The 55th St. Gallen Global Essay Competition 2026 is now open! This prestigious international writing competition invites students, graduates, young professionals, and future global leaders to submit essays on pressing global themes. Organized by the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) in partnership with the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, this competition has become one of the most respected platforms for young thinkers worldwide.
Whether you’re interested in global leadership, economics, sustainability, innovation, or public policy, this competition gives you international visibility, networking opportunities, and prize money. Best of all — it’s open to students and recent graduates from all countries.
What Is the St. Gallen Global Essay Competition?
The St. Gallen Global Essay Competition is an annual international challenge that encourages young minds to tackle real-world problems. Each year, the competition releases a theme centered on current global issues — inviting participants to write essays reflecting fresh perspectives, bold solutions, and original thought.
The competition has a long history of attracting contributions from thousands of students globally, and past winners have gone on to become leaders in business, academia, public policy, and social impact.
Competition Theme for 2026
The 2026 theme focuses on questions at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and global change (exact wording often updated yearly). Previous themes have centered on:
- Leadership in turbulent times
- The future of democracy and citizenship
- Global digital transformation
- Climate change leadership
The theme aims to challenge contestants to think critically about how the world should navigate urgent global challenges — and how today’s youth can contribute to meaningful solutions.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to a wide range of young thinkers
✔ Undergraduate students
✔ Master’s students
✔ Recent graduates (up to a defined age limit)
✔ Young professionals with an interest in global issues
There are no nationality restrictions — students from Nigeria, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania are all eligible to participate.
Submission Guidelines
To submit your essay for the St. Gallen Global Essay Competition, follow these core guidelines (detailed instructions are on the official site):
Essay Requirements
- Original, unpublished essays only
- Word count typically between 1,200 – 2,100 words
- Written in English
- Based on the competition’s annual theme
- Structured (introduction, body, conclusion) with cited sources where relevant
Format
- PDF or Word document
- Standard academic formatting (12pt font, double-spaced)
Cover Sheet
Include a cover page with:
- Full name
- Email and contact details
- University/School (if applicable)
- Country of residence
Prizes & Awards
The St. Gallen Global Essay Competition offers significant prize money and recognition for top entries. Typical awards include:
Explore more opportunities like this
✨ 1st Prize: Cash award for the best essay
✨ 2nd and 3rd Prizes: Additional cash awards
✨ Honorary Mentions: Recognition certificates
✨ Publication Opportunities: Outstanding essays may be featured in St. Gallen review outlets or partner platforms
Prize amounts can vary each year, but the competition has a strong reputation for rewarding excellence and providing global exposure.
Key Dates & Deadlines
The timeline is usually structured as follows (confirm exact dates on the official page):
Call for Essays Opens: Late 2025
Deadline: Typically February 2026
Winners Announced: Mid-to-Late 2026
Early preparation and submission are strongly advised — many past winners prepared drafts several months before deadline.
Why This Competition Matters
International Exposure
Top essays are read by academics, CEOs, policymakers, and global thinkers — giving you global visibility.
Portfolio Boost
Having your work recognized internationally strengthens your CV, LinkedIn, and academic portfolios — especially for scholarship or graduate school applications.
Intellectual Growth
The competition pushes you to research, analyze, and articulate sophisticated ideas — strengthening research and writing skills valued in every field.
A Global Network
Finalists and winners often get access to communities of past participants, mentors, and subject matter experts.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Read the Theme & Guidelines
Carefully download the official competition brief — theme, rules, format, and assessment criteria. - Write Your Essay
Develop a unique, thoughtful essay responding to the theme. Focus on clarity, logic, and original insight. - Prepare the Cover Page
Include required contact and academic details. - Submit Before Deadline
Upload your essay according to the official instructions. - Wait for Evaluation
The judging panel (usually academics and thought leaders) reviews all essays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to enter?
Anyone aged ~16 and above — including high school students, undergraduates, master’s candidates, recent graduates, and young professionals. It’s open globally.
2. Is there an entry fee?
No — the St. Gallen Global Essay Competition is typically free to enter.
3. What language should I use?
All essays must be written in English.
4. Do I need to be a student to enter?
No — while students are the primary target group, certain age and eligibility rules may extend to young professionals and recent graduates. Always check the official competition brief.
5. How long should the essay be?
Usually between 1,200 and 2,000 words — but you must follow the choice of guidelines for that specific year.
6. Can I submit multiple essays?
Most competitions allow only one submission per person — double-check the rules, as multiple entries can lead to disqualification.
7. Are citations required?
Yes — academic integrity is expected. Use citations where appropriate.
Final Tips for Winning
Start Early
Brevity and polish matter. Early drafting gives you time to refine.
Research Deeply
Use primary sources, credible journals, and global reports.
Be Original
Competition judges value fresh thinking, not regurgitated ideas.
Edit Carefully
Clear writing, strong structure, and professional presentation help you stand out.
