International high school students' essay competitions serve as stepping stones to both academic and personal growth, making them more than merely competitions. These forums promote leadership and critical thinking by giving young voices an opportunity to be heard globally. Are you confused about which competition to look for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here is a list of 5 Prestigious Essay Competitions for International High School Students:

1. Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

One of the oldest essay competitions in the world, the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, asks students from Commonwealth countries to share their opinions on issues of democracy, peace, and global issues. Students of all ages can join since participants are split into junior and senior divisions. Participants are divided into junior and senior categories, where juniors are under 14 years of age and seniors are 14 to 18.

For further information: https://www.royalcwsociety.org/

2. John Locke Institute Essay Competition

The John Locke Institute Essay Competition addresses philosophy, economics, history, politics, and psychology with the goal of promoting philosophical thinking and innovative problem-solving. Candidates must be at least eighteen years old on the date of submission of the essay, and candidates for the Junior Prize must be fourteen years of age or younger on the date of submission.

The best part of this? FREE ENTRY!

Registration: May (tentative)

Essay Submission: By June (tentative)

For further information: https://www.johnlockeinstitute.com/essay-competition

3. Goi Peace Essay Contest

This competition, which is run by the Goi Peace Foundation and approved by UNESCO, asks youth to submit essays that support sustainability and peace. Students are prompted by the competition to consider how they might help create a more sustainable and peaceful society. Essays that win are frequently published and seen across the world.

Eligibility: Two categories (up to 14 years old and -25)

Submission Deadline: By Mid-June

For further information: https://www.goipeace.or.jp/en/work/essay-contest/

4. The Harvard-Crimson Global Essay Competition

Young, aspirational high school students may practice their writing abilities and compete against students worldwide through the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition! In order to improve their writing abilities, students are encouraged to push themselves and experiment with various writing styles through this competition.

Eligibility:

Early Birds Registrations (Aged 13-18)

Regular Registrations: (Aged 13-18)

Competition Date: February through March

For further information: https://www.essaycomp.org/what-is-hcgec

5. Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition

The Re:think essay competition's goal has always been to promote critical thinking and investigation of a broad range of interesting and sometimes contentious subjects. The goal is to foster a conversation that can deepen our knowledge of one another and inspire creative answers to today's problems. Students from all around the world aged 14 to 18 years who have not yet commenced undergraduate studies are eligible to participate.

Competition Start: Mid-January (tentative date)

Submission Deadline: by Mid-May (tentative date)

For further information: https://cambridge-research.org/essay-competition-2024/

How are Essay Competitions helpful for International High School Students?

Essay competitions push students to conduct in-depth research, arrange their ideas, and communicate them effectively. Students' writing, research, and analytical abilities are improved via this process, which will benefit them throughout their academic careers. Scholarships, fellowships, and even study abroad chances might result from placing well in or winning famous essay contests. College applications can be strengthened by competition accomplishments, which are frequently viewed favorably by universities. Scholarships, fellowships, and even study abroad chances might result from placing well in or winning famous essay contests. College applications can be strengthened by competition accomplishments, which are frequently viewed favorably by universities.