2026 St. Gallen Global Essay Competition in Switzerland

Job Description

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The St. Gallen Global Essay Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious student essay challenges, offering young thinkers the opportunity to engage with global leaders, present innovative ideas, and join a vibrant international community. Each year, the competition selects the brightest graduate-level students to participate in the St. Gallen Symposium, held at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Winners will present their insights before top executives, policymakers, academics, and future leaders—while also competing for a CHF 20,000 prize pool shared among the top three essays.

2026 Essay Question

Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide?
Choose a real-world case where at least two of these forces intersect, and propose a bold long-term idea that amplifies the benefits while mitigating the risks.

Competition Summary

• Type: Global Essay Contest
• Location: University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Symposium Dates: 6–7 May 2026
• Eligible Countries: All
• Benefits:
  • Fully funded travel
  • Free accommodation
  • Meals covered
  • Participation in the St. Gallen Symposium
• Deadline: 1 February 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme (Master’s level or higher) at an accredited university.
• Be born in 1996 or later.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or official ID (English version if necessary).
• Proof of enrollment confirming your graduate/postgraduate status as of 1 February 2026.
• Final essay submission (anonymous—no name in the file name, metadata, or content).

Essay Requirements

• Maximum 2,100 words.
• Must be written in English.
• All essays will undergo plagiarism checks.
• Only individual submissions are allowed.

What Selected Participants Receive

Participants chosen for the 2026 edition will receive:

• Fully funded travel tickets
• Accommodation in Switzerland
• Meals throughout the symposium
• Full access to the event and networking opportunities with over 600 senior leaders and 300 young thinkers