How to register and submit
Registration and submission both happen on the official competition site. Here is the process — register before the deadline, or your essay cannot be accepted.
- 1Visit the official website
Go to johnlockeinstitute.com/essay-competition. Registration opens on 1 February.
- 2Open the registration page
Scroll to “Registrations are now open. Click here to register” and follow the link.
- 3Register with a valid email
Use a personal email address you check often — confirmations and shortlist notices are sent there.
- 4Complete your details
Provide name, date of birth, country and the other requested fields, then submit to create your entry.
From registration to submission
Submission window
Submissions open on 1 April and close on 31 May for the regular (free) deadline.
Late submission
Two late windows follow (around 7 and 21 June) with a fee. Registration must still have been completed by 31 May.
One essay, one question
Each essay answers one set question in one subject, in no more than 2,000 words. You may enter more than one subject.
Full rules and the current calendar are on the competition rules page.
What to have ready
A valid email
One you check often — all confirmations and shortlist notices arrive here.
Your date of birth
It determines your division (Junior or Senior) and must meet the age rule.
School details
Your current school and country, as requested on the registration form.
A subject in mind
You don’t submit yet, but knowing your discipline helps you plan early.
Common registration mistakes
- 01Missing the registration deadline
You must register by 31 May — even late submitters cannot enter if they didn’t register in time.
- 02Entering the wrong age division
Check the Junior/Senior age cut-offs carefully before you register.
- 03Using an email you don’t monitor
Shortlist and interview invitations are time-sensitive — use an address you check.