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Contests are competitive events for individuals to showcase their talents, ideas, and projects for a chance to win prizes, recognition, and funding. These opportunities are open to a wide range of participants, from high school students to seasoned professionals, and even entrepreneurs who are eager to challenge themselves and gain visibility for their work.
Find a curated list of updated contests and competitions from around the world here.
BBVA Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Frontiers of Knowledge Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 07 Jan, 2026
Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is currently accepting applications for the Sigma Awards 2026 for Data Journalism. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Jan, 2026
American University is accepting applications for the Human Rights Essay Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Jan, 2026
The BE OPEN Foundation is currently accepting applications for its International Design Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Jan, 2026
University of Louisville is currently accepting applications for its Grawemeyer Awards in Education 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Jan, 2026
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is accepting applications for its World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026. Interested applicants are enocuraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the United Nations FAO Award for Achievement 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Jan, 2026
Applications are currenlty being accepted for the Voices - European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the UN OHCHR International Contest for Minority Artists 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Dec, 2025
World Bank Group has opned applications for its Competition Advocacy Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the PA Medical Malpratice Lawyers P.C. Essay Contest 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Royal Society Buchanan Medal 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Grawemeyer Award for ideas Improving World Order 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Dec, 2025
BE OPEN Foundation has opened applications for its Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the CFA Institute Journalism Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO Regional Youth Contest for Human Rights in Eastern Africa 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Dec, 2025
1. Sony World Photography Awards
• Host: World Photography Organisation
• Field: Photography
•Representation: A leading photography competition that recognizes the best in contemporary photography. Categories include professional, open, youth, and student.
• Prizes: Cash prizes, photography equipment, and international exhibitions. The overall winner (Photographer of the Year) receives a $25,000 prize.
2. The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition
• Host: The Royal Commonwealth Society
• Field: Writing and Literature
• Representation: The world's oldest international writing competition for young people, it encourages creativity and critical thinking on global issues relevant to the Commonwealth.
• Prizes: Winners receive a trip to London for a formal awards ceremony, laptops, and participation in international cultural exchange programs.
3. The Global Citizen Prize
• Host: Global Citizen
• Field: Social Impact
• Representation: Recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to ending extreme poverty and addressing major global challenges like inequality, climate change, and public health.
• Prizes: Winners receive financial support to continue their advocacy work, and there are various subcategories with differing prize amounts and recognition.
4. Imagine Cup
• Host: Microsoft
• Field: Technology and Innovation
• Representation: A technology competition where students create
software applications that tackle a wide variety of challenges. The contest encourages innovation and problem-solving using Microsoft's technology stack.
• Prizes: Cash prizes up to $100,000, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to showcase projects at global tech conferences.
5. One Young World Essay Competition
• Host: One Young World
• Field: Global Leadership and Advocacy
• Representation: This competition targets young leaders who propose solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and education reform.
Prizes: Winners receive a fully-funded trip to the annual One Young World Summit, where they meet global leaders and network with fellow changemakers.
6. MIT Solve Global Challenges
• Host: MIT Solve Initiative
• Field: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Representation: Solve offers a platform for innovators to present solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as healthcare, education, and economic prosperity.
• Prizes: Over $1 million in funding is available, with winning teams receiving support from MIT, mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry experts.
7. World Robotics Olympiad (WRO)
• Host: World Robot Olympiad Association
• Field: Robotics and STEM
• Representation: WRO is an international robotics competition that engages students in building and programming robots to complete specific tasks.
• Prizes: Trophies, medals, and scholarships for top teams, with opportunities to showcase at global tech events.