Student & Youth Competitions Shortlists Announced

• The Sony World Photography Awards announces photographers shortlisted in the 2026 Student and Youth competitions
• The shortlists recognise 10 photography students from leading universities across the world, and 10 photographers aged 19 and under
• The Student Photographer of the Year and Youth Photographer of the Year to be announced on 16 April at prestigious gala ceremony in London

The Sony World Photography Awards announce today the shortlists of the 2026 Student and Youth competitions, honouring outstanding photographers at the earliest stages of their careers.

Showcasing the skill and ingenuity of young practitioners exploring and experimenting with the medium, the shortlists offer a glimpse of the photography trailblazers of tomorrow.

STUDENT SHORTLIST

For the 2026 Student competition, photography students were invited to respond to the brief Together through a series of five to 10 images. The shortlisted series offer a range of interpretations of togetherness, from intimate explorations into the photographers’ communities to the everyday spaces where connections are fostered. Each shortlisted photographer creates a compelling visual narrative in their series, demonstrating their distinctive approach and perspective. This year’s shortlist is made up of photographers from around the world, including Germany, South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, Argentina, Belgium, China Mainland and India.

The winner of Student Photographer of the Year will be selected from the 10 students and announced at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 ceremony in London on 16 April. The overall winning university will receive Sony digital imaging equipment worth €30,000.

This year’s Student Competition shortlist was judged by Tess Raimbeau, Photo Editor, Libération (France).

YOUTH SHORTLIST

The Youth competition shortlist comprises single images by 10 photographers aged 19 and under. This year the entrants were invited to share their best images through Open Call.

Across the shortlist, photographers capture serene images of the natural world, from mountainous landscapes to underwater scenes. Elsewhere, other shortlisted series focused on the art of depicting motion, stillness and quiet reflection. This year’s shortlist is made up of creatives from around the globe, including China Mainland, Sri Lanka, Sweden, the USA, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Egypt, France, Türkiye and Canada.

This year’s Youth Photographer of the Year, selected from the shortlist by Ruby Rees-Sheridan, Assistant Curator, Photography, National Portrait Gallery (UK), will receive a range of Sony Digital Imaging equipment to continue to nurture their vision.

The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 will be announced on 16 April 2026. For more information about upcoming announcements and winners please visit worldphoto.org.

© Scoop Media