The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition (QCWC) is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools. Delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883, it gives young people a prestigious platform to explore global issues through creative writing.
What is it & Is it Prestigious?
Highly Prestigious. It is a historic, globally recognized benchmark for young writers.
- Legacy & Reach: Engages thousands of students annually across 56 Commonwealth nations.
- The Structure: There is now one age category (18 and under). Five Regional Winners are chosen (Americas, Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe), plus one Overall Winner.
- The Prize: Regional Winners receive a fully funded, week-long trip to London for cultural/educational activities and a special award ceremony.
Official Website: https://www.royalcwsociety.org/writing-competition
Eligibility: Who Can Submit?
- Age: 18 years old or younger on the deadline date (typically April 30).
- Nationality: Must be a national or resident of a Commonwealth country or territory.
- Language: Must be written in English.
The Requirements (How to “Win”)
- Word Limit: Maximum 1,000 words. Quality over quantity (no minimum). Exceeding the limit = automatic disqualification.
- Formatting: Text only. No illustrations or photos.
- Originality: Must be 100% your own work. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited and heavily monitored.
- Anonymity: Do NOT put your name, age, or school on the uploaded document itself.
- Creative Freedom: You can answer the prompt using any form: essay, poem, letter, story, or script.
How to Submit
- Pick a Topic: Choose one prompt from the official QCWC topics list (themes focus on community, environment, and shared identity).
- Format the File: Save strictly as a Microsoft Word document (.doc / .docx) or a PDF (.pdf). Pages or Google Docs links are rejected.
- Apply Online: Submit via the official QCWC online portal before the April 30 deadline. (One entry per person).
- Wait: All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation. Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards are distributed later in the year, and top winners are invited to London.
Ready to write? Visit the Royal Commonwealth Society’s website to view the prompts and submit!
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