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.

The Society for Theatre Research is currently accepting applications for its Practitioner Research and Development Grants 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Feb, 2026

GLOBSEC is currently accepting applications for its Young Leaders Forum 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the KNAW Christiaan Huygens Science Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Feb, 2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently accepting applications for its Digital Ambassadors Programme 2026, Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Feb, 2026

University of Toronto is currently accepting applications for the Schmidt Science Fellows Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this nominations and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the COAL Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Feb, 2026

Expo FoodTech is currently being accepted for the Foodtech Innovations Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Feb, 2026

The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) is currently accepting accepting applications for its International Green Gown Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the WWF Nepal Conversation Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this nomination and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Feb, 2026

Australian Academy of the Humanities is currently being accepted for the Max Crawford Medal 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Feb, 2026

Japan International Research Center For Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) is currently accepting applications for its Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 21 Feb, 2026

The Royal Society Publishing is currently accepting applications for its Biology Letters Early Career Researcher Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 21 Feb, 2026

Tech Revolution Africa is currently accepting applications for its Connect NextGen Hackathon 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 20 Feb, 2026

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is currently accepting applications for the Mountain Book Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 19 Feb, 2026

Gladstone Regional Council is currently accepting applications for its Connected Communities Fund 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 19 Feb, 2026

Falling Walls Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Falling Walls Lab ScienceAbroad Israel 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 19 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Tusk Conservation Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this nomination and apply for it.
Date Posted: 18 Feb, 2026

Wells Fargo is currently accepting applications for the Elizabeth Hurlock Beckham Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 18 Feb, 2026

Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL) is currently accepting applications for its International Student Essay Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 18 Feb, 2026

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Gulbenkian Heritage Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 17 Feb, 2026
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.