University of Essex Competition Hub

The University of Essex Competition Hub hosts a range of subject-based competitions for school students, designed to inspire creativity, encourage critical thinking, and build skills useful for further study and careers. The Hub is aimed primarily at students in Years 10 to 12 and highlights opportunities that can strengthen university applications, provide feedback from academics, and in many cases offer prizes or other recognition.

One highlighted opportunity is the United Nations Writing Competition run by the Department of Government. This competition calls explicitly for Year 12 and Year 13 students (and is open to international high school graduates from the class of 2026/27).

Entrants should choose one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and submit a 350-400 word piece exploring its significance, the challenge it addresses, and potential solutions at local, national or global levels. Entries are judged on writing style, creativity and analytical depth and are assessed by year group.

To enter the United Nations Writing Competition applicants must use the provided Word template, upload the completed template via the University submission form, and submit on or before 21 November 2025. The winner will be announced on or before 12 December 2025.

The Competition Hub page also links to free online courses for students in Years 10-13 to support study and preparation.