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Competitions

Taking part in competitions is a fantastic way to enhance your CV, raise your profile with employers and gain valuable skills while having fun. You could even win an internship or a cash prize.

About competitions

Getting involved in competitions has many benefits: you can build connections, enhance your CV and gain the skills that employers look for.

There are lots of national and international competitions open to students - we've listed some of these by sector below. Deadlines are staggered throughout the year, so check each competition for up-to-date information.

Competitions across sectors

See the following websites to find competitions across sectors:

  • targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards – a national competition with a wide range of categories recognising different student groups and career interests. Applicants typically complete application questions and may take part in assessments. Successful candidates may receive opportunities such as internships, mentoring and employer engagement.
  • Your Entrepreneurs Scheme  - a global competition designed for postgraduate researchers and early career academics to explore how research ideas can be commercialised. Participants work in teams to develop a hypothetical business and pitch their concept, focusing on entrepreneurship, teamwork and communication.
  • The Royal Society International Collaboration Awards - an international opportunity supporting early career researchers to develop partnerships across countries. Applications are based on research proposals, with selected candidates supported to build collaborative projects.
  •  The Pitch: Our Prizes - a national competition for entrepreneurs and start-ups. Entrants submit an application and, if shortlisted, pitch their ideas to industry professionals. Finalists are offered exposure, feedback and mentoring opportunities
Built environment, engineering and technology

Built environment

Find competitions on these following websites:

  • 120 hours - global architecture competition for students (individuals and teams of up to 3). Assignments are released then you have 120 hours to work on your submission. Usually opens in March each year.
  • Light of Tomorrow by Velux - biennial competition for students of architecture. Registration open in September every second year and close the following April.
  • Infrastructure as a System - global competition, designing a fictional infrastructure project. Open to students from various backgrounds including architecture and urban planning.
  • Inspireli - design competition with a architectural and urban design category with cash prizes.

Engineering

Find competitions on these following websites:

  • targetjobs: Engineering Undergraduate of the Year - win a unique, one week work experience at BAE Systems. You'll also be place with an engineering leader as your mentor for when you are back at university. Applications close in February each year and winners are announced in April.
  • Formula Student - design, build and develop a single seater racing car for competition. Registration usually opens between October - December, with the live event taking place in July.
  • YES Competition - global business plan competition for postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers. Applications typically open in May and close in September each year.
  • UK SEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) - run various competitions throughout the year. Check website for deadlines.

IT

Find competitions on these following websites:

  • targetjobs: Software Engineering Undergraduate of the Year - win a paid 12 week internship with Skyscanner in London or Edinburgh. Includes networking opportunities with senior colleagues plus £500 to spend on travel. Applications close in February and the winners will be announced in 21 April.
  • Microsoft Imagine Cup - annual global student technology competition. In a team of 4, you'll create a technology solution to problems facing the world today - and maybe even turn your idea into a business. Registration opens in October for next year's competition.
  • Kaggle - data science and machine learning competitions, some with prizes. Ongoing, check website for deadlines.
  • Bank of England Innovation Competition - create a short video or a presentation on a fintech question. Win a paid data or technology internship. Open to all students studying in the UK. Applications close in January.
Business and finance

Find competitions on these following websites:

  • targetobs: Undergraduate of the Year - various award categories each partnered with an employer, offering prizes such as a place on their graduate programme, summer internships, mentoring, and prize money.
  • Universities Business Challenge - students work in teams in a series of realistic, simulated companies, making critical business decisions that affect the company's performance. Open to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
  • Financial Modelling World Cup - competitions held throughout the year. Prizes for the winner of the full world cup season and stage winners. 
  • Cleantech Challenge (CTC)- annual global innovation and business plan competition. Serves as a launch pad for cleantech business ideas. Pitch a business idea and collaborate during a two-day boot-camp. Win prize funding toward developing your business. 
  • The Pitch - independent pitching competition that helps start-ups pitch to industry experts and investors. 
  • Bank of England Innovation Competition - create a video or a presentation on a fintech question for a chance to win a paid internship.  
  • The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland's Tom Morrison Essay Prize - annual competition aimed at students or graduates interested in careers in governance. 
Law and politics

Find competitions on these following websites:

  • The Future Lawyer of the Year Award 2026- a national competition aimed at students interested in legal careers. Participants respond to a legal challenge, demonstrating critical thinking, creativity and ethical awareness. The award provides recognition from legal professionals and organisations.
  • The Times Law Awards Essay Competition- a national essay competition open to students with an interest in law. Entrants submit a written response to a set question, with shortlisted candidates reviewed by senior figures in the legal profession and media. There is the opportunity to win a cash prize and have your entry read by the Lord Chancellor, senior members of the judiciary and the editor of The Times. 
Media, creative and cultural, and languages

Marketing

Find competitions on these following websites. Check website details for opening and closing dates. 

Creative arts, design & fashion

Find competitions on these following websites. Check website details for opening and closing dates. 

Journalism, writing & publishing

Find competitions on these following websites. Check website details for opening and closing dates. 

Media

Find competitions on these following websites. Check website details for opening and closing dates. 

Music & performing arts

Find competitions on these following websites. Check website details for opening and closing dates. 

Science & health

Find competitions on these following websites:

Environment, marine, animal and agriculture

Find competitions on these following websites:

  • Schneider Go Green (Europe) - annual global student competition for sustainable energy solutions. Open to students of business, engineering, marketing, science or innovation. Work in teams of 2-4 to compete for a team cash prize and mentoring from Schneider. 
  • Cleantech Challenge (CTC)- annual global innovation and business plan competition, serving as a launch pad for cleantech business ideas. Pitch a business idea and collaborate during a two-day boot-camp. Win a cash prize toward developing your business. 
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