The Applied Arts 2026 Student Awards is an international creative competition presented by Applied Arts that spotlights outstanding student work across visual communication disciplines. Designed to bridge education and industry, the awards celebrate emerging talent in graphic design, advertising, photography, illustration, digital media, motion design, and interactive experiences. By recognizing excellence at the student level, the program helps position the next generation of creatives within the professional design and advertising landscape.
Judged by a panel of established industry professionals, the competition places a strong emphasis on originality, conceptual strength, execution, and relevance. Submissions are evaluated against professional standards, giving students valuable exposure to real-world expectations while still in school. The awards are widely respected within the creative community, making them a meaningful benchmark for students looking to build credible portfolios and gain recognition beyond the classroom.
Beyond competition, the Applied Arts Student Awards function as a career-building platform. Winning or being shortlisted offers students national and international visibility through publication, online galleries, and industry channels associated with Applied Arts. For many participants, the awards serve as a launchpad connecting emerging designers, artists, and creatives with potential employers, collaborators, and clients, while reinforcing the value of student work within the broader creative economy.
Entry fees vary by category (e.g., $35 for many single/series entries, $45 for some).
Eligibility
Open to current secondary, post-secondary, or graduate students whose work was created during their academic program within the eligibility period.
Prize
Winners of the Applied Arts Student Awards receive recognition through publication in the Applied Arts Awards Annual, a permanent presence in the online Winners Gallery, a digital winners’ badge for portfolios and websites, an official certificate of achievement, and industry recognition that can help attract clients, employers, and collaborators.
