Win a Fully Funded Trip to the UK: Apply for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025!

Mercy Awofiranye

Contests/AwardsEssay Writing
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Applications are open for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 for Young Writers. Apply Below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is 23 May 2025.

Tell Me About The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition:

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is the world’s oldest international writing competition, providing young people across the Commonwealth with a platform to express their ideas and creativity. The competition encourages participants to explore the theme “Our Commonwealth Journey”, reflecting on historical, geographical, and personal journeys within the Commonwealth. It aims to inspire youth to engage with global issues while honing their writing skills. The award consists of 2 categories which include:

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SENIOR CATEGORY 

(Born between 23 May 2006 and 23 May 2011 (14-18 years of age)) 

  1. Equal access to education is enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter as one of the key values and aspirations that unite the Commonwealth. While the Commonwealth has come a long way on the journey towards this, there is still progress to be made. Imagine a Commonwealth in which everyone has the same access to education.
  2. National legends and folklore can take us on a journey through history and culture. Retell a famous folklore from your own or another Commonwealth country in a surprising way.
  3. “Human beings have always needed the connection of literature – its wisdom as well as its sheer escapism.” – Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Books can take us on journeys to the wildest and most unexpected places! Write about a time a book took you on a journey; how did it affect you?
  4. From tiny seeds to large redwoods, trees and plants experience changes and growth throughout their life cycles. Write a story about the life journey of a plant growing in the centre of your community; what does it experience?

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JUNIOR CATEGORY 

(Born on or after 23 May 2011 (under 14 years of age))

  1. “Together, we represent a third of humanity, with all the splendidly diverse complexity that this entails.” – His Majesty King Charles. Learning new information can take us on journeys to new places. Write about a time you learned something interesting about a different Commonwealth country from your own.
  2. Commonwealth states range from small island nations like Nauru to larger countries like India. Write an account of a sea voyage from one Commonwealth country to a small island Commonwealth nation. What do you see, who do you meet?
  3. You embark on a very special journey when you discover a secret door that takes you into your favorite book! What happens next?
  4. October 2024 saw Commonwealth leaders travel to Samoa for the 2024  Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Imagine what an animal CHOGM would look like! Which animals travel there? What do they discuss?​​​​​​

Which Fields are Eligible?

All fields 

Type:

Essay Contest 

Who can Apply for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition?

Also, the contest is:

  • Open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
  • Participants must fall into one of the two categories:
  • Senior Category: Born between 23 May 2006 and 23 May 2011 (Ages 14-18).
  • Junior Category: Born on or after 23 May 2011 (Under 14 years old).

How are Applicants Selected?

Essays are judged based on:

  • Creativity and originality in approaching the given topics.
  • Clarity of thought and coherence in storytelling or argumentation.
  • Engagement with the competition theme (“Our Commonwealth Journey”).
  • Grammar, language use, and overall presentation.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

All the 56 Commonwealth countries, as well as Hong Kong, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.

Where will the Award be Taken?

Submission of essay is online 

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition?

  • Two winners from the two categories will be awarded a fully funded trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events culminating in a special award ceremony at a royal palace.
  • All successful entries will receive a certificate of participation and several entries will receive gold, silver, and bronze awards for excellence in writing. 

How Long Will the Award Last?

The competition runs from March to May 2025.

How to Apply:

Submit your essay through the official competition website: www.royalcwsociety.org.

Visit the official webpage.

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.

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