Minds Underground™ Global Essay Competitions 2026
Minds Underground Essay Competition 2026 – Questions are live!
The Minds Underground™ Essay Competitions are designed to encourage ambitious students to think beyond the school curriculum, engage with complex ideas, and develop the analytical and communication skills valued by top universities. Open to students aged 8–18 worldwide, these subject-specific competitions provide a platform to explore new academic interests, from STEM and Medicine to the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law.
Each entry is an opportunity to undertake independent research, strengthen critical thinking, and demonstrate intellectual curiosity - key traits for successful university applicants.
The deadline for entries will be 3 April 2026, giving students plenty of time to research, plan, and craft their essays.
📍 View the full 2025 results here (we also include some model essays): Results Page.
Young Minds Prize (Essay competition for students aged 14 and under)
A chance for our younger students (aged 14 & under) to explore beyond the curriculum in answer to contemporary questions and debates.
Senior Prizes
Hone writing skills, explore your interests beyond the school curriculum and gain a great talking-point on your university application. Competitions are aimed at Year 12, but open to younger applicants.
N.B. Students are permitted to enter in more than 1 subject category.
The Minds Underground™ Global Essay Competitions 2026 are now open for entries across more than twenty subjects, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Psychology, History, and Economics. Students can explore university-level topics, develop critical thinking, and showcase academic curiosity.
Click on a subject below to view the 2026 essay questions, submission form, and full entry guidelines.
Young Minds (U14) Competition
Architecture Essay Competition
Economics Essay Competition
Geography Essay Competition
History Essay Competition
History of Art Essay Competition
Languages Essay Competition
Law Essay Competition
English Literature Essay Competition
Medicine Essay Competition
Philosophy Essay Competition
Politics Essay Competition
Psychology Essay Competition
STEM Essay Competitions (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Maths)
Veterinary Essay Competition
Engineering Innovation Challenge - Design a Wearable!
Classics Essay Competition
Dentistry Essay Competition
Each subject competition has its own dedicated submission form - please make sure to submit your essay using the correct form for each subject you enter.
You may enter more than one competition, but each entry must be submitted separately. All competitions are open worldwide to students aged 8–18 (those who are 14 & Under should apply to the Young Minds Competition).
How to Enter
Can I enter more than one Minds Underground competition?
Yes - students may submit separate entries for multiple subjects, as long as they use the correct submission form for each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the competitions open to international students?
Absolutely - all Minds Underground Essay Competitions are global, and we welcome submissions from students aged 8–18 anywhere in the world.
How long should my essay be?
Each competition page lists its own word limit (typically 1,000–1,500 words). View the submission guidelines for more details.
Ready to take part? Explore the subjects above, select your question, and submit your entry for the Minds Underground™ Essay Competitions 2026. Winners will receive prizes, recognition, and tailored resources to support future university applications.