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Oxford Global Education

Oxford Global Education

Oxford Agora: The Global Essay and Defence Prize 2027

OpenEconomicsGlobal AffairsEssay Contest

About the Program

Overview

Oxford Agora 2027 is an essay competition followed by a live remote academic defence for selected finalists. The organizer states that entry and defence participation are free.

Eligibility and timing

The organizer says students aged 11–18 from any country, school system, or educational background may enter. Age cohort is determined on January 31, 2027. Entries opened September 10, 2026 and close January 31, 2027 at 23:59 GMT. Essays must be in English. The senior cohort (ages 14–18) has a 1,500-word maximum. Finalist defences are scheduled for March 2–15, 2027 and take place by secure video conference; finalist participation is free and travel is not required. The organizer says parent/guardian consent is required for finalists under 18.

2027 prompt style

Entrants choose one of ten prompts in five areas: artificial intelligence and human choice; medicine and genetics; climate and energy; government, democracy and the economy; and history, evidence and national memory. Prompts invite a researched argument, counterargument, and reflection. For example, one asks whether a legislature would be more representative if some lawmakers were selected by lottery; another asks how nations should reckon with past injustices when those responsible are no longer alive. The government/democracy and national responsibility questions may suit a student interested in politics and international affairs; the competition does not list a dedicated law or international-relations category in 2027.

Organizer and important limits

Oxford Global Education describes Oxford Agora as an independent competition that it organizes. Its site states that Oxford Global Education is operated by Oxford Global Courses Ltd. and is not part of, affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. The sources checked establish a 2027 cycle but do not verify an established history or reputation comparable to the John Locke Institute prize. The official page also says its final legal, safeguarding, prize, and data-protection wording is subject to review before publication. Check current terms before entering, especially rules for minors and data use.

Official sources

Eligibility

Open worldwide to students aged 11–18 from any country and school system; essays must be in English. Age cohort is based on age on January 31, 2027. One of ten questions; 2027 senior cohort (ages 14–18) may submit up to 1,500 words. Entrants must submit a process statement and declarations. Limited AI support is allowed only when disclosed; the argument and analysis must be the entrant's own. Finalists are invited to a remote 15–20-minute Oxford Defence and participants under 18 require parent/guardian consent. Age 11–18 on January 31, 2027; senior cohort ages 14–18. Current students from any school system worldwide; home-educated and independent entries are eligible. Cohort is based on age on January 31, 2027.

Eligible Countries

Students aged 11–18 on January 31, 2027: All countries Open worldwide to students from any country and school system; no country exclusions listed.

How to Apply

Choose one of ten 2027 questions and submit an English essay with bibliography, process statement, and required declarations by January 31, 2027 at 23:59 GMT. Senior essays are limited to 1,500 words. Entries are free. Twenty finalists are scheduled for a remote live academic defence in March 2027; finalist participation is also free. The organizer's official page says final legal, safeguarding, prize, and data-protection wording is still subject to review, so entrants should check the current terms before submitting.