Free Journalism & Student Journalism Awards – The Complete List

We believe that no one should have to pay for entry to journalism awards or competitions. That’s why we only round-up ones that are free to enter, covering all stages of your career from student journalism competitions to some of the highest awards for established journalists in the UK and beyond.

We aim to update this list at least once a week, but we’re a tiny team, so if something isn’t right, do get in touch.

We’ll show awards which are open in green, and ones we know are definitely opening on time in orange. Awards left in black are based on last year’s dates. We love tip-offs too, so do let us know of any good opportunities!

Don’t forget, you can also find up-to-date guides on journalism graduate schemes, funding, apprenticeships, and freelance rates if you need them.

Last updated: December 3

December

American Association for Cancer Research June L Biedler for Cancer Journalism — Closes December 8
A free-to-enter awards stream for journalists spearheading investigations into cancer. Potential to win a US$5,000 cash prize.

European Press Prize — Closes December 14
Four awards and a ‘special award’ are available. The special award grants €10,000 to the winners for a project that may enrich journalism.

The CIVIS Media Prize – Closes December 31
Up to €27,000 awards for work focused on migration, integration, diversity, and democratic culture.

The Photography Foundation Awards 2025 – Closes December 31
Everyone gets one free entry to the awards, which have categories including black and white, landscapes, music, social documentary, and more. 

Tenacious Journalist Awards 2026 – Closes December 31
The 2026 Tenacious Journalist Awards offer ten £10,000 grants and mentoring to UK journalists and small news outlets delivering impactful public interest reporting. Open to applicants under £2m turnover, the scheme highlights journalism driving social change.

IRN Awards for News Radio – Opens for Entries December 8
The student category for best news or sport is open to all.

The Allard Prize Photography Competition — Expected To Open In December 2025
Win CA$1,000 for photography which focuses on anti-corruption and human rights.

BBC New Voices 2026 – Expected To Reopen in December 2025
A competition to find the new voices of sports commentary; all you need is a passion for sport and to love talking about it.

The Classical Association Write | Speak | Design  – Expected to Reopen in Winter 2025
Win a share of £2,000 in prize money by writing a response to one of this year’s themes.

University of Oxford Philip Geddes Memorial Prizes – Expected to Reopen in Winter 2025
The Geddes Trust awards £6,500 of journalism prizes to University students in Hilary Term.

January

The Sigma Awards for Data Journalism – Closes January 11
To reward exceptional data journalism across several categories, winning US$5,000 and speaking opportunities in our online events.

The Hatchette Children’s Novel Awards – Closes January 12
A £3000 cash prize on offer for unpublished manuscripts covering children’s novels. This also includes a nine-month programme of mentoring opportunities with Hachette Children’s Group. 

Sony World Photography Awards (Professional Category) — Closes January 13
The winner in the professional category will receive a cash prize of US$25,000.

Megacities Shortdocs  – Closes January 16
People who live in a megacity (including London) are invited to submit a short documentary of up to four minutes, which raises awareness of urban challenges and solutions. The winner will receive a trip to Paris and US$1,667.

FluxusMuseum Prize for Experimental Video 2026 – Closes January 16
A call for proposals demonstrating experimental works! Submitted films should be a maximum of 25 minutes, with no minimum length. Prize money is rewarded at increments to participants throughout successive stages of the competition. 

World Press Photo Digital Storytelling Contest — Closes January 17
Winners will receive €1,000, and the winner of World Press Photo of the Year will receive €10,000. 

Sony World Photography Awards (Open Competition) — Closes January 26
An opportunity to win a cash prize of up to US$5,000, photography equipment, and an opportunity to showcase your work at the World Photo London exhibition.

Sandford St. Martin 2026 Awards – Closes January 30
Various awards on offer here for pieces covering religion, ethics, belief and spirituality content across journalism, audio, video, and young audience categories. Open to programmes first aired in 2025, the free-to-enter awards require online registration by January 30, 2026.

The Hillman Prizes – Closes January 30
Prizes of US$5,000 for investigative journalism must have been widely accessible to a US audience.

Amnesty Media Awards — Closes January 30
Amnesty Awards are open to UK journalists across various mediums and celebrate excellence in human rights journalism.

