Win a Scholarship

We are a leading provider of academic summer schools for students aged 13 to 18. Participants can choose to study from one of 19 subjects across a range of disciplines – from Law and Medicine, to Engineering and Film – on campus at leading universities in the UK and US. Find out more here.

Each year, we host an academic essay competition for ambitious students across the world, aged from 13 to 18. Students can select from a range of pre-defined essay topics, which are split into two categories: ages 13 to 15 and 16 to 18. You can find the full details of these topics below.

Essays are marked by a panel of academic experts. Ten winners are selected, each receiving a fully-funded scholarship for a residential programme of their choosing for summer 2025. Explore all courses here.

Regardless of whether a student wins, there are many academic benefits of participating. 

• Build knowledge: explore a wide range of challenging and future-facing questions beyond what’s covered on the school curriculum
• Develop academic writing and argumentation skills: from clear reasoning and critical analysis to the art of persuasion
• Enhance research skills: practise your independent research skills, a key requirement for undergraduate study
• Academic recognition: have your work assessed by academic experts and receive feedback

Students wanting to enter the Essay Competition should select from one of the topics below, according to their age group.

Q1. Should space exploration be prioritised over solving Earth’s problems?

Q2. How would society change if all jobs were automated by robots?

Q3. As NASA did with the Voyager Golden Record, if you were to send one film into space as a message to other civilisations to represent humanity, which film would you send, and why?

Q1. What does “misinformation” mean in the digital age, and does it pose a risk to society?

Q2. Is fighting climate change the responsibility of individuals, or should the focus be on government policies and corporate actions?

Q3. Discuss a recent innovation that has the potential to change the world, and explain its impact on society.

Full terms and conditions for the competition can be found here.

How do I enter?

All entries must be submitted via the entry form on this web page. Essays submitted by email will not be accepted.

What format should my essay be in?

Essays must be submitted as either a standard typed PDF or Word Document. Images, such as JPGs or PNGs, and .txt files can not be accepted – make sure you check your document type before you submit it! Handwritten essays will be disqualified.

How many times can I enter?

There is a limit of one entry per person. If you submit more than one, the first essay submitted will be the only essay that is marked.

What does the prize include?

The prize includes a fully funded scholarship for a two week 2025 programme with Oxford Royale, alongside a certificate to be awarded at your graduation ceremony, and written feedback from our judges. The scholarship will cover your accommodation, tuition, academic materials, meals (depending on your age group and location, either breakfast, lunch and dinner, or just breakfast and dinner), activities, excursions and celebrations. Flights and transport must be arranged by the winner, and are not included in the prize.

What language does my essay need to be written in?

Only essays in English will be accepted.

English is not my first language, can I still enter?

Yes! The quality and content of your argument will be taken into consideration over your competency in the English Language. You can let us know your first language in the submission form.

My age changes during the contest – which group should I enter?

As long as you are between the ages of 13 to 18 for the duration of this competition, you will be allowed to enter the competition. 

This question is dependent on your preference. If you are 15 turning 16 during the competition (between October 14th to January 6th 2025) you may choose which category you wish to enter.  If you need further advice, please contact [email protected] discuss your options with our team.

Students 15 turning 16 are the only exception to the age category rule. You must enter the correct age group.

I don’t like the question – can I make up my own?

Unfortunately not. Even if you do not feel confident with a question, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in research and planning for an academic project.

Should I use a bibliography?

Footnotes and bibliographies can be included, and will not be part of the word count. They will also not be considered during the marking process.

What should I name my essay?

Please use the question as the name of your essay. If you would like to come up with your own title you may do so, however it will be included in the word count.