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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.
Applications are currently open for the LVMH Prize for young Fashion Designers 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Merck Group Innovation Cup 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Dec, 2025
UNESCO-UNEVOC is currently accepting applications for its Global Awards for Innovation in TVET 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Dec, 2025
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is currently accepting applications for its World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Dec, 2025
International Photography Awards (IPA) has opened applications for its Photography Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Dec, 2025
Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) is currently accepting applications for its Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Dec, 2025
FilmFreeway is currently accepting applications for its Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 08 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Istanbul Photo Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Dec, 2025
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is currently accepting applications for its Media Africa Local Journalism Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it
Date Posted: 04 Dec, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Join Forces & Dare (JFD) The Margaret Awards - Women in Tech and AI Innovation Opportunity 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Dec, 2025
Afritondo has opened applications for its Short Story Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Dec, 2025
Action For Nature is currently accepting applications for its International Young Eco-Hero Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Nov, 2025
Immerse Education is currently accepting applications for its Essay Competition 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it
Date Posted: 28 Nov, 2025
New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) is currently accepting applications for its Breakthru Startup Pitch Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Nov, 2025
Varkey Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Global Schools Prize 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 21 Nov, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Pitch Labs: Pitch Fest Winter 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 19 Nov, 2025
Canva Africa is currently accepted applications for its Design Challenge 2025, Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply with it.
Date Posted: 19 Nov, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Snowflake Startup Challenge 2026, Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 17 Nov, 2025
The Royal Commonwealth Society has opened applications for Help us name our 2026 Commonwealth Ocean Youth Photography Competition. Interered applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Nov, 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.