<p>The John Locke Global Essay Prize is an annual international essay competition run by the John Locke Institute. Contestants choose one question across ten subject categories – Economics, History, International Relations, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Public Policy, Science &amp; Technology, and Theology – and submit a single essay of up to 2000 words.</p><ul><li>Open to students from any country; entrants must be under 19 on 31 May 2026.</li><li>Registration opens 2 February 2026; registration deadline 31 March 2026 (required for subsequent submission).</li><li>Submission deadline 31 May 2026; late entry options available for a fee until 7 or 21 June 2026.</li><li>Essays are judged by academics drawn from Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.</li><li>Junior contestants are judged separately within each category against age peers.</li><li>First place in each category receives a US$5,000 scholarship to a John Locke Institute programme; second US$2,000; third US$1,000. The Grand Prize winner receives an honorary Junior Fellowship plus a US$10,000 scholarship.</li></ul><p>Shortlisted essayists are notified on 7 July 2026 and invited to an academic conference and awards dinner in London on 2-4 October 2026.</p>