10 Global Essay Competitions for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 10 minutes ago
- 7 min read
If you’re in middle school and enjoy writing, entering a global essay competition for middle school students can be a smart way to gain exposure to college‑level academics and life, develop practical skills like research and argumentation, and connect with peers and mentors around the world—all without a massive cost. These contests allow you to practice structuring thoughtful essays, present your ideas for a global audience, and build valuable credentials. Because they often require only an online submission and no boarding or travel fee, a global essay competition for middle school students can be a budget‑friendly way to boost your writing profile.
If you’re interested in academic writing and exploring what’s possible beyond your usual classes, a global essay competition for middle school students is a fit worth considering. We’ve narrowed down our list of top global essay competitions for middle school students by looking for rigorous prompts, strong networking or recognition opportunities, low or no cost to enter, and backed by prestigious organizations. Here are ten selective competitions that meet those criteria.
10 Global Essay Competitions for Middle School Students
Location: Online (hosted by Lumiere Education, Wilmington, DE)
Cost/Stipend: Free to enter; winners receive cash prizes and scholarships up to $2,690
Acceptance rate or cohort size: 6 winners and multiple honorable mentions selected from a global applicant pool
Dates: Submissions open September 29 – December 14
Application Deadline: December 14
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 6–8 from any country as of December 31
The Lumiere Junior Scholars Essay Contest invites you to explore complex topics through structured argumentative writing. You can choose from five prompts covering ethics, technology, politics, and global responsibility, and your response must be grounded in formal academic writing and original thought. The contest prizes include over $11,000 in total scholarships and cash awards, with winning essays judged by faculty from institutions like Cambridge, Columbia, and Princeton. This is a selective and academically rigorous competition focused on building strong reasoning, evidence use, and formal writing skills. If you're ready to write like a scholar, this contest provides a platform to test your abilities on a global stage.
Location: John Locke Institute, Oxford, UK (Online submission; awards in London)
Cost/Stipend: Free; late entry incurs a fee of £25–£75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 63,000+ entries globally; highly selective
Dates: Registration deadline: May 31; Submission deadline: June 30
Application Deadline: May 31 (registration), June 30 (submission)
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 14 or younger on June 30
In the Junior Prize category, you’ll choose from seven open-ended questions and write a 2,000-word essay judged by faculty from Oxford, Princeton, and other top universities. You can address topics like citizenship, freedom of speech, or smartphone use, allowing you to explore complex ideas and argue your viewpoint with precision. Winners receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 toward a John Locke Institute program, with a grand prize worth $10,000. Shortlisted entrants are invited to an academic conference and awards dinner in London, though attending is not required to win. If you're looking for a rigorous global essay competition for middle school students, this is one of the most academically demanding and prestigious options available.
Location: Royal Commonwealth Society, London, UK (Online submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free to enter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open globally; highly competitive with thousands of entries annually
Dates: Submission deadline: May 23
Application Deadline: May 23
Eligibility: Students born on or after May 23, 2011 (under 14 years of age)
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing contest for schools. In the Junior Category, students can choose from a range of creative prompts tied to the year's theme, “Our Commonwealth Journey.” Essays may explore diverse Commonwealth nations, books as imaginative portals, or fictional voyages and diplomatic encounters. Entries are judged on originality, creativity, and insight. Winners receive a certificate and may be invited to an awards ceremony in London, with the top prize including a trip to the UK. If you're exploring a global essay competition for middle school students, this prestigious contest offers a truly international platform to showcase creative and thoughtful writing.
Location: The Poetry Society, London, UK (Online or postal submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free to enter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 28,000 submissions from 135 countries; 100 winners annually (top 15 + 85 commended)
Dates: Submission deadline: July 31
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Ages 11–17 on the deadline date (July 31)
One of the most prestigious global essay competitions for middle school students interested in poetry, the Foyle Young Poets Award offers an exceptional platform for young writers to gain international recognition. Open to students aged 11–17, this competition welcomes all themes and styles, and entries may be submitted in English, British Sign Language, or Braille. The top 15 winners receive mentorship and the opportunity to attend a weeklong residential writing course or mentoring sessions, while the 85 commended poets have their work published in an online anthology. Winning poets often go on to have significant literary careers. Entrants benefit from exposure to professional literary feedback and an international community of peers passionate about writing.
