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Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF)
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Competition
Horizon Academic Essay Prize 2026
Run by Horizon Academic
Deadline: 1 February 2026
OnlineOnline (global)FreeHighly selectiveHigh effort
About this opportunity
<p>The Horizon Academic Essay Prize 2026 invites high school students worldwide to engage critically with one of five prompts under the 2026 theme "The Pursuit of Progress" – covering mental health, bio-hacking ethics, migration, surveillance technology, and social movements. Essays are judged by Horizon's Academic Advisory Board of professors from leading global universities.</p><ul><li>Open to all high school students worldwide (enrolled as of 1 September 2026).</li><li>Free to enter; essays must be in English, up to 1,000 words, MLA 8th edition citations.</li><li>Grand prizes: Grand Visionary (USD 1,000 cash + USD 6,450 scholarship), Grand Innovator (USD 500 + USD 4,000 scholarship), Grand Excellence (USD 250 + USD 3,000 scholarship).</li><li>Additional Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention awards per prompt.</li><li>Submission deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 PST). Shortlist notified 22 February; winners announced 8 March 2026.</li></ul><p>Submissions are made online via the competition page.</p>
Who can apply
Open to all students from any country enrolled in high school as of 1 September 2026. Current Horizon Academic scholars or alumni may apply but may not submit their Horizon thesis work.
How to apply
Submit one essay in English (up to 1,000 words, MLA 8th edition citations, no identifying details) through the Horizon Academic Essay Prize page, with the email of an academic referee such as a teacher. Runs every year; the 2026 prize closed on 1 February 2026, and the 2027 theme and deadline have not been announced yet.
What you get
Prize moneyScholarshipAward Recognition
Frequently asked
Who runs this?+
Run by Horizon Academic.
Who can apply?+
Open to all students from any country enrolled in high school as of 1 September 2026. Current Horizon Academic scholars or alumni may apply but may not submit their Horizon thesis work.
When's the deadline?+
Applications close on 1 February 2026.
Is it paid?+
No fees to apply. Selected participants may receive a stipend or prize from the organiser.
What will I walk away with?+
You can expect prize money and scholarship.
How do I apply?+
Submit one essay in English (up to 1,000 words, MLA 8th edition citations, no identifying details) through the Horizon Academic Essay Prize page, with the email of an academic referee such as a teacher.
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