The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, which is available to residents of Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations, is the oldest literary competition in the world. The Royal Commonwealth Society is the host of this prestigious competition, which gives young voices a rare platform to discuss global concerns while offering awards and an all-expense-paid trip to London for the winners and runners-up.
“Our Common Wealth” is the theme for the QCEC 2024, and it invites participants to investigate a range of subjects catered to both senior and junior categories. Participants will get a Certificate of Participation, and each category’s winners and runners-up will get to travel to London for a week. Explore the specifications and qualifying criteria for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition below.
About Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition:
Age Categories: The competition is divided into two categories – Senior (14-18 years old) and Junior (under 14).
Theme: The theme for the 2024 edition is “Our Common Wealth”.
Prizes and Awards
One-week fully-funded trip to London.
Certificate of Participation.
Junior Awards Categories (Under 14s)
- Junior Winner
- Junior Runner-up
- Gold Awards
- Silver Awards
- Bronze Awards
- Certificate of Participation
Senior Awards Categories (14-18)
- Senior Winner
- Senior Runner-up
- Gold Awards
- Silver Awards
- Bronze Awards
- Certificate of Participation
Additionally, winners and runners-up from each category will attend a special Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her Majesty, as part of their trip to London.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Senior Category: For those born on or after May 16, 2010 (under 14 years of age).
- Junior Category: For those born between May 16, 2005, and May 15, 2010 (14-18 years of age).
- Open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
- Word Limit: Senior – 1500 words, Junior – 750 words.
Senior Category Topics:
- Discuss small steps to address the climate crisis.
- Highlight a significant global issue and propose solutions based on Commonwealth values.
- Explore how cultural values can enhance cooperation and community in the Commonwealth.
- Draft a letter to your President or Prime Minister on achieving peace, liberty, and progress.
Junior Category Topics:
- Propose a new habit to promote environmental sustainability.
- Engage in a dialogue with a grandparent on resilience and hope.
- Imagine communicating with sea creatures during a beach clean-up.
- Describe your approach to making friends during a school exchange in a different Commonwealth country.
Your essay must be submitted online. Kindly review the FAQs.
Deadline: 15th May 2024
