If you’re a high school student who enjoys writing, essay competitions can be a great way to sharpen your skills while gaining recognition for your work. These competitions challenge you to think critically, articulate your ideas clearly, and engage with topics ranging from literature and history to science, ethics, and current affairs. Participating in essay contests can also strengthen your college applications by showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and think independently.
Why should you participate in essay competitions in high school?
Many organizations, universities, and nonprofits offer free essay competitions open to high school students worldwide. These opportunities often come with additional benefits such as cash prizes, scholarships, publication, or mentorship. Whether you’re looking to build your writing portfolio or explore topics you’re passionate about, these competitions provide a valuable platform to do so.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 free essay competitions for high school students.
If you’re looking for AI competitions, check out our blog here.
1. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter. 6 winners (1 Gold, 2 Silvers, 3 Bronzes) share more than $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships. Top essayists are invited to the Lumiere Research Symposium and Gala Dinner at Oxford University on July 9, 2027.
Dates: Submissions open September 14; Virtual Award Ceremony January 10
Application Deadline: December 20
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in secondary school from any country (as of December 31, 2026)
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a free international academic writing competition open to all current high school students worldwide. You will choose one prompt from several options contributed by professors at Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Brown, and Dartmouth, then write a formal argumentative essay of up to 2,000 words. It specifically targets well-reasoned, research-informed argumentative essays rather than original research papers, so primary data collection is not expected. All essays go through a double-blind review by Lumiere's Academic Advisory Committee, an international panel of professors and researchers from leading institutions. Judging criteria include depth of analysis, strength of evidence, logical organization, and precision of academic writing. Six winners share more than $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships, and top essayists are invited to the Lumiere Research Symposium and Gala Dinner at Oxford University on July 9, 2027. Learn more at https://www.lumiere-education.com/lumiere-scholars-essay-award
2. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter. Cash prizes up to $1,000 and full scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program; select essays published on Horizon’s website.
Dates: Winners announced on February 14
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current high school students worldwide (as of May 31)
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a free annual writing competition for current high school students worldwide. Submissions must take the form of a formal academic essay, written in English, with a clear thesis, structured argumentation, engagement with relevant sources, and critical analysis of competing viewpoints. Essays are evaluated by Horizon's Academic Advisory Board, composed of faculty from institutions including Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, in a double-blind process. You will be assessed on originality, depth of analysis, use of evidence, structure and coherence, and clarity of language. More details: https://horizoninspires.com/essay-prize/
3. Young Authors Writing Competition
Location: Online (hosted by Columbia College Chicago, USA)
Cost/Prizes: Free; cash prizes awarded to top winners in each category (fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction)
Dates: Annual competition
Application Deadline: Usually December–January
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Young Authors Writing Competition, hosted by Columbia College Chicago, is an annual contest that invites high school students to submit original work in categories such as creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. You can submit up to two pieces per category, with each entry limited to 10 pages, allowing flexibility to explore different writing styles and formats. Entries are reviewed by faculty and industry professionals, giving you exposure to experienced evaluators and creative standards. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition, with top entries often featured on official platforms.
4. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Location: United States & Canada (regional + national competition)
Cost/Prizes: $10 per individual entry; $30 per portfolio; fee waivers are available for those with financial need. Scholarships of up to $12,500 + additional awards and recognition
Dates: Opens in fall; deadlines typically December–January; national results announced in March
Application Deadline: Varies by region, generally between December and January
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 (ages 13+) residing in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Canada
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious creative competitions for middle and high school students, recognizing outstanding work across a wide range of writing categories, including critical essays, personal essays, journalism, and more. You submit original work to regional competitions, where top entries advance to the national level for further recognition. Submissions are evaluated based on originality, technical skill, and the development of a unique voice, making it a strong platform for you to showcase your writing abilities. Winners may receive national medals, publication opportunities, and scholarships
5. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Location: Online submission; hosted by John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Cost/Prizes: Free; $10,000 top prize, $3,000 for second place, $1,000 for finalists
Dates: Opens September
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (grades 9–12)
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest is a nationally recognized competition that invites high school students to explore the concept of political courage through original writing. You are required to write a 700–1,000-word essay analyzing an act of courage by a U.S. elected official, supported by research and multiple sources. The contest emphasizes critical thinking, historical analysis, and the ability to construct well-supported arguments. Winners receive substantial cash prizes, including a $10,000 award for first place, along with national recognition.
