John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology
$10,000 Scholarship
John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology is a competition by John Locke Institute (JLI), open to students across India. Registration closed 31 Mar 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
Approximately 1 month for submission.
Format
Individual
Time needed
Varies per student; requires significant time for research, writing, and refining a 2000-word essay.
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 2 Feb 2026
- Registration closed
- 31 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 1 Apr 2026 to 31 May 2026
- Results
- 3 Oct 2026
Online · Official John Locke Institute Website
About this opportunity
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is a prestigious international competition that encourages young people to cultivate the skills of great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, and persuasive style. The Theology category invites students to explore complex questions beyond the standard school curriculum, focusing on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of theology.
This competition is open to students globally who are eighteen years old or younger, with a separate Junior Prize for those fourteen or younger. It offers a unique chance to have work assessed by senior academics from leading universities like Oxford and Princeton and to gain international recognition for outstanding writing and argumentation.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Age range
- to 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to students from any school or curriculum background.
Prerequisites
- A strong command of the English language is essential for writing the essay.
- Participants should have a keen interest in theological, philosophical, and ethical questions.
- The ability to conduct independent research and formulate a persuasive argument is required.
Open to students of any nationality, including India. Candidates must be eighteen years old, or younger, on the submission deadline.
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Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition is not based on a specific curriculum but requires a deep knowledge of theology.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$10,000
The Grand Prize winner receives a $10,000 scholarship. Winners in each subject category (including Theology) receive a $5,000 scholarship, with $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third. These scholarships are for John Locke Institute programs.
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
All shortlisted candidates receive a downloadable eCertificate to acknowledge their achievement. Prize winners who attend the ceremony in London receive a signed certificate.
Opens doors to
Winning or being shortlisted for this prestigious international prize is a significant academic achievement that can strengthen applications to top universities worldwide.
Recognition
International recognition
Skills your child builds
Rounds & format
Single submission round.
How entries are judged
Essays are judged on knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, competent use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive force. The best essays are those which could change someone's mind and address strong counter-arguments.
Selection process
A shortlist is created from all entries based on the judging criteria. From the shortlist, judges select a first, second, and third prize winner for each subject category. A Grand Prize winner is then chosen from the subject winners.
How to apply
- 1Register on the official John Locke Institute website.
- 2Choose one essay question from the Theology subject category.
- 3Write a compelling essay of no more than 2000 words.
- 4Submit the essay in PDF format through the online portal by the submission deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology?
The registration deadline is 31 Mar 2026. Registration for this edition has closed.
Is John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology?
Children aged to 18.
What will my child gain from John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology?
Opportunity to win a US$10,000 scholarship as the Grand Prize winner.. Win a US$5,000 scholarship for the best essay in the Theology category.. Gain international recognition from academics at Oxford and Princeton.. Receive a certificate of achievement if your essay is shortlisted.. Develop advanced skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasive writing.. Invitation to an awards ceremony in London for winners and runners-up..
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