The PHotoFUNIBER 2025 International Photography Contest is now open for submissions, inviting photographers worldwide to share their vision on a theme that resonates deeply with societies across the globe: education. Organized by the Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) in collaboration with multiple international universities, this contest seeks to highlight the diverse perspectives, challenges, and transformations that education represents in different cultures and environments. Photographers are encouraged to submit a single image that tells a compelling story.
With a total prize pool that includes cash rewards and scholarships, the contest offers several opportunities for recognition. The jury’s top selection will be awarded €400 and an 80% scholarship for a FUNIBER postgraduate program. A public vote winner will receive €300 and a 50% scholarship. Additional prizes include special awards of €200 for students or alumni of participating universities and honorable mentions. Winning photographs will also be exhibited at the European University of the Atlantic in Spain, providing further exposure to the selected photographers.
The contest is free to enter, allowing photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds to participate. Entries will be accepted from March 5 to April 1, 2025, with winners announced on June 12, 2025. Each participant can submit only one photograph, which must be an original work, not previously awarded or commercially used. A jury of experts in photography will evaluate the entries, while the public will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite images.
Considering its zero-cost entry, a respected jury, and meaningful prizes, PHotoFUNIBER 2025 presents a good opportunity for photographers who wish to showcase their work on an important social theme while competing for scholarships and cash prizes.
The PHotoFUNIBER 2025 Prizes
The PHotoFUNIBER 2025 contest offers multiple awards that combine cash prizes and scholarships, providing opportunities for both recognition and educational advancement.
- Jury’s Choice Award – €400 + 80% scholarship for a FUNIBER postgraduate program.
- Public Vote Award – €300 + 50% scholarship for a FUNIBER postgraduate program.
- UNEATLANTICO Special Award – Two prizes of €200 each for students or alumni of the European University of the Atlantic.
- UNIC Special Award – Two prizes of €200 each for students of the International University of Cuanza.
- FUNIBER Special Award – Two prizes of €200 each for postgraduate students who have received a FUNIBER scholarship.
- UNIROMANA Special Award – Two prizes of €200 each for Dominican nationals.
- Honorable Mentions – Recognition certificates and online exhibition features.
Winning photographers will have their images displayed in an exhibition at the European University of the Atlantic, increasing their visibility in the international photography community.
The Categories of the PHotoFUNIBER 2025 Contest
This contest does not feature separate categories. Instead, all submissions must align with the central theme: education. Photographers are encouraged to interpret this theme creatively, whether capturing formal or informal learning, educational challenges, or inspiring moments of knowledge and discovery.
PHotoFUNIBER 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The contest is free to enter, making it an attractive opportunity for photographers worldwide.
Key Dates:
- Submissions Open: March 5, 2025
- Submission Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Public Voting Closes: May 15, 2025
- Winners Announced: June 12, 2025
Entry Fee:
- Free participation (no registration fees).
This makes PHotoFUNIBER 2025 a great option for those looking for free photo contests with substantial rewards.
About the Jury
A panel of renowned photography experts will judge the finalist images, selected from an initial review of all submissions. This year’s jury includes:
- Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo – An accomplished Colombian photographer, visual curator, and author with extensive experience in documentary photography and artistic projects.
- Gisela Volá – An Argentinian photographer and educator specializing in visual storytelling and social documentary projects. She has been a World Press Photo juror.
- Mayra Martell – A Mexican photographer whose work focuses on social and political issues, including enforced disappearances and migration.
The jury will select the main winners, while the public vote award will be determined through a like-based system on the contest website.
Why Enter PHotoFUNIBER 2025?
The PHotoFUNIBER 2025 International Photography Contest is a unique opportunity for photographers to gain exposure and recognition while participating in a meaningful global conversation about education. The contest offers a broad, socially relevant theme, encouraging both professionals and amateurs to capture powerful narratives through photography.
With cash prizes, scholarships, and an international exhibition, winning this contest could help boost a photographer’s career. Additionally, since the contest is completely free to enter, it provides an accessible option for photographers at all levels who want to gain recognition without financial barriers.
For those looking for photo competitions online, this contest stands out due to its social impact, professional jury, and educational prizes.
Rules and Copyright
This section on the bases and image rights of PHotoFUNIBER 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Contest Rules
- Participants must be legal adults and reside in any country where FUNIBER operates.
- Each photographer can submit only one photo.
- The photograph must be original, unpublished, and not have won any previous awards.
- Images should be submitted in JPG format, RGB mode, at a minimum size of 800 pixels on the short side and a maximum file size of 5MB.
- Artificial intelligence-generated images are not allowed.
- Basic adjustments (exposure, contrast, white balance) are permitted, but excessive digital manipulation is not accepted.
- Winning photographers will be required to provide high-resolution files.
Copyright and Usage Rights
- Participants retain full ownership of their images.
- Winning and selected images may be used by the contest organizers for exhibitions, promotional materials, and online showcases, always crediting the photographer.
- The organization does not claim exclusive rights over any submitted work.
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