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Starts on
10 Jan
2026
The Yale International Relations Association Global Essay Competition 2026
A prestigious competition for students to showcase their analytical and writing skills on global issues, guided by Yale University undergraduate mentors.
Eligibility
Grades 8th -12th
Duration
12 Weeks
Early Application Date
6th January 2026
[Regular Date: 8 Jan, 2026]
Program Fee for Early Applicants
USD 25
[Regular Fee: USD 50]
Application deadline
8th January, 2026
Program Delivery
Zoom Led
The Yale International Relations Association Global Essay Competition offers high school students a prestigious platform to showcase their analytical and writing skills on global issues, over 12 weeks.
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Participants have the opportunity to delve into complex international relations topics, guided by the expertise of meritorious Yale students, over Zoom. This competition not only enhances critical thinking and research abilities but also connects young scholars with a global network of peers and mentors dedicated to understanding and solving the world's pressing challenges.
Why Join?
Build your financial understanding and learn to make informed investments.
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Jury & Mentors
Let our experts guide your future
Learning Opportunities
Learn to invest in stocks through simulation
Rules of the Competition
1. Students must submit a 400-word essay on a topic that will be announced in January 2026,
2. Students can approach this essay in any way they choose to.
3. Top essays will explain their choice and provide brief ideas for solutions.
4. The top 25% of submissions will be designated as "Finalists" and advance to the final judging round.
5. Finalists will undergo evaluation by Yale students, who will select the top inspirational 3 essays.
6. The top 3 will be inspirational essays that push our judges to reflect on the world around them and inspire action.
Judging Criteria
Essays should:
1. Exhibit good grammar and a coherent, strong structure.
2. Clearly answer the question by explaining the significance of the issue.
3. Begin to explore potential solutions to the issue.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the world around them.
5. Be bold and exciting to read.
6. Be thought-provoking, leaving the reader with questions to ponder.
Schedule
Time zone are in EST time zone, Convert as per your your country time zone.
Registrations close
Date
January 8th,
2026 - Thursday
Theme Announcement
3rd week of January, 2026
January
Dates
10th Jan 2026 (Saturday) to 31st Jan 2026
Jan 10, 2026, 7am-8am EST: Understanding global issues and how you see the world.
Jan 17, 2026, 8am-9am EST: What makes a competitive essay?
Jan 24, 2026, 8am-9am EST: Tackling global challenges and framing solutions.
Jan 31, 2026, 8am-9am EST: Tips for editing and refining your work.
February
Dates
2nd to 8th Feb, 2026
Deadline: 8th Feb, 11.59 pm ET, 2026
March
Dates
9th-31st March, 2026
Timings for Webinars
To Be Announced Later
9th March, 2026: The Top 50 Finalists will be announced, with 10 students selected from each grade (8-12).
10th March, 2026: Final topics will be sent to the Top 50 Finalists. Webinars and Info Sessions
14th March 2026: Webinar on Global Essay Writing.
15th March 2026: Office Hour with the Finalists. Final Submissions and Winners
20th-22nd March, 2026: Final Essay Submissions.
31st March, 2026: Top 3 Winners will be announced.
Date
December 28, 2024 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Risks and rewards of derivatives
2. Options trading
3. Short selling
Date
January 4, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Analyzing and presenting your portfolio
2. Tips for the portfolio presentation
Date
January 11, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Interactive mentoring session with HSA Mentors (Office Hours)
Date
January 18, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Interactive mentoring session with HSA Mentors (Office Hours)
Date
January 25, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Advice for personal wealth management
2. Budgeting
3. Concluding thoughts on program before judging begins
Date
February 1, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Interactive mentoring & feedback session with HSA Mentors.
Date
February 8, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
Date
February 15, 2025 - Saturday
Time
9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST
1. Top 10 participants present their portfolio to judges for the final round
2. Winners announced
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