Sappi, Ideas That Matter: Competition
This is a competition that offers grant money to proposals benefitting non-profits and charitable activities. It is open to students and student groups. Sappi is a well known paper manufacturer.
Adobe International Student Competition
The Adobe Design Achievement Awards is a great annual student competition. Take a look at some of the previous years winners. Try to let them inspire you not discourage you.
3D Modeling (Summer ’09 Course)
Raku Ceramics (Summer ’09 Course)
Student Graphic Design Competitions
Here are a few institutions that host student design competitions.
CMYK
CMYK is a great publication aimed specifically at students. It hosts a variety of competitions.
http://www.cmykmag.com/
Print Magazine
Print Magazine hosts a student cover design competition each year.
http://www.printmag.com/competitions/tabid/80/Default.aspx
Communication Arts magazine
Communication Arts magazine has specific categories for students within Photography and Illustration but the design competition requires client based work.
http://www.commarts.com/competitions
How Magazine
How Magazine allows for student entries in all of its major competition categories.
http://www.howdesign.com/competitions/