Nobel Prize 2026: SEK 12 Million Payout Explained

The Nobel Foundation has confirmed that winners of the Nobel Prize 2026 will receive SEK 12 million (approximately $1.2 million / €1.05 million) per category, an increase of SEK 1 million compared with 2025. The announcement, made on 18 September 2026, marks the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Prize and is designed to preserve the long-term financial value of the world's most prestigious awards.

Why is the Nobel Prize money increasing in 2026?

The Nobel Foundation said the higher amount will help uphold the long-term significance of the Nobel Prize. Executive Director Hanna Stjärne explained: By increasing the prize amount, we uphold the long-term significance of the Nobel Prize and ensure that the financial part of the prize retains its value over time. The Nobel Foundation's 125th anniversary has prompted the extra payment, which is shared when a category has multiple laureates.

A brief history of Nobel Prize prize money

When the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, winners received only SEK 150,782 per category. The amount has changed several times over the past century. In 2012, the Nobel Foundation cut the prize from SEK 10 million to SEK 8 million to strengthen its finances after the global financial crisis. Since then, the prize has risen three times by SEK 1 million each: in 2017, 2020 and 2023. The 2026 increase brings the total to SEK 12 million.

Between 1901 and 2026, the Nobel Prizes and the Prize in Economic Sciences have been awarded 633 times to 1,018 people and organisations. No more than three individuals may share a prize, although the Peace Prize can be awarded to organisations of more than three people.

Nobel Prize money timeline

How is the Nobel Prize funded?

The prizes are paid from the estate of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1896. Nobel, best known for inventing dynamite, left 31 million kronor, which is equivalent to about 2.2 billion kronor today. The Alfred Nobel's estate is managed by the Nobel Foundation, which invests in equities to fund the annual awards and related ceremonies. The investment returns are used to cover prize money, administration and the award ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo.

2026 Nobel Prize announcement schedule

The 2026 Nobel Prize winners will be announced between 5 and 12 October. The medicine prize opens Nobel week on Monday 5 October, followed by physics on Tuesday 6 October, chemistry on Wednesday 7 October, literature on Thursday 8 October, peace on Friday 9 October, and the economics prize on Monday 12 October. All six categories are awarded annually, except in extraordinary circumstances such as war. The 2026 Nobel announcements will be closely watched worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Nobel Prize in 2026?

Each Nobel Prize category pays SEK 12 million in 2026, up from SEK 11 million in 2025. When multiple laureates share a category, the sum is divided among them.

Why did the Nobel Foundation increase the prize money?

The increase coincides with the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Prize and aims to preserve the prize's long-term financial value.

What are the Nobel Prize categories?

The six categories are Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and the Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel.

When were the first Nobel Prizes awarded?

The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, with a prize amount of SEK 150,782 per category.

When will the 2026 Nobel Prize winners be announced?

The announcements will take place from 5 to 12 October 2026, starting with medicine and ending with economics.