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.

Applcations are currently being accepted for The Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition for Young People 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 08 May, 2026

The World Academy of Science (TWAS) is currently accepting applications for its Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 08 May, 2026

The World Academy of Science (TWAS) is currently accepting applications for its Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2026

The World Academy of Science (TWAS) is currently accepting applications for its Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2026

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is currently accepting applications for its Doctoral Award (Cohort 3) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2026

Lundbeck Foundation is currently accepting applications for The Brain Prize 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Xposure International Photography Festival Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Absa Group L'Atelier Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Lundbeck Foundation Talent Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2026

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Hilton Humanitarian Prize 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the ShinHan Postcard Art Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2026

Applications are cuurently being accepted for the ABP Journalism Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 May, 2026

Applications are currently accepting applications for its Next Generation Foresight Practitioners (NGFP) Young Voices Award for Young People with Impactful Projects 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Global Peace Photo Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Japan International Manga Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the European Voice Assembly (EVA) Turkey 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2026

Africa Centre for Energy Policy is currently accepting applications for its Future of Energy Conference (FEC) Innovation Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 May, 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.