Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition
by Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR)
$500 CCIR Scholarship
13,000 participants
An international essay competition by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR) for high school students to develop critical thinking on global issues.
Mode
Online
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition runs annually from January to July.
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
Open to students aged 11 to 18 worldwide. Participants must be enrolled in a high school program and should not have started their undergraduate studies. There are no geographical restrictions for participation.
- Age range
- 11 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a current high school student who has not yet commenced undergraduate studies.
- Prerequisites
- Proficiency in English writing
- Ability to conduct independent research and formulate a strong argument
- Interest in contemporary global issues and diverse subjects
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$500
Gold Award winners receive a $150 cash prize and a $500 scholarship for CCIR Academy programs. Silver winners receive $100 cash and a $300 scholarship, and Bronze winners receive $50 cash and a $200 scholarship.
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards
Top essays are recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Special prizes are also awarded for Best Argument (Logos), Best Writing (Pathos), and Best Research (Ethos).
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants who submit an essay receive a digital certificate of participation. The top 10% of submissions receive an Honourable Mention certificate.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 10 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Register a participant account on the official CCIR website.
- 2Select an essay prompt from the provided list of topics.
- 3Write and format the essay according to the specified guidelines (e.g., 2000-word limit, MLA 8 citation style).
- 4Provide the email address of an adult academic referee, such as a teacher or counselor, for verification.
Rules and guidelines
- Each essay must be the original work of the participant.
- The use of AI writing assistance is strictly prohibited.
- Plagiarism in any form will result in immediate disqualification.
- Participants are allowed to submit only one essay.
- The submission must focus on a single question from the provided prompts.
- Essays must adhere to the specified word limit, typically around 2000 words.
Technology requirements
- A computer with a stable internet connection for research and submission.
- Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
There are no fees required to enter this essay competition.
About this opportunity
The Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition is an international platform designed to encourage high school students to engage in critical thinking and explore a wide range of thought-provoking topics. The competition covers diverse subjects, inviting participants to analyze their various facets and implications, promoting intellectual exploration and challenging established norms.
This competition is open to talented high school students from all over the world, typically between the ages of 11 and 18, who have not yet started their undergraduate studies. It provides an opportunity for young minds to contribute their unique perspectives on pressing global issues while developing crucial research, argumentation, and academic writing skills highly beneficial for future university studies.
Rounds and format
This is a single-round contest with only one submission.
How entries are judged
Essays are evaluated based on the originality of ideas, quality of argumentation, depth of research, and clarity of writing. The review process is double-blind to ensure impartiality.
Selection process
Winners are selected after four rounds of blind review by a panel of judges. The top 0.25% of submissions receive awards, and the top 10% receive Honourable Mentions based on the overall quality and intellectual rigor of their essays.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition does not follow a fixed curriculum. Instead, it presents a series of thought-provoking and often controversial essay prompts across various interdisciplinary themes. Past themes have included Animal Rights and Society, Freedom and Accountability, Technology and Ethics, Space Exploration and Governance, Biotechnology, Economics and Globalization, Public Health, and Laws and Society. Participants are expected to conduct independent research to formulate a well-structured, evidence-based argument on their chosen topic.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key elements of a successful essay in this competition?
Successful essays typically demonstrate originality of ideas, a strong and well-supported argument, in-depth research, and clear, concise writing. Participants should aim to present a fresh perspective and engage critically with the chosen topic, supporting claims with credible evidence and logical reasoning.
How can participants manage competitive pressure effectively during the essay writing process?
Managing competitive pressure involves focusing on individual growth and learning rather than solely on winning. Participants should allocate sufficient time for research and writing, break down the task into smaller, manageable steps, and seek feedback from teachers or mentors to refine their arguments and writing style.
What common mistakes should participants avoid when preparing their essays?
Common mistakes include plagiarism, using AI writing assistance, exceeding the word limit, and failing to properly cite sources. Participants should also avoid weak argumentation, lack of original thought, and poor essay structure. Adhering strictly to the submission guidelines is crucial.
How do the two age divisions (Junior and Senior) impact the evaluation process?
The Junior (11-13) and Senior (14-18) divisions ensure that essays are evaluated against age-appropriate benchmarks. While the core criteria of originality, argumentation, research, and clarity remain, the judging panel considers the developmental stage and academic exposure of participants within each division.
What long-term benefits can participants expect from engaging in this competition?
Beyond potential awards, participants significantly enhance their critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills, which are invaluable for higher education. The competition also provides international recognition, strengthening university applications and fostering intellectual confidence.
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