Whickers Film & TV Funding Award – Closes January 30
Funding of £120,000 and £25,000 for emerging filmmakers to direct their first non-fiction film of 50 minutes or more.

The AFJA Grand Prize for Journalism in Agriculture and Food Production – Closes January 31
This annual award honours French press card journalists for excellence in reporting on agriculture, food, rurality, or the environment. Up to €2,000 (£1,730) available, split across written and audiovisual categories.

Statistical Excellence in Journalism Award – Opens for Entries January 1
Four awards recognising the value of using statistics in journalism.  

Association of British Science Writers — Expected To Reopen January 1
Free to enter for ABSW members, with prizes of up to £1,000 for winners.

Dr Katherine Giles Award For The Best Popular Article By A Scientist Or Engineer – Expected To Reopen January 1
Part of the ABSW awards and comes with a £500 prize for the winner. Free to enter if you are a member of the Association of British Science Writers.

IPG Independent Publishing Awards – Expected To Reopen January 1
12 different awards to recognise the achievements of independent publishers in the UK and Ireland.

Northern Writers’ Awards, Round 1 – Expected To Reopen January 2026
Win a book deal and professional development, with advances and bursaries of £2-5,000 on offer.

Women’s Prize Trust: Writer Development Programme – Expected To Reopen in January 2026
This competition invites unpublished and unagented women to submit the opening of a novel in English to win an offer of representation, £5,000, and mentoring.

TRACE Prize for Investigative Reporting: Uncovering Commercial Bribery – Expected To Reopen in January 2026
These two $10,000 prizes recognise journalism that uncovers business-related bribery and financial crime.

February

New Media Writing Prize, Student Award — Closes February 1
Prizes of between £500-1,000 for the best digital storytelling. The best student writer will win either a creative writing course or a year’s magazine subscription.

NASW Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards – Closes February 1
The NASW Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards celebrate outstanding science writing from institutions and organisations, offering prizes for short-form and long-form entries. Each winning team or individual receives £2,000.

Livingston Award for Young Journalists – Closes February 1
An award for journalists under 35 who submit works relating to current events, or provide new information about old events. A total of US$10,000 will be allocated to three journalists.

W&A Working-Class Writers’ Prize 2026 – Closes February 13
Open to working-class writers writing in all genres. The winner will receive a place on Arvon Residential Writing Week, worth £985.

Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award – Closes February 23
Win US$15,000 plus research privileges and office space in New York.

Observer/Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism – Closes February 28
A competition set out to uncover the best new writing about any of the arts. The first prize is £3,000 plus publication of the winning piece in the Observer New Review and online. Two runners-up will win £500 each. Entry is free to those on low incomes.

International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) Photo Contest – Closes for Nominations February 28
Submit 12 examples of your photojournalism to show the range of your work. Prize money of US$20,000.

The Hugo Young Award (Category 19 – 25) – Closed February 2
Formerly known as the Hugo Young Award, this could be your chance to showcase your talent in political journalism. You will receive £1000 in cash, and you’ll have the opportunity to shadow a Guardian journalist to sharpen your craft.

The Emerging Voices Awards (16 – 18) – Closed February 15
Formerly known as the Hugo Young Award, this gives you the chance to place your political journalism on the stage! Open to candidates aged 16-25 from state school backgrounds, the winner will receive £100 in book vouchers, a digital subscription to the Guardian for one year, access to a Guardian Masterclass and a trophy presented at The Guardian’s annual event.

The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize – Closed February 15
The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize will recognize a significant contribution to press freedom, especially in high-risk areas.The recipient will be recognized during a World Press Freedom Day ceremony on May 3, 2024. Moreover, they will receive an award totalling US$25,000.

The Wincott Awards – Closed February 28
Those under the age of 30 at the end of 2024 can win up to £5,000 for business, economics and finance work. Entries are open for seven different awards. 

Festival of Migrant Film Competition – Closed February 28
International filmmakers, video artists and activists are invited to submit their films and video works of any genre, length or year of production. All entries must be submitted with English or Slovenian subtitles. 

