Harvard Political Review Global Policy Case Competition 2026
Harvard Political Review
Apply NowReady to tackle global issues and sharpen your policy game? Join a global policy case competition to work in teams, research evidence-based solutions, and write persuasive essays for a broad audience—build research, critical thinking and communication skills that boost your university and career profile.
The Harvard Political Review Global Policy Case Competition is a worldwide policy-writing competition for middle and high school students. Participants work in teams to produce an evidence-based policy essay that either evaluates an existing public policy or proposes a new solution to a pressing issue.
Students are asked to write analytically and persuasively for a general audience, drawing on research, data, and critical thinking rather than storytelling alone. The competition is designed to build skills in journalism, policy analysis, and civic leadership, with a strong focus on clear argumentation and practical recommendations.
Teams submit an 800-1,200 word essay in the preliminary round, then the strongest teams progress to a live final round on Zoom where they present and defend their work before judges. Recognition includes certificates for participants and awards for high-performing teams, alongside the chance to have winning work featured by the Harvard Political Review.
Certificate of participation
01 Nov 2026
06 Dec 2026
Global Final Round
Location
- Open to middle school students in grades 6-8 and high school students in grades 9-12.
- Teams must have 1-5 students.
- All team members must be from the same school.
- Multi-school teams may only be allowed by exception after emailing the organisers.
$75
Registration fees are US$75 per student at the priority deadline, US$85 per student at the regular deadline, and US$95 per student at the late deadline. Fee waivers are available for individual low-income students if requested before the regular deadline.
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