The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 is now accepting applications! This international writing competition is open to students from Commonwealth. Participants have the opportunity to earn prestigious awards, certificates, and a fully funded, one-week educational trip to London. The best part? There is no application fee to enter.
The competition, which is the oldest international writing contest, invites young writers to explore this year’s theme: “Our Commonwealth Story”. Winners and runners-up will be invited to Buckingham Palace, London, for a special awards ceremony hosted by Her Majesty.
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 Overview:
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Location: Buckingham Palace, London
- Duration: One Week
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligibility: Commonwealth nationals and residents, plus Ireland, Hong Kong, and Zimbabwe
- Deadline: May 23, 2025
Why You Should Apply:
Participating in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is a life-changing opportunity. Beyond the prestige, it provides a platform for young writers to share their stories, enhance their skills, and connect with peers from across the globe. The fully funded trip to London and the chance to attend an exclusive ceremony at Buckingham Palace make this competition a truly exceptional experience.
Competition Theme:
This year’s theme invites participants to reflect on the journeys of the Commonwealth, both past and future, and to explore their personal experiences within this shared community. Whether geographical, historical, or personal, the essay should highlight the diverse narratives that shape the Commonwealth today.
Benefits of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025:
Winning this prestigious competition comes with incredible rewards:
- Fully Funded Trip to London: Winners and runners-up will enjoy a one-week trip to London, including participation in educational and cultural events.
- Airfare and Accommodation: All travel costs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, and visa expenses, are covered.
- Stipend: A meal allowance will be provided for the duration of the stay.
- Exclusive Buckingham Palace Access: Winners will attend a special awards ceremony hosted by Her Majesty.
- Certificates and Awards: All participants will receive certificates of participation, and top entries will earn gold, silver, and bronze awards.
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Award Categories:
Junior Category (Under 14 Years)
- Junior Winner
- Junior Runner-Up
- Gold Awards
- Silver Awards
- Bronze Awards
- Certificate of Participation
Senior Category (14-18 Years)
- Senior Winner
- Senior Runner-Up
- Gold Awards
- Silver Awards
- Bronze Awards
- Certificate of Participation
Note: Winners and runners-up from both categories will be invited to London for the award ceremony.
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Essay Topics for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025:
Junior Category (Under 14 Years)
Participants can choose one of the following topics (Maximum 750 words):
- Learning Across Borders: Write about a time you learned something fascinating about another Commonwealth country.
- A Voyage to Remember: Describe an imaginary sea journey from one Commonwealth nation to a small island nation. Who do you meet? What do you discover?
- The Secret Door: Imagine discovering a hidden door that leads you into your favorite book. What happens next?
- Animal CHOGM: If animals held a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which animals would attend, and what issues would they discuss?
Senior Category (14-18 Years)
Participants can choose one of the following topics (Maximum 1500 words):
- Educational Equality: Imagine a future where everyone in the Commonwealth has equal access to education. What would it look like?
- Folklore Reimagined: Retell a famous legend from your country or another Commonwealth country in a creative and unexpected way.
- The Power of Literature: Write about a time a book took you on an unforgettable journey. How did it impact you?
- The Life of a Plant: Describe the life journey of a plant growing in your community. What changes does it witness?
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Eligibility Criteria:
To enter the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Eligible Countries: Nationals and residents of Commonwealth countries, Ireland, Hong Kong, and Zimbabwe.
- Age Requirements:
- Junior Category: Born on or after May 16, 2010 (Under 14 years of age).
- Senior Category: Born between May 16, 2005, and May 15, 2010 (14-18 years of age).
- Word Limits:
- Junior Category: Maximum 750 words.
- Senior Category: Maximum 1500 words.
How to Apply for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025?
Follow these steps to submit your essay:
- Prepare Your Essay: Choose your preferred topic from the relevant category and write your essay within the specified word limit.
- Submit Online: Visit the official submission portal to upload your essay. Ensure your essay is properly formatted and adheres to the guidelines.
- Read the FAQs: Before submitting, review the Frequently Asked Questions for additional guidance.
Deadline: The last date to apply is May 23, 2025.
For official guidelines and to submit your essay, visit the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 Official Website.