March 

Future Worlds Prize – Closes March 1
A prize for unpublished Fantasy and Science Fiction writers of colour. First prize offers a total of £4,500 in cash. 

Big Picture Competition – Closes March 1
The competition is open to all photographers worldwide. The photographs submitted should focus on nature, wildlife, and conservation. The grand prize is US$5,000, while first-place entries across the seven categories will win US$1,000, respectively.

GG2 Leadership Awards, Young Journalist of the Year – Closes March 25
Rewarding excellence in Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities. For those under the age of 35.

We Are The City Rising Stars Awards – Closed March 3
Open to female talent, the Rising Stars Awards recognises and celebrates 100 role models across a variety of industries, including media and PR.

Washington Post Stern Fellowship – Closed March 3
A three-month fellowship for experienced journalists at the Washington Post.

Young Science Writer of the Year Award – Closed March 7
An opportunity for talented writers aged 14-16 years to submit an 800-word essay on any science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics subject. 

Publisher Podcast Award – Closed March 14
Open to publishing companies, who publish English content in at least one other medium alongside the podcast. 

Osborn Elliott Prize for Excellence in Journalism on Asia– Closed March 17
Media outlets covering the Asia Pacific can compete for the US$10,000 Osborn Elliott Prize for Excellence in Journalism, honouring outstanding reporting published in English during 2024.

BBC World News Komla Dumor Award – Closed March 20
An award for an exceptional storyteller based in Africa, with strong journalism skills, on-air flair, and an exceptional talent in telling African stories. The winner will receive £2,000 per month, covering the living expenses of a three-month placement. There is also a one-off payment of £5,000 as a contribution towards loss of salary in their home country.

Sony Positive Influence Mentoring Programme – Closed March 27
Sony Positive Influence offers a six-month mentoring program with Sony for media enthusiasts interested in music, gaming, film, or tech careers, providing one-on-one mentoring, network access, and event invitations.

The AOP Award for Inspiring Local Journalism, Digital Publishing Awards – Closed March 27
This category, sponsored by Google News, is free to enter and supports inspiring local journalism. The recipient will have to prove to the board that their work illustrates that investigative and campaigning journalism is alive and well in the UK’s communities.

Aerospace Media Awards – Closed March 28
Over twenty fascinating categories on offer here for writers in the aerospace industry. All free to enter, with one nomination per category.

Printing Charity Rising Stars Award 2025 – Closed March 30
Awards up to £1500 for emerging talent to invest in personal skills development and training.

Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE) – Closed March 31
A funding stream set to support talented 18-30-year-olds to create positive impacts through social enterprise. There will be five winners in total, with a £60,000 prize fund and £100,000 worth of business support.

Covering Climate Now Awards – Closed March 31
Inviting journalists from around the world and across newsroom beats to submit their work as exemplary coverage of the defining story of our time is celebrated. 

Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness – Closed March 31
This prize rewards evidence-led reporting and/or commentary on homelessness in all its forms. Free to enter and worth £3000 to the winner. Shortlists announced in May. The Orwell Prizes uphold the aims and values of the author and journalist George Orwell (1903-1950). 

Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award – Closed March 31
Prizes of €1,200, €500 and €250 for journalists based in Europe and the Mediterranean.  This prize is set out to encourage journalistic coverage of religion, covering peace and conflict, interfaith conflicts, arts and society, and the intersection of politics with religion.

The Golden Turtle Awards – Closed March 31
Individual prizes of up to US$2,000 for projects showcasing ethical wildlife photography.

The Orwell Prizes for Journalism — Closed March 31
For sustained reportage or commentary across the year in any medium. Free to enter and worth £3000 to the winner. Shortlists announced in May. The Orwell Prizes uphold the aims and values of the author and journalist George Orwell (1903-1950). 

April

Kent Press & Broadcast Awards — Closed April 4
15 categories for journalism produced by individuals and websites in Kent.

Mary Mulvihill Award -— Closed April 6
Awards €2,000 to a student at a HE institution in Ireland for work about science and industry. This year’s theme is ‘Life’.

