The 4th annual Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition has begun.   The contest is for full-time college and university students who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and actively enrolled at a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree program.

Students (read the PS) from around the world can submit their three best photos (without an entry fee) in one of three categories:

• Nature & Landscape
• People & Portraits
• Sports & Photojournalism.

All rights remain with the photographer.

Each entry must adhere to the following limitations: maximum longest dimension of 1024 pixels, maximum file size of 2MB, and a JPEG file format. Judging will be based on originality, technical execution (focus, exposure), visual impact (composition, impact, lighting), and relevance to category.

What’s in for you?  Well it’s Microsoft doesn’t refer to it as the most lucrative and influential international student photo contest in the world for nothing.  Here are the prizes:

• One Grand Prize of $20,000 and a digital prize package worth approximately $2,000 (Epson printer, Lenovo PC mobile workstation, and a five year membership in the Professional Photographers of America)
• Three First Prizes of $3,000 and a digital prize package worth approximately $2,000 (Epson printer, Lenovo PC mobile workstation, and a five year membership in the Professional Photographers of America)

All four winners will be invited (with all expenses paid)  to the annual Microsoft Pro Photo Summit.

The only catch?  This small line here:

As a condition of accepting a prize, you agree to grant Microsoft an irrevocable royalty-free worldwide license for a period of three (3) years after the contests conclusion to reproduce and display the image, credited with your first and last name, in print and on the web for the sole purpose of only promoting this contest.

So yeah, it’s royalty free BUT think of how good this will look on your portfolio. XD  If you’re fine with that (I’m fine with it), the contest ends at 11:59 PM PT April 30, 2009, so go out and start snapping!

PS: Do note that while the contest says it’s open to ALL students, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and the Province of Quebec are included in the exception.  If you live or are enrolled in any of these countries then tough luck.