Lumiere Education Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Lumiere Education
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Want to prove your academic spark on a global stage? Write a research-based argumentative essay, sharpen critical thinking and academic writing, and get feedback from university professors — boost your uni and career prospects.
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a virtual, global essay competition for ambitious high school students. It invites participants to choose one prompt and write a well-reasoned, research-based argumentative essay on a major issue, drawing on evidence, critical thinking, and clear academic writing.
Entries are reviewed by an Academic Advisory Committee made up of professors and researchers from leading universities. The judging rubric emphasizes originality, analysis, evidence, structure, and presentation, and participants are encouraged to engage seriously with counterarguments rather than rely on unsupported claims.
The competition is free to enter and open worldwide. Winners receive cash prizes, scholarships toward Lumiere programs, and publication opportunities, while top essayists may be invited to a symposium and gala dinner at Oxford University.
14 Sept 2026
20 Dec 2026
14 Sept 2026 – 20 Dec 2026
2026 cycle
Location
- Open to students from any country who will be enrolled in high school as of December 31, 2026.
- Essays must be written in English.
- Each participant may submit only one essay.
- Each essay must be the participant's original work.
- No joint or collaborative submissions are permitted.
- External writing services are strictly prohibited.
- Plagiarism in any form will result in disqualification.
- All referenced material must be appropriately cited.
- Each participant must provide the email address of an academic referee who knows their academic work (such as a school teacher or counselor).
- Current scholars or alumni of the Lumiere Research Scholars Programs may apply, but may not submit their final Lumiere paper.
- Essays must not exceed 2,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
Free to enter; no fees are required.
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