Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026
The Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026: Waves of Change has just opened for entries. It is free to enter, open to anyone aged 18 to 30 from across the Commonwealth's 56 member nations. The competition is run by the Royal Commonwealth Society, in partnership with the City of London Corporation's Youth Natural Environment Board, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
What is it?
A photography competition asking young people to document a world in motion. The theme, Waves of Change, invites entrants to photograph the ocean and its relationship to communities, environments, and the future. Entries are accepted across four categories:
- Human-Ocean Connection
- Hope and Resilience
- Threats and Challenges
- Innovative Solutions
Who can enter?
Any of your students or members aged 18 to 30 who hold citizenship or residency in a Commonwealth nation. No prior photography experience is required. They simply submit one original photograph and a statement of up to 300 words. It is free.
Why does it matter?
This is a genuine platform on a global stage. Winners will be celebrated across the Commonwealth's institutional networks, reaching audiences across 56 nations and 2.7 billion people.
Prizes
There are four category winners in total. The overall winner (selected from those four) receives a cash prize of £1,000. The three remaining category winners each receive £250.
Key dates
- Entries open now: 5 May 2026
- Deadline: 8 June 2026 (World Oceans Day)
- Enter free at: www.royalcwsociety.org/environment/cypc
Kate McNab
Communications and Public Affairs Officer
T: +44 (0)20 3727 4300 | M: +44 (0)7912 892318 | W: www.royalcwsociety.org
