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

Global Sustainability Challenge
51³Ô¹ÏÍø is teaming up with the 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 webpage for more information 
51³Ô¹ÏÍø Award

Want to earn an official extra from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø on your graduation transcript? Do you want recognition for your employer-friendly attributes? Then the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Award is for you.

Open to all current students (and designed with input from the Careers Service), the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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  with your College username and password, click on ‘guidance’ to watch the promo video and read the  [pdf], which contains all the information you need to start working towards the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Award webpage. 

Panacea Stars: Stride Venture Building Programme

is part of Panacea Group, a platform with one mission:

Turn breakthrough Bio-AI science into ventures that reshape healthcare.

Their Stride Venture Building Programme aligns science and strategy to build a compelling, investment-ready business. It helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn their scientific discoveries into products and early-stage companies that address real-world challenges. Participants learn how to develop a product with a compelling use case, design a go-to-market and commercial strategy, and get ready to raise investment.

To find out more, and apply before Friday 22 May, head to the webpage.