Organizer: Applied Arts Media

Location: Global online competition

Deadline: 22 May 2026

Competition Category:
- Creative Advertising
- Brand Activation Campaign, Concept Development Campaign, Copywriting for Advertising, Digital Advertising, Digital Experimental/Innovative Campaign, Experiential/Event, Print Advertising, PR/Viral Campaign, Radio, Social Responsibility, Video Advertising
- Design
- Brand Identity Design, Logo Design, Concept Development, Digital Content, Digital Experimental/Innovative, Editorial Design, Game Design & Development, Motion, Packaging Design, Product Development, Promotional Design, Social Responsibility, Typeface Design, Website, Typography, Website and App Design
- Digital, Motion & Gaming
- Animation, Digital Content, Game Design & Development, Motion, Website and App Design
- Illustration
- Animation, Cartoon/Comic illustration, Conceptual Illustration, Editorial Illustration, Graphic Novel Illustration, Packaging Illustration, Social Responsibility Illustration, 3D Modelling, Photo Illustration/Mixed Media
- Photography
- Conceptual Photography, Food Photography, Lifestyle photography, Motion, Nature, landscape & Wildlife, Portrait Photography, Photo Illustration/Mixed Media, Photo Manipulation
- High School
- Entries can be from any application from the sub-groupings above

Eligibility:
- Open to current secondary, post-secondary, or graduate students studying Graphic Design, creative advertising, photography, illustration, digital, motion or gaming programs worldwide
- Any school (group or individual) or personal work created at any time during your academic, creative program is eligible

Entry Fee:
- Creative Advertising, Design, Illustration, Photography (Single/Series): $35; Creative Advertising, Design (Campaigns/Programs): $45
- Digital, Motion & Gaming (Single/Series): $45
- High School (Single/Series): $20

Prizes/Awards:
- Publication in the Applied Arts Awards Annual (Winter 2026) — mailed to every winner
- Online Winners Gallery — permanent digital showcase
- Digital Winners’ Badge — for websites and portfolios
- Official Certificate — printed recognition
- Industry Recognition — a respected credential to attract clients, employers, and collaborators

Core Introduction: The 2026 Applied Arts Student Awards competition is open to students worldwide, celebrating creativity in visual communications. The competition is divided into 6 main categories, including Creative Advertising, Design, Digital, Motion & Gaming, Illustration, Photography, and High School. Entries are judged digitally by award-winning creatives working in Canada and beyond, evaluated on creative merit, technical excellence, and suitability for end use. Since 1992, Applied Arts have helped advertising agencies, design firms, photographers, illustrators, and emerging artists gain industry-wide exposure—building careers, collaborations, and community across Canada and beyond.