Dive Photo Guide United Nations World Oceans Day 2024 Photography Competition — Closed April 6
Six competitions are open for submission, accepting entries focusing on the challenges and the importance of the ocean and humankind’s relation to it.

Young Sports Journalist Competition — Closed April 9
The Young Sports Journalist Competition 2025, seeks well-argued articles from aspiring journalists aged 14-21. Winning entries will be published online and printed in the Summer Issue of Pitch. There is also a £50 cash prize on offer, as well as valuable work experience.

Edinburgh TV Festival Ones to Watch 2024 — Closed April 11
An innovative award scheme gives television’s future best and brightest access to inspiring sessions, creative debate, unrivaled networking opportunities, and mentorship.

Nature Writing Prize for Working Class Authors – Closed April 19
A free-to-enter prize for UK working-class writers to receive: a one year’s free membership to Campaign for National Parks; a £300 paid commission to write a National Parks inspired piece for Viewpoint Magazine;  an Arvon course; one-hour mentoring sessions with a Gaia commissioner and a book bundle from Octopus Publishing Group.

FarmED Chelsea Green Writers Prize 2024 – Closed April 19
Entrants for this prize should write up to 1,500 words about any subject across the spectrum of ecological food, farming and the environment. Prizes include a ‘library’ of Chelsea Green titles worth £500, plus an exclusive one-to-one session with Muna Reyal.

Think Prize, The Royal Institute of Philosophy — Closed April 22
The Royal Institute of Philosophy has opened submissions for its inaugural essay competition for the ‘Think’ journal. Open to students worldwide between 16-18 and in full-time education, essays of up to 1,200 words can explore themes like machine thinking, the morality of meat consumption, or the nature of reality, with the winning entry published in Think and other prizes awarded.

Restless Development The Safe Photography Project – Closed April 22
This photography project will take twelve young creatives under their wing to explore themes surrounding youth safety. A stipend up to US$1250 is on offer for training, and global exposure.

Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award — Closed April 30
The award will recognize and support reporting and writing from experienced science journalists, awarding up to US$20,000. Interested applicants must submit three to five published clips or other work samples illustrating their best work.

National Trust Space + Time Award – Closed April 30
The Time + Space Award offers winners up to £5,000 in a bespoke package, including guided tours, mentoring, tools, resources, and support to explore and develop their big idea in science, art, society, or nature, with all expenses covered by the National Trust.

May

The Royal Statistical Society, Statistical Excellence in Journalism Awards – Closed May 6
To reward excellence in using statistics to question, analyse and investigate the issues that affect society.

National Diversity Awards – Closed May 14
Celebrates the excellent achievements of grassroots communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, recognising them for their dedication and hard work.

Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award – Closed May 16
The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award recognises professional women photographers who document important social, environmental, economic or cultural issues. One overall winner will receive £3,000 towards an ongoing project.

Travel Media Awards – Closed May 16
Open to all travel writers, broadcasters and photographers, the Awards is a true barometer of the travel media sector.

Global Peace Photo Award – Closed May 18
Formerly known as The Alfred Fried Photography Award, photographers can win €7,000 for work showcasing human efforts for a peaceful world.

Vilnius Short Film Festival – Closed May 31
Grants for short films lasting 30 minutes, covering fiction. documentary, and many other genres. English subtitles required for non-English language films. 

The Global Young Journalist Awards — Expected to open May
The Global Young Journalist Awards is an accessible competition that allows young people to tell their story about an issue that matters to them, in a medium of their choice.

June

Bayeux Calvados-Normandy award for war correspondents — Closed June 5
€7,000 prizes for radio, photography, and television reporting about a conflict situation or the defence of freedom.

Northern Writers’ Awards, Round 2 – Closed June 9
Win a book deal and professional development, with advances and bursaries of £2-5,000 on offer.

The Times Richard Beeston Bursary 2025 – Closed June 9
A bursary for aspiring foreign correspondents at the beginning of their career. Total of £6,000 to be used spending six weeks abroad, researching and reporting on a foreign news story for The Times.

Prix Albert Londres Prize – Closed June 12
Three separate prizes for French-speaking journalists aged 40 or under. Includes prizes for print, book entries and broadcast.

