DiscoverMy FeedThoughtsContactsProfile
Lumiere Education logo

Lumiere Education Lumiere Scholars Essay Award

Create a free account to apply

6 students tapped Apply

Competition
Remote•FREE
Years 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 • Ages 14–18
User pinned this opportunity
User pinned this opportunity
User pinned this opportunity
+18
21 pins

Write an evidence-based argumentative essay on one prompt, reviewed by professors and researchers from leading universities. Develop your case and engage with counterarguments; winners receive cash prizes and publication opportunities, while top essayists may be invited to a symposium and gala dinner at Oxford.

Closes in 25 daysPrize: More than $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships overall, plus publication in the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship for winning essays. Top essayists may also be invited to the Lumiere Research Symposium and Gala Dinner at Oxford University. Award tiers include Gold ($1,000 cash and a $3,190 scholarship), Silver ($500 cash and a $2,500 scholarship), Bronze ($300 cash and a $2,000 scholarship), and additional scholarship-based recognition awards.

The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a virtual, global essay competition for ambitious sixth-form 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.

PoliticsEconomicsBiologyComputer SciencePhysicsPhilosophyGeneral / All Sectors
Applications Open

14 September 2026

Application Deadline

30 November 2026

Early bird submission deadline: 25 October 2026. Submission deadline: 20 December 2026. Shortlist announcement: 4 January 2027. Virtual award ceremony: 10 January 2027. Gala dinner @ Oxford University: 9 July 2027.

1

14 September 2026 – 20 December 2026

Fall 2026 competition cycle

Location

Remote
  • Open to students from any country who will be enrolled in secondary school as of 31 December 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 participate

Free to enter; no fees are required.

Checked 5 October 2026

Comments

Loading comments...

Create a free account to ask the organisation and other students.