International competitions students can still enter in 2026
If you are searching for international competitions students can still enter now, this list brings together open prizes, challenges and scholarship competitions with deadlines from late August through December 2026. Some offer cash awards, some fund research or business growth, and some give global visibility.
Because these opportunities cover different fields, they can suit high school students, young founders, photographers, writers, designers and doctoral applicants. Check the dates carefully, choose the one that matches your work, and submit before the deadline.
1. RAEng Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027
The RAEng Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2027 is a strong option if you are building an engineering solution for local challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. It is designed for scalable ideas with commercial potential, and up to four awardees will pitch live for a chance to win £50,000 to support their business. That mix of funding and visibility makes it especially valuable.
2. Cengiz Bektaş Şiir Ödülü
The Cengiz Bektaş Şiir Ödülü is worth entering if you write poetry in Turkish and want both recognition and financial support. The prize includes a monetary award, public announcement during a dedicated program, and travel and accommodation covered by the organizers. For poets, that combination of respect and practical support is a rare and useful opportunity.
3. AU–EU Partnership (#AUEU25) Through Our Lens Photography Competition 2025
The #AUEU25 Through Our Lens Photography Competition is a good fit for young photographers who want their work seen by a wider audience. It focuses on images that reflect AU EU partnership impact and collaboration, with top finalists potentially exhibited in Addis Ababa and possibly Brussels. Online showcases and promotion through AU and EU channels add real visibility.
4. Warwick Doctoral College PGR Scholarship Competitions
The Warwick Doctoral College PGR Scholarship Competitions are highly attractive if you want full doctoral support in the UK. A single application can place you in consideration for multiple funding opportunities, which saves time and broadens your chances. Successful applicants receive full tuition coverage, a living stipend, and researcher development support, making this a major package.
5. Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026
The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is ideal if you lead a youth driven project or startup with social impact. It offers up to 15,000 USD per award, plus free founder support, access to a global community, and additional opportunities. If you need funding and practical backing, this is a strong and timely option.
6. 1 million Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science stands out because it recognizes research with major real world potential. The overall winner receives USD 1 million, and three finalists get USD 250,000 each, which is exceptional support for work across pharmacological, psychological, social and digital interventions. If your research could help mental health care, this is a prize to watch.
7. Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is one of the strongest choices for high school students doing original research. It is built for independent scientific investigations and offers national recognition and prizes through the Society for Science. If you already have a serious project, this competition can help put your work in front of a major audience.
8. Decanter 2026 Wine Photography Competition
The Decanter 2026 Wine Photography Competition is a useful opening for photographers who enjoy visual storytelling around wine. It welcomes both professional and amateur entries across categories such as vineyard panoramas, food pairings, and creative abstract work. Multiple winner and finalist announcements mean good exposure, even if you are not the top prizewinner.
9. Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026 is a great match for students aged 13 to 18 who can explain science clearly and creatively. You create an original video about life sciences, physics, or mathematics, and the prizes include a post-secondary scholarship, a science lab for your school, and a teacher prize. It rewards both understanding and communication.
10. Andreu Uluslararası Tasarım Yarışması
The Andreu World International Design Competition is a solid choice if you design furniture and care about sustainability. It invites proposals that are innovative and suitable for industrial production, with cash prizes and special mentions for strong entries. The requirement for a scaled prototype makes it practical for students and emerging designers who can show a real product idea.
These open competitions can help you win funding, build a portfolio, and get your work seen by international judges and audiences. Pick the one that fits your skills best, prepare a clear application, and do not wait until the last day. Deadlines can change, so always check the official page before you submit.