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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.
International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is currently accepting applications for its Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Esri Young Scholars Award program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026
Toronto Metropolitan University is currently accepting applications for its International Student Leadership Award (ISLA) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026
University of Toronto is currently accepting applications for its Patricia and Peter Shannon Wilson Undergraduate Research Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the World Habitat Awards 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to elarn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026
TheirWorld is currently accepting applications for its Education Innovation Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Climate Investment Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it
Date Posted: 26 Jan, 2026
Government of Canada is currently accepting applications for its 9th Edition of International Policy Ideas Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Jan, 2026
International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is currently accepting applications for its Knight International Journalism Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Heirs Insurance Group Hackathon 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it
Date Posted: 21 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Milken–Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 21 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the World Intellectual Property Day Youth Video Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 20 Jan, 2026
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is currently accepting applications for its Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 17 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Vigdís Prize for Women's Empowerment 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 17 Jan, 2026
MIT Solve is currently accepting applications for the Macquarie Community Resilience Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Jan, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Jan, 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.