The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 is now open for young writers! This prestigious competition offers a chance to win a fully funded trip to London, where winners and runners-up will participate in a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony at the Royal Palace, London.
This article provides all necessary details, including eligibility criteria, essay guidelines, and the step-by-step application process.
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 Summary
| Host | Royal Commonwealth Society |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Category | Competitions |
| Eligible Countries | Commonwealth Countries |
| Reward | Fully Funded Trip to London, Certification, Prizes |
| Deadline | May 23, 2025 |
About the Commonwealth Essay Competition
Each year, young writers are encouraged to explore themes that reflect Commonwealth values and principles.
The competition fosters creativity and global awareness, inspiring the next generation of Commonwealth leaders.
Past themes have covered topics such as environmental sustainability, inclusion, youth leadership, and gender equality.
Winners enjoy a fully funded trip to the UK, where they participate in cultural and educational activities.
The highlight of the event is the Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Society’s Vice-Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
Notable past winners include:
- Mr. Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister of Singapore)
- Mei Fong (Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist)
- Elspeth Huxley (Renowned author)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
- Be under 18 years of age.
- Choose one of the given topics and interpret it creatively.
- Use an original voice and writing style (plagiarism is strictly prohibited).
- Ensure proper grammar, punctuation, and presentation.
- Explore diverse and innovative ways of using the English language.
Benefits of Participating
- Winners and runners-up (along with one guardian) receive a fully funded trip to London.
- Participation in educational and cultural events.
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards for outstanding submissions in both Senior and Junior categories.
- Certificates of Participation for all successful entries.
Essay Topics
Senior Category (Ages 14-18, born between May 23, 2006 – May 23, 2011)
- Equal access to education is a fundamental Commonwealth value. Imagine a Commonwealth where everyone has the same educational opportunities.
- Folklore and national legends teach us about history and culture. Retell a famous folklore from a Commonwealth country in an unexpected way.
- “Human beings have always needed the connection of literature…” – Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Write about how a book took you on a transformative journey.
- The life journey of a plant: Write a story about a plant growing in your community and the experiences it undergoes.
Junior Category (Under 14 years, born after May 23, 2011)
- “Together, we represent a third of humanity…” – King Charles. Write about something interesting you learned about another Commonwealth country.
- Write about a sea voyage from one Commonwealth country to a small island nation. What do you see? Who do you meet?
- You discover a secret door that transports you into your favourite book! What happens next?
- Imagine an animal version of CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting). Which animals attend? What do they discuss?
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your essay:
- Click on the official application link (to be provided on the competition website).
- Select your category (Junior or Senior).
- Click on START to submit your entry.
- Ensure your essay meets all guidelines before submission.
Application Deadline: May 23, 2025
Apply now for a chance to showcase your writing skills and win a life-changing experience in London!
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