W. Eugene Smith Student Grant ends 13 October 2026

Deadline: 13 October 2026. We seek exemplary and compelling photojournalism and documentary photography (possibly supplemented by or incorporating multi-media) to address an issue of import related to the human condition.

The judges will be looking for a photographer and project that seem most likely to use exemplary and compelling photojournalism and documentary photography (possibly supplemented by or incorporating multi-media) to address an issue of import and impact related to the human condition: social change, humanitarian concern, armed conflict, or other topics of interpersonal, psychological, cultural, social, environmental, scientific, medical and/or political significance, ideally expressing an underlying acknowledgement of our common humanity.

Prizes:

For 2026, the amount of the W. Eugene Smith Student Grant is $5,000. The grant provides two students with the opportunity to complete a photographic essay.

In the event the applicant is the recipient of the Student Grant, the applicant understands and agrees that $4,500 of the total Grant of $5,000 will be paid upon receipt of the Grant, and $500 will be paid upon receipt of twelve (12) digital images within eighteen (18) months after receipt of the Grant. The recipient must also submit a final report detailing how the grant was used and how the money contributed to the success of the project.

Photo Contest Website: https://site.picter.com/w-eugene-smith-fund-student-grant-2026