities. All registrations must be completed individually via ConfTool and paid using a credit card or PayPal.
يرجى العلم، أن ICSEI لا تقوم بإصدار فواتير للمدارس أو المنظمات أو الجامعات. يجب أن يتم التسجيل بشكل فردي من خلال ConfTool ويتم الدفع بواسطة بطاقة الائتمان أو PayPal. ومع ذلك، بالنسبة للمجموعات من 5–10 أشخاص، فإن العضوية المؤسسية في ICSEI هي الخيار الأمثل من خلال تعبئة نموذج خاص بذلك، وعليه يحصلون على العضوية السنوية مقابل 125 دولارًا بدلاً من 150 دولارًا.
Fees in Australian Dollars for Main Congress 19-22 January and additional activities
| Membership | Early Bird Rates1 | Standard Rates 2 | Congress Registration- additional activities | Fees |
| ICSEI Member | $795.00 | $875.00 | Master Classes | $75.00 |
| Non-Member | $950.00 | $1,030.00 | Early Career Forum | $40.00 |
| Low/lower middle income country3 | $350.00 | $385.00 | School Visits | $45.00 |
| Student | $250.00 | $285.00 | Conference Dinner & Entertainment | $150.00 |
1 Early Bird Rates good through 31 October 2025 AEST
2 Standard Rates apply 1 November 2025 – 15 December 2025 AEST
3 Only those who reside in countries currently classified as lower-middle or low income by the World Bank are eligible for these rates; click here to check eligibility
Additional details: ICSEI Congress Registration and Refunds Policy and Terms and Conditions.