John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Public Policy
$10,000 Scholarship
John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Public Policy is a competition by John Locke Institute (JLI), open to students across India. Registration closes 31 Mar 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
Approximately 1 month for submission.
Format
Individual
Time needed
Significant time for research, writing, and revision
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 2 Feb 2026
- Registration closes
- 31 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 1 Apr 2026 – 31 May 2026
- Results
- 3 Oct 2026
Online · Online Submission Portal
About This Opportunity
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize in Public Policy is an international competition fostering independent thought and clear reasoning among young writers. It invites participants to explore challenging public policy questions, encouraging engagement with complex societal issues and effective articulation of perspectives. This prize aims to cultivate the characteristics that transform good students into exceptional writers.
Open to students worldwide aged 18 or younger, with a separate Junior Prize for those 14 or younger, contestants submit an original essay up to 2000 words. Winners receive substantial scholarships for John Locke Institute programs, including a US$10,000 scholarship for the Grand Prize winner. This opportunity provides invaluable experience, enhancing critical thinking, research, and writing skills, significantly boosting applications to leading global universities.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to students from any country and educational background.
Prerequisites
- Strong command of the English language.
- Ability to write a structured and persuasive academic essay.
Open to students worldwide, 18 years old or younger (or 14 or younger for the Junior Prize) on the submission deadline. Participants must submit an original essay demonstrating strong academic and critical thinking skills. An academic referee email is required.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition is not based on a specific curriculum but requires a deep knowledge of public policy.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
$10,000
The best essay overall wins a Grand Prize scholarship of $10,000. The winner of the Psychology category receives a $5,000 scholarship, with $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third. These scholarships are for attending John Locke Institute programs.
Prizes
Honorary Junior Fellowship
The Grand Prize winner is awarded an honorary Junior Fellowship.
Certificate
eCertificates of Participation
All shortlisted candidates receive eCertificates, and prize winners receive signed certificates.
Opens doors to
Significantly boosts applications to leading global universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.
Recognition
International recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Judged by senior academics from world-renowned universities
- Offers significant scholarships for John Locke Institute programs
- Provides a platform for intellectual exploration beyond the school curriculum
- Enhances university application profiles for elite institutions
Rounds & format
Single submission round.
How entries are judged
Essays are judged on knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, competent use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive force. The most successful essays are those capable of changing a reader's mind and effectively addressing counter-arguments.
Selection process
Essays are initially shortlisted based on adherence to guidelines and initial quality assessment. Prize winners are then selected from the shortlisted essays by a panel of senior academics based on the detailed judging criteria.
How to apply
- 1Online registration followed by essay submission as a PDF. An academic referee's email must be provided.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Public Policy?
The registration deadline is 31 Mar 2026.
Is John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Public Policy free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Public Policy?
children aged -18.
What will my child gain from John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Public Policy?
Win scholarships up to US$10,000 for John Locke Institute programs Category winner receives a US$5,000 scholarship towards the cost of attending any John Locke Institute programme. Receive an honorary John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship for the Grand Prize winner. Obtain a signed certificate for prize winners and eCertificates for all shortlisted candidates. Significantly boost university applications to top global institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard. Develop advanced critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. Gain international recognition and have your work assessed by leading academics.
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