Competitions and awards are a fantastic way to show employers just what you can do.

Whether it's a chance to get an innovative business idea off the ground, study abroad or secure funding for the internship of a lifetime, it's a great way to stand out from the crowd.

Eshaan Niraj (centre), winner of the 2025 National Security Undergraduate of the Year Award

Below you will find a selection of various challenges and awards. These are listed in alphabetical order so please be sure to check each item for specific dates and deadlines.

If you wish to search for further awards or scholarships, please log into JobsLive, click on 'Find a vacancy' and filter the Vacancy type by 'Studentships, scholarships & awards'.

Competitions, Surveys and Awards

Develop Phase of Panacea Stars

A fantastic opportunity for science-entrepreneurs has arrived!

Applications are now open for the Develop Phase of Panacea Stars, which enables early-stage deep science founders to de-risk and fund their start-up, whilst competing for a prize worth £100k!

Register now to apply for this great opportunity!

EY AI & Data Challenge

How can AI and data make safe water a universal reality?

One of the largest annual data challenges in the world with over 45,000 participants across 146 countries, the EY AI & Data Challenge gives innovators the opportunity to build skills while developing forward-thinking solutions to mitigate global sustainability issues. This year, the global competition invites university students, early career professionals and EY people to use AI and data to tackle one of humanity's most pressing needs: access to clean, safe water.

For more information, and to register, head to the EY AI & Data Challenge website.

Global Sustainability Challenge
Imperial is teaming up with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and leading universities worldwide for the Global Sustainability Challenge – a new international competition tackling urgent environmental issues. 
 
Students will work in interdisciplinary teams, guided by expert mentors, to develop real-world solutions with global impact. This is a unique opportunity for students to collaborate across borders, build your skills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Head to the Global Sustainability Challenge webpage for more information 
Imperial Award

Want to earn an official extra from Imperial on your graduation transcript? Do you want recognition for your employer-friendly attributes? Then the Imperial Award is for you.

Open to all current students (and designed with input from the Careers Service), the Imperial Award gives you a completely private online portfolio to use as a diary or journal. The interactive journal lets you identify your best evidence to enhance your CV and, if you wish, to back up your claim to the assessors (one page of writing). The assessors give written, individual feedback. Multiple assessment periods are offered.

Why? College wants you to develop and rehearse the reflective self-awareness that employers seek from graduates and College is willing to recognise it, formally.

Simply register by logging in with your College username and password, click on ‘guidance’ to watch the promo video and read the Student Guidance pack [pdf], which contains all the information you need to start working towards the Imperial Award. Once you've registered, you’ll hear from the Award team about upcoming workshops and further guidance to support your progress. 

It is free, has immediate benefits, runs all year and could enhance your official transcript.

Find out more here at the Imperial Award webpage.