6. Harvard International Economics Essay Competition (HIEEC)
Location: Online submissions through the HUEA website
Cost/Prizes: Entry fee $20–$30 per submission; financial aid available.
Dates: Opens October.
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Harvard International Economics Essay Contest (HIEEC), organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association, is a globally recognized competition that invites high school students to engage with complex economic issues through analytical writing. You choose from a set of prompts focused on contemporary topics such as climate policy, inequality, and the economic impact of emerging technologies. Essays require a strong understanding of economic theory, along with the ability to construct well-supported arguments using real-world examples. Submissions are first evaluated by the HUEA board, with top entries reviewed by a Harvard-affiliated economist, adding to the program’s academic credibility. Finalists and highly commended participants receive recognition, and winning essays are often published or featured.
7. World Historian Student Essay Competition
Location: Submissions can be made via email or postal mail
Cost/Prizes: Free; $500 top prize + one-year membership to the World History Association
Dates: Annual competition
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students in grades K–12 worldwide (including high school students)
The World Historian Student Essay Competition, organized by the World History Association, invites students to explore global history through original, research-based writing. You are typically asked to respond to prompts that connect personal experiences or cultural backgrounds with broader historical themes, encouraging both analytical thinking and reflection. Essays are usually around 1,000 words and require a clear thesis supported by examples and historical context. Submissions are evaluated on clarity, argumentation, and the ability to connect individual perspectives with larger global narratives. Winners receive a cash prize along with recognition from a respected academic organization, and selected essays may be published.
8. National WWII Museum Essay Contest
Location: Online submissions
Cost/Prizes: Free; prizes up to $750
Dates: Contest opens on October 27
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
The National WWII Museum Student Writing Contest invites students to explore historical themes related to World War II through original, research-based essays. You respond to a specific prompt that encourages critical thinking about historical events, perspectives, and their modern-day relevance. Essays are typically concise (around 500–750 words) and require you to support your arguments using historical evidence and structured reasoning. Winning entries receive cash prizes and are often published on official platforms, providing recognition at a national level.
9. Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest
Location: International – online submission
Cost/Prizes: Free; prizes up to $25,000
Dates: Multiple cycles annually
Application Deadline: Varies by contest and round
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12, ages 13+
The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests are a series of international competitions that invite students to engage with philosophical and literary themes through analytical writing. You select one of Ayn Rand’s novels and respond to prompts that explore complex ideas related to individualism, ethics, and society. Each contest encourages you to interpret complex themes and develop original perspectives grounded in the text. With multiple cycles offered throughout the year, you have flexibility on when you participate. Winners receive substantial scholarship prizes, along with global recognition for their work.
10. Global Essay Prize – John Locke Institute
Location: International – online submission
Cost/Prizes: Free; $10,000 top prize (overall winner), $5,000 for category winners, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place (scholarships toward institute programs)
Dates: Opens February 2
Application Deadline: March 31 (registration deadline), May 31 (submission deadline)
Eligibility: Students aged 18 or younger worldwide
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is an international competition that challenges students to engage with complex questions across subjects such as philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, and law. You choose from a range of prompts and develop a well-structured essay that reflects independent thinking and subject-specific insight. With topics often tied to real-world issues and academic debates, the competition encourages you to explore ideas beyond the standard school curriculum. Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an academic conference and awards ceremony in the UK, providing opportunities for intellectual exchange and recognition.
