Oxford Essay Prize

The Oxford Essay Prize is a free international essay competition and award for students aged 14 to 18 (as of 31 January 2027), any country, run by the Oxford Centre for Advanced Research (OCAR). Six winners (1 Gold, 2 Silvers, 3 Bronzes) receive scholarships plus cash prizes; strong runners-up earn Honours scholarships. Gold is a GBP 2,000 scholarship plus GBP 500 cash; Silvers GBP 1,500 plus GBP 400; Bronzes GBP 1,000 plus GBP 300. Total prizes up to about GBP 9,000. Prompts are set and judged by researchers from Oxford, Cambridge, and MIT. Argumentative essays, max 1,500 words, MLA 9, double-blind review. Opens 4 October 2026. Free registration deadline 20 December 2026 (GBP 5 late fee after that). Submission deadline 3 January 2027. Virtual award ceremony 17 January 2027. Contact Tyler, [email protected]. Phone +1 (573) 279-4102. Address 300 Delaware Avenue, Suite 210 #207, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA.