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.

Startup Abuja is currently accepting applications for its Startup Innovation Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Fulbright Student Award for Graduate Study in the U.S 2027-2028. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Mar, 2026

International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) is currently accepting applications for its Rising Stars Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Mar, 2026

Pulitzer Center is currently accepting applications for its Ninth Annual Fighting Words Poetry Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Awareness 360 Fellowship 2026. Interested applicant are enocouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Mar, 2026

Auckland Medical Research Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Sir Harcourt Caughey Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2026

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is currently accepting applications for its Banff Mountain Book Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2026

FotoDocument is currently accepting applications for the Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award for Professional Female Photographers 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2026

Mobius Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Youth for Earth Climate Solutions Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the South African Women in Science Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2026

MIT Solve is currently accepting applications for its 10th Anniversary Global Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2026

United Nations Human Rights is currently accepting applications for its Photography 4 Humanity/Fotografiska Global Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to clcik here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently beung 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 Mar, 2026

MyGov India is currently accepting applications for its International Day of Yoga 2026 - Yog Geet Jingle Contest. Interested applicants are enciuraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more abou this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the International Prize WE ARE TOGETHER Nominations 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the FINCA Ventures Prize Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2026

Nature Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Mike Bull Award in Australia 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Mar, 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.