In-Person

Our programmes provide a unique insight into what it’s like to study a subject at university level. Each subject follows a specifically designed syllabus that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Architecture Architecture & Design Artificial Intelligence Banking & Finance Biology Biotechnology Business Management Chemistry Coding Computer Science
Creative Writing Criminology Earth Sciences Economics Engineering English Literature Entrepreneurship Fashion & Design Female Future Leaders Film & Animation
Film Studies Fine Art Global Leadership Environment & Sustainability History International Relations Law Marketing & Entertainment Mathematics Media & Journalism Medicine
Nanotechnology Natural Sciences Philosophy Philosophy, Politics & Economics Physics Psychology Software Development & AI Software Development & Gaming Veterinary Studies Download a Subject Syllabus Overview

Our programmes run in a variety of historic and inspiring university locations that give students a true insight into living and studying like an undergraduate at world-leading institutions.

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Our options for ages 13 to 15 are designed to ignite students’ interest, and help them better understand which subjects to pursue at a higher level. Our programmes for 16 to 18 year olds provide a unique insight into what it’s like to study a subject at university level.

13-15 years old 16-18 years old 18-30 years old

Our programmes provide a unique insight into what it’s like to study a subject at university level. Each subject follows a specifically designed syllabus that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Academic Insights
Academic Insights
Our flagship summer programme provides ambitious high-school students globally with an unrivalled experience studying undergraduate-level subjects at leading Oxbridge institutions
 Career Insights
Career Insights
Our immersive learning summer programme, empowers students with practical skills, industry exposure, and mentorship, fostering future-ready professionals.
 TED Summer School
TED Summer School
Our public speaking programme, co-created with TED, empowers ambitious high-school students to develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
Online

Our online programmes provide a virtual learning experience offering exceptional opportunities for academic enrichment to engaged students around the world.

Architecture Artificial Intelligence Biology Business Management Chemistry
Coding Computer Science Creative Writing Economics Encryption & Cybersecurity
Engineering English Literature History International Relations Law
Mathematics Medicine Philosophy Psychology

Our programmes provide a unique insight into what it’s like to study a subject at university level. Each subject follows a specifically designed syllabus that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Online Research Programme
Online Research Programme
This online programme sees students work 1-1 with tutors from renowned institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Ivy League schools.
 Group Online Research Programme
Group Online Research Programme
Our Group Online Research Programme allows students to develop their research skills alongside peers from all over the world, and with the same expert support as our classic ORP.

Our options for ages 13 to 15 are designed to ignite students’ interest, and help them better understand which subjects to pursue at a higher level. Our programmes for 16 to 18 year olds provide a unique insight into what it’s like to study a subject at university level.

13-18 years old
Locations

Our programmes run in a variety of historic and inspiring university locations that give students a true insight into living and studying like an undergraduate at world-leading institutions.

Cambridge Oxford London Sydney New York Toronto San Francisco Singapore Boston Tokyo
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Resources

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Expert subject guides, study strategies, and exam tips to boost GCSE success.

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Expert insights, subject guides, and study techniques tailored to the IB curriculum.

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Essential resources for forward-thinking educators, from innovative teaching techniques and emerging trends to EdTech insights and career guidance.

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Explore academic competitions that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help you stand out.

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The Immerse Education Bursary Programme is open to students from all school types, worldwide.

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Enter the Immerse Education Essay Competition

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Participate in the Immerse Education Essay Competition for a chance to win a full or partial scholarship to our university and career preparation programmes. Since 2020, the competition has offered ambitious students the opportunity to win a full or partial scholarship on our award-winning programmes.

Competition open
150+ scholarships yearly

  • Free for 13-18 year old students worldwide
  • Includes 10 full scholarships and additional 50-75% scholarships to any programme
Register Interest
Submit Entry
Submit Entry
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10,000+

Alumni globally

97%

Participants would recommend Immerse

Find out more
Register Interest
Submit Entry

What Is the Essay Competition?

The Immerse Education Essay Competition gives students aged 13–18 the chance to submit an essay on a question that sparks their interest. Each year, we refresh our list of questions to encourage students to explore their favourite subjects in greater depth. With more than twenty options available in our Essay Competition Guide, there’s plenty to choose from. Ten winners will receive a full scholarship to study with us at a world-leading university of their choice, and outstanding runners-up will also be awarded partial scholarships.

Prizes

  • Runners-up
10–50% scholarship to be used for any Immerse in-person or online programme.
  • Winners
100% scholarship to be used towards an Immerse in-person programmes or online programmes.
  • Participation award
A merit award that recognises academic potential.
Why Participate?

The Immerse Education Essay Competition is highly selective, receiving thousands of entries each year. Whether you achieve a full or partial scholarship or a participation award, the competition comes with the exclusive academic opportunity to showcase your potential, refine your skills, explore new ideas, and connect with ambitious peers from around the globe.

