The Sony World Photography Awards celebrates photography on a global stage and now a brand new photography award has launched focusing on celebrating the work of photography students across Europe, offering student photographers[i] the chance to showcase their talent and supercharge their photography career.

The European Student Award is now open for entries as part of the 2026 Awards, inviting students attending accredited photography courses ⁱ to submit their most compelling photographic work for a chance to win Sony camera equipment and to attend an unforgettable day of educational workshops and networking experiences in London.

The winner and four shortlisted entries will be announced in Spring 2026 and will receive Sony camera kit, tailored to support their creative journey, as well as an exclusive invitation to attend a series of hands-on educational workshops led by industry experts in the heart of creative London.

The experience will include an invitation to a glamorous awards ceremony, celebrating the next generation of visual storytellers and culminating in a showcase of all five projects at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition in London's Somerset House (17 April - 4 May 2026).

“We’re thrilled to launch this award to spotlight emerging talent in Europe and give students a further platform to express their vision,” said Pierrick Masson, Head of Consumer Marketing, Sony Imaging and Solutions Europe. “Photography is a powerful medium, and we want to empower young creators with the tools, mentorship, and recognition they deserve.”

The European Student Award is open to photographers from across Europe who enter the main Student competition, providing even further opportunities for European photography students. Entrants to the Student competition are invited to submit a series of 5 to 10 images responding to a set brief. For this year’s Student competition, photographers are asked to respond to the brief together.

Key Dates:

For more information, entry guidelines, and to submit your work, visit: EUROPEAN STUDENT AWARD | World Photography Organisation

ENDS

About CREO

Creo initiates and organises events and programming across three key strands: photography, film and contemporary art. Since 2007 Creo’s mission has been to develop meaningful opportunities for creatives and to expand the reach of its cultural activities. Its flagship projects include the Sony World Photography Awards, Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, PHOTOFAIRS and Photo London. Working in partnership with Angus Montgomery Arts (AMA), Creo helps deliver the group’s ventures, comprising some of the world’s leading art fairs. Taking its name from the Latin for “I create,” it is in this spirit that Creo sets out to empower and give agency to creative voices. creoarts.com

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: www.sony.net. 

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Footnotes

[i] Please see 'Rules' on the Student competition page for full eligibility criteria