The Hugh Cudlipp Student Award — Closed June 14
The £1,500 prize, sponsored by The Daily Mirror, is given to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to journalism for an article, or series of articles, or video, exploring an issue of public interest or concern which, in the Cudlipp tradition, exemplifies lucid and graphic communication to a popular audience.

PLURAL+ UN Youth Video Festival Competition  — Closed June 15
Submit a video on migration, diversity or social inclusion for the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival and you could be flown out to collect the award.

Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism — Closed June 15
The three Award categories recognise the journalists most admired by Kurt: freelancers, local reporters and news fixers. Winners will receive a US$5,000.

Women in Film and Television Awards – Closed June 16
This award celebrates the achievements of women in the industry across 14 categories including Director, Writer, Producer, Business and Contribution to the Medium.​ Free to enter and people can vote across multiple categories. 

Press Gazette Future of Media Awards — Closed June 19
Rewarding work which brings quality journalism to audiences, for example, innovative product launches, digital strategies, and new storytelling methods.

East London Scholarship Scheme – Closed June 26
The East London Scholarship scheme is open to UK-based students interested in studying full or part-time taught graduate degree programmes. Eligibility is based on financial need and specific evidence of having lived or studied in east London. 

International News Media Association 30 Under 30s – Closed June 27
INMA aims to find 30 rising stars in news media with early career achievements! Winners will receive global recognition in a virtual announcement, a certificate of recognition, a social media badge, free access to two INMA virtual masterclasses and a 12-month membership in INMA.

FAB Prize for Undiscovered Writers and Illustrators of Colour, Fabian & Fabian – Closes June 28
This is an opportunity for previously unpublished (not excluding self-published) Black, Asian, and non-white minority ethnic background writers and illustrators to platform their work. The winner will receive a cash prize of £1,500, a place on the Faber Academy writing course, a one-year membership to the AOI (Illustration), and the opportunity to shadow already established authors and illustrators on virtual school visits.

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards – Closed June 30
Got a hilarious animal photo hiding in your folders? This free, globally renowned competition celebrates the hilarity of the natural world, while outlining the moves we need to take to protect it. The overall winner will receive a one-week safari in Kenya for two people with Alex Walker’s Serian, and other prizes.

Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for Young Science Journalist — Closed June 30
US$1,000 and expenses paid trip to ScienceWriters2024. Must be under 30, producing print/online science journalism.

July

Banff Centre Mountain Book Competition — Closed July 3
A total of US$29,000 in cash prizes on offer for candidates submitting mountain literature. There are eight categories: adventure travel, mountain fiction and poetry, guidebooks, mountain imagery, mountain articles, mountain literature, environmental literature, and climbing literature.

MMC Young Female Broadcaster of the Year – Closed July 3
Are you a young, female presenter with oodles of enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge? Send in your audio or showreel for MMC’s Young Female Broadcaster of the Year. The winner will be invited to cover The Hundred Final at Lord’s as part of the UK Sky Sports team.

European Journalism Centre Climate Journalism Award – Closed July 5
Prizes of up to €2,400 across five different categories of environmental journalism: data; storytelling and solutions; investigative reporting; visualisations and emerging talent. 

#Youth4Regions – Closed July 5
The European Commission programme helps journalism students and young journalists discover what the EU is doing in their region. You’ll receive training and mentorship, work with renowned journalists, visit the EU headquarters, take part in press trips, and have your accommodation, food, and expenses covered.

UK Social Enterprise Awards 2025 – Closed July 7
Fifteen awards to celebrate the contributions made by social enterprises addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, equity and justice.

WeAreTechWomen100 Awards – Closed July 7
Although this award focuses on celebrating women in tech, it also applies to technical journalism/production roles.

Rory Peck Award – Closed July 10
Four categories to enter here, to celebrate outstanding work produced by freelance journalists and filmmakers worldwide. Free entry available to those in financial need.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Words Of The Wild – Closed July 12
This year’s competition has a theme of from source to see, inviting stories of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places. There are more than £2,000 wildlife prizes to be won. 

Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize – Closed July 14
Entrants are invited to submit one unpublished review of a contemporary art exhibition, between 800-1,000 words. The winner will receive £1,000 and have their review published in the Burlington Contemporary. There is also a chance to review future art pieces with the magazine. 

Sundance Institute Documentary Fund – Closed July 14
A funding pool which supports work that has expressed the world in “creative, complex, beautiful, and provocative ways.” Applications from underrepresented communities are encouraged.

AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards – Closed July 15
An award recognising excellence in science, engineering and mathematics. Open to journalists across the globe who foster a better public understanding of science through content. Awards up to US$5,000.

Save The Children Global Media Awards – Closed July 20
Journalists passionate about children’s rights, this is your chance to enter the Global Media Awards. Two categories on offer here: wo categories: local/regional media and international outlets/wires. Winners will receive a trophy, personalised certificate, and an exclusive Save the Children press trip.

Earth Investigations Journalism Grants – Closed July 20
Grants for cross-border teams across Europe, worth €400,000 in total. Projects must be published in two outlets in two different countries, and must be related to environmental affairs. 

True Story Award – Closed July 22
An international contest, where 36 entrants will be invited to attend an award ceremony in August 2025 in Bern, Switzerland. Winners in the three available categories will be awarded with US$20,000. 

Sutton Trust Alumni Awards – Closed July 25
Five categories to reward people who have taken part in Sutton Trust programmes in the past, from rising stars to outstanding achievement. 

Michael Joseph’s PMJ Undiscovered Writers’ Prize – Closed July 25
Submit the first 5,000 words of your story, alongside a pitch, to Penguin Random House’s PMJ Undiscovered Writers Prize. This is an opportunity for an unpublished, underrepresented romance writer to grab with a publishing contract with Penguin Michael Joseph worth at least £10,000.

Human Rights and Religious Freedom Awards – Closed July 25
Global journalists reporting on human rights and religious freedom can compete for IAMC’s Journalism Awards, offering US$599 and a plaque. Categories include text, photo, video, and young journalists.

Writing on the Wall Pulp Idol 2025 – Closed July 18
Liverpool’s longest-running novel writing competition, Pulp Idol, is now open for submissions for 2025! Aspiring novelists across the Liverpool City Region can submit their first chapter for a chance to get published and featured in the Pulp Idol 2025 anthology, offering exposure to top literary agents and publishers.

Amnesty International Canada Media Awards –  Closed July 30
A media awards body celebrating and recognising human rights reporting by Canadian and Canada-based journalists. Entries must have been published or broadcast in Canada between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism – Closed July 31
A €20,000 (US$21,044) prize which rewards outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union. These include topics protecting human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights.

The World of Interiors Writing Competition – Closed July 31
This year’s theme is ‘One Lasting Thing’ and writers are invited to send a 500-word piece about one object they would save from a burning building. Open to those from both the UK and the US and offering a six-month mentoring prize.

August

Watch Docs Human Rights in Film International Festival – Closed August 1
A free-to-enter, open invite for worldwide documentarians to submit films centred on human rights issues. Submissions in English or Polish with English subtitles.

AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards – Closes August 1
Numerous categories on offer, ranging from science reporting for large outlets to children’s science reporting. There are two awards in each category: Gold, with a prize of US$5,000, and Silver, with a prize of US$3,500. 

Journalism Science Alliance Award – Closes August 4
This brand new scheme grants up to €50,000 to support investigative journalism projects utilising science. Training and mentorship is also on the cards, as well as the opportunity to collaborate within a cross-border peer network. 

Society of Editors Media Freedom Award – Closes August 11
Open to journalists and news organisations from various platforms, the Media Freedom Award celebrates excellence in public interest and campaign journalism.

One World Media Fellowship – Closes August 20
A fellowship open to journalists and filmmakers worldwise who report on issues in the global south. Up to £1,000 in grant funds available if successful. 

Nosakhari Film Festival 2025 – Closed August 20
Showcasing a selection of films that inspire, innovate, and drive change in the community.

Asian Media Awards – Closes August 22
Dedicated to recognising Asian journalists across the media, who highlight race relations and human rights issues.

#Merky Books New Writers’ Prize – Closes August 26
Are you an unpublished writer aged 16-35? This scheme with Penguin Random House aims to equip you with everything you need to get published.