Location: Online (Organized by Ayn Rand Institute, Santa Ana, CA)
Cost: Free to enter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3 top prizes selected from thousands of entries
Dates: Submission deadline: July 31
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Open to students in 8th–12th grade worldwide
This annual global essay competition for middle school students invites participants to explore the themes of Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem, a dystopian tale that challenges collectivist ideologies. Students write essays in response to prompts that focus on the novel's philosophical implications. Submissions are judged on clarity, structure, relevance, and depth of thought, not alignment with Ayn Rand’s views. The contest awards $2,000 to the first-place winner, with additional prizes for second and third places. It’s an accessible and intellectually demanding opportunity for students interested in philosophy, literature, and critical analysis. Winning or participating can add notable distinction to college applications.
Location: Online (Organized by Institute for Youth in Policy, USA)
Cost: Free to enter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; top 3 prizes awarded in each of two categories
Dates: March 16 – May 16
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school and college/university students worldwide (including gap year students)
This global essay competition for middle school and older students emphasizes civic engagement, critical thinking, and policy awareness. Participants choose between responding to a Youth in Policy-authored policy brief or tackling broader open-ended political and ethical prompts. Essays are judged on insight, impact, clarity, and style, with a 650-word limit. The contest promotes innovative thinking and gives students a platform to share perspectives on real-world issues. Winners receive recognition, publication opportunities, and cash prizes (top prize: $125). The competition encourages diverse international perspectives and fosters discourse on pressing societal challenges.
Location: Online (hosted by Harvard Political Review via AlgoEd)
Cost: US$125–165 per student (fee waivers available for low-income students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Capped at 250 teams globally
Dates: November 2 (essay submission); November 9 (oral defense)
Application Deadline: November 1 (late deadline)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (grades 6–12) worldwide; teams of 1–5 students from the same school
This global competition combines rigorous essay writing with live oral defense. Students choose one of five thought-provoking prompts on social, political, and cultural issues and submit a well-researched, 1,500–1,800 word opinion essay. Teams then defend their arguments in front of judges via Zoom. All participants receive feedback and certificates, while top global winners have their work published on the Harvard Political Review website. Optional training sessions with HPR staff enhance research, writing, and public speaking skills. This is a rare opportunity for young changemakers to engage deeply with pressing global challenges and gain visibility for their ideas.
Location: Global (via national FEE member organizations)
Cost: Free (must enter through national competitions first)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Only national winners proceed to international level
Dates: Submissions due to national offices by early 2026; international jury meets in early June; winners announced mid-June
Application Deadline: Varies by country; typically early 2026
Eligibility: Ages 11–25; must participate through a school, youth group, Eco-School, Scout Group, or UNESCO ASPnet school
The Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) International Competition empowers youth to explore and report on environmental issues through journalism. Entrants investigate topics related to the annual theme, this year focusing on food security and climate change, and share findings via articles, photographs, videos, or podcasts. Winning national entries are submitted to the international jury, with top works featured globally. This competition not only cultivates media and research skills but also promotes civic engagement and environmental awareness, making it a meaningful outlet for young environmental advocates worldwide.
Location: Global (Online)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; exact figures not disclosed
Dates: Open until June 8,
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Ages 11–18 (Junior Division: 11–14, Senior Division: 15–18); must be currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest is the world’s largest youth environmental arts program, inviting students to explore ocean conservation and climate issues through the creative arts. This year’s theme, “Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us”, challenges participants to reflect on their personal connection to the ocean through mediums like visual art, poetry, music, multimedia, and film. Entries must include a short reflection detailing the student’s creative process and what they learned. Winners receive generous cash awards (up to $1,000) and opportunities to have their work exhibited or published. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited.
Location: Online (open internationally)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed; top 20% recognized
Dates: Open until May 18
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 worldwide
The Oxford Scholastica Academy Essay Competition challenges students aged 15–18 to explore major issues in their chosen academic field. You must respond to the prompt, “What is the greatest challenge facing your field, and how might you help address it?” Essays are judged on originality, depth, and alignment with the Academy’s forward-thinking, solution-driven worldview. Top entries receive prestigious prizes including a free place at the Oxford Summer School, online courses, internships, or partial scholarships. All shortlisted students are invited to an Autumn Conference and online Awards Ceremony.
Lydia is an alumna from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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