Hertie School Photo Essay Competition 2026 for Youth with a €1,000 Prize
Applicant criteria
- 18 - 30
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
Hertie School, in collaboration with the German American Conference 2026, invites students and young professionals to participate in an English-language photo essay competition on the future of transatlantic relations amid new global transformations.
The competition aims to encourage young people to present bold and creative ideas on how relations between Europe and the United States can evolve to address challenges such as climate change, technological transformation, geopolitical competition, and the role of younger generations in shaping the future of international cooperation.
Competition Theme:
Rethinking Transatlanticism: New Visions for a Shifting Relationship
The video may address one of the following topics:
- How transatlantic relations can evolve in a changing global order.
- The impact of global challenges such as climate, technology, and geopolitical competition on the transatlantic partnership.
- The role of young people in shaping the future of relations between Europe and the United States.
- How transatlantic institutions can develop to remain effective and influential.
- Personal experiences or reflections that connect both sides of the Atlantic.
Benefits
- The winner receives a cash prize of €1,000 to help cover expenses.
- The winner will be invited to attend the German American Conference 2026 in Boston, United States.
- Outstanding submissions may be published on the Hertie School website.
- Selected works may be shared with specialized networks focused on European-American dialogue.
- An opportunity to collaborate with Hertie School on special website and social media content about the winner’s experience at the conference.
- Participation in an international opportunity connected to one of the leading forums for transatlantic dialogue.
Eligibility criteria
- The competition is open to undergraduate students.
- Young professionals are also eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- The submission must be in English.
- The submission must be in the form of a video essay.
- The video must not exceed 3 minutes.
- The video may be submitted in MP4 format or as a YouTube/Vimeo link.
- The content must be related to the competition theme and the future of transatlantic relations.
See also: Various and Outstanding International Awards and Competitions
Click here to explore Photography and Filmmaking Courses