The World Photography Organisation has officially opened entries for the 2027 Sony World Photography Awards Student Competition, providing a premier global platform for emerging talent.
This year’s participants are challenged to respond to a creative brief titled “Journeys,” seeking fresh perspectives on the concept of movement.
The “Journeys” brief encourages students to interpret the theme in its broadest sense, from the rites of passage in a child’s life to animal migrations or the shifting landscapes of modern cities.
Entrants are required to tell their story through a cohesive photographic series consisting of five to 10 individual images.
Funding and benefits
The rewards for excellence are significant, with the overall winner receiving a range of top-tier Sony Digital Imaging equipment.
Perhaps most impactful is the grant provided to the winner’s institution; the university is awarded Sony equipment valued at approximately €30,000.
In addition to physical prizes, the competition offers unparalleled career exposure through global press coverage and inclusion in the annual Sony World Photography Awards book.
Shortlisted photographers, along with one tutor, also receive flights and accommodation to attend the prestigious awards ceremony in London.
Application requirements and eligibility
The competition is free to enter and open to photography students worldwide between the ages of 18 and 30.
To qualify, an applicant must be enrolled in a photography program at a university that has been registered with the World Photography Organisation.
Technical guidelines state that images must be submitted as JPEG files between 1MB and 5MB, utilizing the sRGB color model.
While students may use any device or style, all images must have been captured within the 18 months prior to the competition’s closing date.
Photographers must ensure their work is entirely original and free from third-party copyright infringements or animal welfare violations.
While digital manipulation is permitted, entrants are required to provide specific details regarding how their images were altered during the submission process.
Deadline
Aspiring professionals must act quickly to finalize their series, as the hard deadline for all entries is November 27, 2026, at 13:00 GMT.
Following a panel review, the shortlist will be announced in early 2027, with the overall winner revealed at the London ceremony in April.
To apply, The World Photography Organisation call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