11. Coolidge Foundation Economic Essay Contest
Location: Open to U.S. citizens globally
Cost/Prizes: Free; $10,000 top prize, $5,000 for second place, and $1,000 for finalists, along with publication and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Dates: Spring to fall
Application Deadline: September 10 (previous year)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
The Coolidge Foundation Economic Essay Contest invites high school students to explore complex questions in public policy and economics through original writing. Each year, participants respond to a prompt centered on a major policy issue, such as trade, regulation, or national security, requiring both research and independent analysis. Essays typically involve evaluating historical context alongside modern implications, encouraging students to form well-supported arguments on real-world topics. Finalists are invited to Washington, D.C., where they present their ideas and participate in a final evaluation round.
12. Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest
Location: International (online submission)
Cost/Prizes: Free; $1,000 top prize, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place
Dates: Opens February
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students worldwide
The JASNA Essay Contest invites students to engage deeply with the works of Jane Austen through original literary analysis. Each year, participants respond to a themed prompt that encourages close reading and interpretation of Austen’s novels, often focusing on characters, themes, or narrative techniques. Essays are expected to reflect independent thinking while drawing on textual evidence, making it a strong exercise in analytical writing. The competition is divided into multiple categories, including a dedicated high school division, ensuring age-appropriate evaluation. Winners receive scholarship awards and may be invited to attend the organization’s annual general meeting, offering additional recognition and exposure.
13. Bennington Young Writers Awards
Location: Global online submissions
Cost/Prizes: Free; $2,000 top prize, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place, and $250 for distinguished writers, along with scholarship opportunities
Dates: September 1
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Bennington Young Writers Awards is an annual competition that invites high school students to submit original work in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, including personal or academic essays. You can choose one category and submit a piece that reflects your individual style and creative voice. The competition does not follow a fixed theme, allowing you the flexibility to explore topics of your choice. Winners are selected across categories and grade levels, with additional recognition given to distinguished submissions. Beyond cash prizes, top participants are eligible for significant scholarships if they choose to attend Bennington College.
14. Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest
Location: Global online submissions
Cost/Prizes: Free; winning essay is published on the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review website
Dates: Annual contest with prompts announced each year; results published the following year
Application Deadline: Generally late June
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest invites students to explore legal and societal issues through analytical writing. You respond to a prompt centered on topics such as constitutional rights, public policy, or the role of law in modern society. Essays typically require engagement with legal sources, including court cases or legislation, encouraging students to approach writing from a research-driven perspective. Submissions are evaluated by members of the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, providing you with exposure to a collegiate-level academic environment.
15. American Foreign Service Association High School Essay Contest
Location: U.S.-based, international entries accepted
Cost/Prizes: Free; $2,500 top prize, $1,250 for runner-up
Dates: Opens generally in late October
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 9–12
The AFSA National High School Essay Contest invites students to engage with global issues through the lens of U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy. Each year, participants respond to a prompt that explores topics such as international relations, peacebuilding, and the role of the Foreign Service in addressing global challenges. Essays typically require a combination of research, policy analysis, and practical recommendations, encouraging you to think from the perspective of diplomats. Submissions are evaluated through multiple rounds of blind judging, with top entries advancing to final selection stages.
Veritas AI International High School Hackathon
Want to win an AI internship before you finish high school? Every member of the top team at the Veritas AI International High School Hackathon wins an AI internship at Arecibo AI, a healthcare AI startup. The hackathon is free, virtual and open to high school students (grades 9 to 12) anywhere in the world, and the full prize pool, including scholarships to Veritas AI programs, is worth $70,000.
On November 14-15, students work solo or in teams of up to three to build a working AI project. No AI experience is needed, and a free intro workshop on October 17 helps beginners get set up. Tracks include health, climate and finance, so students can pick a problem they care about and turn it into code, a short write-up and a two-minute demo. Finalists then present live to judges from Microsoft Research, Stanford, Harvard and Princeton.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.