The Minds Underground™ Geography Essay Competition 2026
The Minds Underground™ Geography Essay Competition invites students in Year 12 – though younger entrants and Year 13 university re-applicants are also welcome - to explore pressing global and environmental issues through independent research. This competition offers an opportunity to develop university-level writing and critical thinking skills while contributing thoughtfully to discussions around geography, climate change, and sustainability. Entrants must choose one question to answer.
The 2026 Minds Underground Geography Essay Competition questions are now live! Submit your entry by 3 April 2026.
2026 Geography Essay Competition Questions
01.
If all maps were erased tomorrow, how would societies rebuild a sense of place?
02.
Can a country be rich if its environment is poor?
03.
Would you rather live in a world without borders or one without inequality?
Are you in Year 11/ 12 & Thinking of Pursuing Geography at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?
We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in Geography at a leading university:
Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts
Geography Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants
Long-term Oxbridge Geography mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/university-applications
Interested in a Geography Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here
Geography Essay Competition FAQs
Why enter our Geography Essay Competition?
Our Geography essay competition is a great way to enhance your personal statement for university, demonstrating your dedication to pursuing an independent interest in Geography. Over the course of entering our Geography essay competition, you will hone your research and planning skills and engage with critics, all skills that are highly valued by admissions tutors.
When is the deadline for the Geography Essay Competition?
The deadline to submit your entry to the Geography essay competition is 11pm UK time on the 3rd April 2026.
Who can enter the Geography Essay Competition?
Anyone! The Geography Essay Competition is open to all UK and international students. We particularly recommend it for year 12 students, or students taking a gap year to reapply to university, but younger years are also welcome to enter.
Can I get support for the Geography Essay Competition?
Yes! Why not work with one of our tutors as a Geography Essay Competition mentor. They can help you break down the questions and research and structure your answer, as well as offer valuable feedback on your drafts. Many of our Geography Essay Competition mentors studied the subject at Oxbridge and can support you in all areas of your application process. Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here.
Can I submit more than one entry for the Geography Essay Competition?
While you can’t submit more than one entry for the Geography Essay Competition, you can enter another essay in a different subject category!