RPS Young Classical Writers Prize – Closes August 29
Up to £500 on offer for outstanding writing on classical music. This is open to anyone aged 16-25.

Freelance Journalism Awards – Closes August 29
Run by Freelancing for Journalists, there are six categories to enter, each with a £100 prize.

Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize for Courage in Journalism – Closes August 30
Calling all courageous journalists and photojournalists! Apply now for the Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize for Courage in Journalism, offering a €10,000 award to support your impactful work.

Ian Parry Scholarship – Closes August 31
Two awards of £10,000 to help young photographers and photography students undertake a documentary project.

Action Against Hunger Scholarship – Closes August 31
This is a scholarship for photographers, content creators, and videographers! The winner will receive a prize of €10,000 while receiving mentorship and guidance to develop “multimedia language in the humanitarian field.” Application form is in French.

September

Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 – Opens for Entries September 1, 2026
A free-to-enter competition for citizens of the Commonwealth for unpublished fiction. Overall winner will receive £5,000, and regional winners will each receive £2,500. All winning stories will be published on Granta.

Professional Excellence Prizes for Foreign Journalists – Closes September 1
For USA-based journalists working in various media formats. Winners will receive an award of excellence and US$2,000-5,000.

Sheikh Zayed Book Award – Closes September 1
Publishers, writers, researchers and translators across the Arab region can compete for The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, which is worth over US$1,900,000 annually. Categories are vast, including children’s literature, publishing and technology, and young author amongst many others. 

The Reelworld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 – Closes September 1
An annual competition for the 30 best young talents in radio and audio.

Travel Connection Awards 12 Awards of Christmas – Closes September 1
Open to everyone, these awards recognize the hard work accomplished by people in the travel industry. Twelve categories are on offer, including best mentor, unsung hero, and more! 

Foreign Press Correspondents USA Scholarship Program – Closes September 1
This annual scholarship supports foreign journalists studying in the USA to enhance their skill sets through graduate-level programs. Applicants must meet their visa requirements prior to submitting their application.

Fetisov Journalism Awards – Closes September 15
Organised by a Russian philanthropist called Gleb Fetisov, journalists can win up to US$10,400 for their coverage on peace, civil rights, investigative reporting and environmental journalism.

The British Journalism Awards 2025 – Closes September 25
The British Journalism Awards celebrates the best public interest journalism produced for a UK audience. The entry fee is waived under the Marie Colvin category to encourage greater diversity.

Postgrad.com Solutions Study Bursaries – Closes September 30
Up to £2000 in bursaries on offer to anyone about to commence study on any postgraduate course anywhere in the world. There are 15 bursaries available in total.

United Nations Correspondents Association Award – Closes September 30
Three categories to award the best of print, broadcast and climate change stories. Prizes amount to US$60,000.

Manuel Chaves Nogales International Journalism Award – Closes September 30
Up to €6,000 (£5,170) prizes for works in print, digital media, radio, television, and photography. Eligible entries must be Spanish-language pieces published or broadcast between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.

Francophone Fact-Checking Journalism Award – Expected to reopen September
French-speaking journalists who excel in fact-checking can apply for the Francophone Fact-Checking Journalism Award, offering £860 prizes in four specialist categories. 

Lorenzo Natali Journalism Prize – Expected to reopen September
Awards of EUR 10,000 for excellent reporting on sustainable development, gender equality, democracy and human rights worldwide.

Write to End Violence Against Women Awards – Expected to open Autumn 2026
A £450 bursary awarded to a new writer on violence against women.

SPA Regional Awards – Expected to open Autumn 2026
These awards recognise the best student work in the UK regions. They will take into account their overall relevance to their student community, the quality of content they produce, and the impact of their work. This is an annual opportunity and awards are held for each of the SPA’s eight regions: London, the North, the Midlands, the South East, the South West, Ireland & Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

October

ConnectHER Film Festival – Closed October 1
US$5,000 prizes for students under 25 who submit a film on global women’s issues.

