TSL International Student Competition - Sustainability
by The Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL)
£1,000 Cash Prize
17,000 participants
International essay and video competition for ages 7-18 on 'Sustainability Culture'. Win cash prizes up to £1,000 and gain global recognition.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition runs annually from September to July.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to students worldwide in two categories: Primary (ages 7-11) and Secondary (ages 11-18). A Teacher Champion (teacher or parent) must register and submit the entry on behalf of the student. All entries must be in English. Participation is free.
- Grade level
- Grade 2 to 12
- Age range
- 7 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a primary or secondary school.
- Prerequisites
- Must be registered by a Teacher Champion from their school.
- Interest in sustainability and environmental topics.
- Ability to express ideas in English through writing, art, or video.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
£1,000
The grand prize winner receives £1,000, and the runner-up receives £500. The winner's school also receives a cash prize of £500.
Prizes
Winner's Trophy
The grand prize winner and the runner-up each receive a trophy.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participating students and Teacher Champions receive a personalized e-certificate.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 10 Sept 2026
- Registration closes
- 1 Mar 2027
- Competition
- 1 Jul 2027 to 2 Jul 2027
Online · TSL Competition Platform, hosted by Submittable
How to apply
- 1A teacher or parent must register as a 'Teacher Champion' on the TSL portal.
- 2The Teacher Champion submits the student's single entry through the official portal before the deadline.
- 3Finalists are announced and invited to participate in the international online debates.
Rules and guidelines
- Essays must be the original work of the student.
- Any use of AI for research must be acknowledged in the bibliography.
- Plagiarized entries will be disqualified.
- Submissions must be in English.
- Entries must be the original work of the student.
Technology requirements
- A computer or tablet with a stable internet connection for submission.
- Webcam and microphone are required for finalists participating in the online debates.
About this opportunity
The Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL) invites students worldwide to explore the theme, 'Sustainability Culture'. This competition encourages critical thinking on environmental issues, allowing participants to share innovative ideas through essays, art, or videos.
Open to ages 7-18, this free competition helps youth move from eco-anxiety to eco-action. Finalists participate in an international online debate, and winners receive cash prizes, with a grand prize of £1,000.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two main stages. The first stage is the submission of a creative entry (e.g., essay, poem, video, artwork) by March. In the second stage, the top finalists are invited to participate in an international online debate in early July to determine the overall winners.
How entries are judged
Entries are judged on originality, creativity, and their potential to contribute to a constructive debate on sustainability. The judges look for unique, well-argued perspectives that are supported by personal views and experiences. Effective communication of the theme is essential.
Selection process
Finalists are selected based on the scores of their creative entries against the judging criteria. The top-scoring students are invited to the debate round. Winners of the debate round are chosen based on their performance, arguments, and engagement.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition theme aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging interdisciplinary learning.
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare for the TSL International Student Competition to maximize their chances of success?
Students can enhance their preparation by thoroughly researching the annual theme, engaging in critical thinking, and practicing creative expression through writing, art, or video. Reviewing past winning entries and understanding the judging criteria can also provide valuable insights for participants.
What are common pitfalls or mistakes that participants should avoid when submitting their entries?
Common mistakes include plagiarism, not adhering strictly to the theme, exceeding word limits (for essays), and failing to acknowledge the use of AI tools. Ensuring originality and carefully reviewing all submission guidelines are crucial for a successful entry.
How does the competition address the pressure and anxiety that some students might experience in a global competitive environment?
The competition aims to foster a supportive environment for students to channel eco-anxiety into positive action. The focus is on creative expression and critical thinking, providing a platform for youth voices rather than solely emphasizing competitive pressure.
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