YJI Opinion Writing Award
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International journalism award by YJI recognizing outstanding opinion and editorial writing by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.
Mode
Online
Fee
$7 for one student, $15 for a team of up to 3, $25 for a team of 4 or more
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 2 or more
Duration
Annual contest cycle
Time needed
Submission of previously published work
Eligibility
Open to non-professional journalists aged 19 and under worldwide. Work must have been published or broadcast in English. Entries from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues accepted.
- Age range
- Up to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Published or broadcast opinion writing work in English
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Award Certificate
Custom-made award certificates for winners from first place to honorable mention
Recognition
International Journalism Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 31 Oct 2026
- Registration closes
- 12 Feb 2027
Online · Online Submission Portal
How to apply
- 1Submit entry via YJI online form with public link to published work
- 2Pay entry fee of $5 USD (fee waivers available)
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be non-professional journalists aged 19 or under
- All entries must be accessible online with a public link
- Work must have been published or broadcast in English
- Entries accepted from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues
- Previous first-place winners cannot re-enter the same category
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual entry fee is $7 USD. Team entries cost $15 for three people or fewer and $25 for four or more. Fee waivers are available for individuals facing financial hardship: write to contest@youthjournalism.org. Waiver requests are limited to two entries.
About this opportunity
The YJI Opinion Writing Award is a category within the annual Youth Journalism International (YJI) Excellence in Journalism Contest. This category recognizes young journalists aged 19 and under who produce outstanding opinion and editorial writing, celebrating thoughtful commentary that presents well-reasoned arguments on issues and events of significance.
The contest is open to non-professional journalists worldwide. Entrants must have published or broadcast their work in English during the previous calendar year. Submissions are accepted from school publications, underground papers, blogs, online papers, and other venues. All entries must be accessible online with a public link.
Entries are evaluated by a global panel of more than two dozen judges including professional journalists, teachers, and media experts from around the world. Winners from first place to honorable mention receive custom-made award certificates and gain international recognition for their journalism excellence.
Rounds and format
Single round evaluation of previously published opinion writing work by a panel of judges
How entries are judged
Entries evaluated for strength of argument, quality of reasoning, clarity of expression, and impact of commentary on issues and events
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of success in this competition?
Participants can improve their chances by focusing on well-reasoned arguments, clear and concise writing, and selecting topics of significant impact. Reviewing past winning entries can also provide valuable insights into successful approaches.
What are common pitfalls or mistakes applicants should avoid during the submission process?
Common mistakes include submitting work outside the eligible publication period, providing inaccessible links to entries, or failing to adhere to the age limit. Ensuring all rules are followed meticulously is crucial.
How does participation in this international competition benefit a young journalist's portfolio?
Winning or receiving an honorable mention provides international recognition, a custom-made award certificate, and a valuable credential that enhances a young journalist's portfolio, demonstrating their writing and analytical skills to future employers or academic institutions.
What is the judging process, and who are the evaluators for the entries?
Entries are evaluated by a global panel of more than two dozen judges, including professional journalists, teachers, and media experts. The judging process involves a thorough review of each submission against the established criteria.
Are there specific themes or topics that judges typically favor in opinion writing submissions?
Judges look for thoughtful commentary on issues and events of significance. While no specific themes are favored, entries that demonstrate strong critical thinking, original perspectives, and a clear impact on the reader tend to stand out.
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