Bloomsberg Academic Writing Fellowship – Closed October 1
This is an offer open to early career Black African or African Caribbean scholars in the UK support to develop their academic book ideas. The Fellowship includes £1000, mentorship, editorial assistance, and networking opportunities, with projects aligning to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

BCTJ Awards – Closed October 9
Open to students on a BCTJ-accredited course. Up to £500 on offer.

The Georgina Henry Award for Digital Innovation – Closed October 10
A £4,000 prize for innovative and impactful journalism, in honour of the late Guardian Deputy Editor, Georgina Henry. Read our guide to entries here.

Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2025 – Closed October 13
For photographers under 18. Submit your best travel images – winners can receive up to £500.

The Book Edit Writer’s Prize – Closed October 13
A writing competition for unpublished UK authors and novelists from underrepresented backgrounds. The winning writers will be invited to the showcase and will be given training on reading their work aloud with an online rehearsal. All entrants will receive advice on accessing mentorship. 

Iceland Writer’s Retreat Scholarship – Closed October 15
Partial and full funding are available on offer here for writers in financial need. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for refining their craft.

Political Podcast Awards 2026 – Closed October 15
This award celebrates political podcasters, interviewers and producers in the audio industry. Multiple categories on offer, including a brand new category: the Student Podcast Award.

The CIoJ Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026 – Closed October 30
The Chartered Institute of Young Journalists has eight categories to recognise rising stars in the world of journalism. Winners receive membership of the organisation, training, and advice.

November

Rupert Cornwell Award, The Independent – Closed November 1
Budding foreign correspondents can apply for a £5,000 bursary to support a journalistic project. The project must cover areas Rupert Cornwell covered, such as North America, Europe, and the territories of the former Soviet Union, provided the areas are not in conflict or unsafe.

Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration – Closed November 1
A month-long residency at Toronto Metropolitan University, providing opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers on a field project. You will also receive up to CAD$5,000 in support.

Free Press Awards – Closed November 2
Global awards for journalists who go to great lengths to ensure stories are told.

The Stuart Hall Essay Prize – Closed November 3
The winner will receive £2,000 to reward writing that connects ideas and impacts the public discourse. Writers must be aged 18–30 to enter.

International Sport Press Association 2025 Sport Media Awards – Closed November 4
An international competition seeking out the best sports writing, photography, audio, and video journalists across a variety of age groups and categories. First, second and third-place winners in the eight senior categories will receive US$5,000, US$3,000 and US$2,000, respectively.

SuperSizing Entertainment Formats Programme – Closed November 5
BBC and Screen Scotland are on the lookout for Scotland’s next show-stopping TV format! This experience offers hands-on training, creative development and access to top execs who know how to turn a bright idea into a primetime smash.

OKRE Thriller Lab – Closed November 7
Ran by the BBC, this is a development programme supporting writers and producers to create bold, science-based thrillers inspired by real-world research and lived experience. Over three months from January 2026, ten writer–producer duos will each receive £7,500 in funding, plus access to exclusive workshops, expert mentorship, and industry insight to help bring their ideas to life.

NCTJ Awards for Excellence – Closed November 12
Open to trainees and students on an NCTJ course and community reporters.

Happiful Poetry Prize 2026 – Closed November 14
A free-to-enter award for poetry exploring mental health and wellbeing topics in original and empowering ways. The winner will receive £100 and there are four prizes for runners-up. All five poems will be published in an upcoming issue of Happiful.

Pulitzer Centre Letter Writing Contest 2025 – Closed November 14
Calling all K-12 writers and creatives across the globe! Make your voice heard this autumn by writing a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue you want them to prioritise with your own solutions. First-place winners will receive US$300, and your letter will be published on the Pulitzer Center website.

Philip Meyer Journalism Award – Closed November 17
A contest that recognises the best social research journalism, the first place prize is US$500, the second is US$300 and the third is US$200. This award is only free for students.

Hatch New Founder Programmes — Closed November 30
Incubators for people looking to set up or grow sustainable businesses in a range of sectors. Bursary and subsided places are available.

Other Schemes

There are several other schemes we are aware have run in the past, but we cannot provide details of when or if they will re-open. We will provide new information as soon as it becomes available.

These schemes are:

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