And Many Other Benefits...

Academic Recognition

Award tiers provide official recognition of your achievement, which you can share on university applications and professional platforms. Selected top-performing students may also have their essays considered for publication.

Interview Preparation

University interviewers want you to discuss the subject you’re applying for with genuine enthusiasm. They look for depth of understanding and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly. Writing an essay deepens your knowledge and improves your ability to present complex ideas.

Skill
Development

Our essays are assessed against a mark scheme designed by academic experts. Completing an essay allows you to experience academic writing, promoting related skills like research, critical thinking and editing. Immerse provides support every step of the way.

Competition Details

2026 Competition Details and Sample Questions

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Open to 13-18 year old students

Students can submit an essay if they will be 13-18 years old when the programmes for which the scholarships are valid begin.

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500-word academic essay

Register interest to access the Essay Competition Guide with all the questions, tips and guidance on plagiarism, AI & referencing. You can also attend one of our regular essay writing webinars to level-up your writing.

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Graded by experts and guest judges

Expert judges assess the essays based on their content, quality of research and critical analysis. Elements like word choice and structure, evidence and inference, as well as vocabulary spelling, grammar and punctuation are also assessed. Student age groups are also taken into consideration.

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Sample questions

Engineering
How is engineering design fostering innovation and sustainability?

Psychology
Explore the philosophical debates surrounding artificial consciousness and the nature of the mind.

Philosophy
Explore the philosophical debates surrounding artificial consciousness and the nature of the mind.

Law
Select a legal system that you are particularly interested in. To what extent does this legal system ensure fair trials and justice for all individuals?

Sample questions

  1. Artificial Intelligence: Discuss the concept of machine learning fairness and the measures needed to prevent AI bias
  2. Fashion & Design What impact has social media had on fashion trends and consumer buying behavior?
  3. Mathematics: Explore the importance of symmetry in a specific area of mathematical scholarship.

Engineering: How is engineering design fostering innovation and sustainability?

Philosophy: Explore the philosophical debates surrounding artificial consciousness and the nature of the mind.

Law: Select a legal system that you are particularly interested in. To what extent does this legal system ensure fair trials and justice for all individuals?

Want to create your own question? Here are Open Questions that have previously won 100% scholarships.

Writing contest winners can travel to any of our locations

Cambridge

Participants will learn to explore the world around them with an architect’s eye, analysing their environment and identifying how each building, structure, and feature influenced by Britain’s long history with urban design.
Oxford

Choose from a range of subjects to study in the historic city of Oxford. Embrace each college’s unique atmosphere and stunning surroundings, enjoy the vibrant cultural offerings, and feel your subject mastery blossom. Whilst the sun’s out, explore the city’s winding river on a punt.
London

Choose from a number of industries to explore in this densely packed capital. Experience the pulse of sectors like finance, fashion, and media, immersing yourself in key London hubs, from Canary Wharf’s financial centre to the West End’s theatre scene. Learn directly from industry professionals and get a sense of your future career.
Sydney

Study in the vibrant city of Sydney, where modern skyscrapers meet iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. Dive into one of many  subjects, explore the bustling markets, and relax on the world-renowned beaches whilst supercharging your subject mastery.
New York

In New York, the city that never sleeps, engage with an industry-led programme —embracing iconic industry hotspots, from Wall Street finance to Broadway entertainment. Gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in the Big Apple, all while taking in the unmatched skyline and culture.
Toronto

Study in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, offering a rich tapestry of cultures, explore one of our career-led programmes. Experience the buzz of city life, skyscrapers, and historic districts. In your downtime, escape to nearby natural wonders like Niagara Falls whilst you accelerate your subject expertise.
San Francisco

In San Francisco, delve into the world of tech and innovation to explore one of our industry-focused programmes. Work alongside startups in Silicon Valley, or explore the sustainable practices of the city’s green businesses. The city offers a window into cutting-edge industries, all set against a backdrop of scenic natural beauty.
Singapore

Singapore is a great summer programme destination for its vibrant multicultural atmosphere, cutting-edge educational institutions, and its status as a global hub for innovation and technology. With its blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and modern amenities.
Tokyo

Tokyo offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, providing students with a rich cultural experience and endless opportunities for learning and exploration, making it a great summer school destination. A summer programme in Tokyo means diving into the heart of Japanese culture and innovation.
Boston

Boston is an ideal summer programme destination due to its rich historical significance, vibrant cultural scene. Home to top-ranked universities, and offering an array of activities ranging from exploring Freedom Trail to enjoying performances at renowned theatres.
Online Research Programme

This online programme sees students work in a 1-1 or a group session with tutors from renowned institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Ivy League schools. Each student undertakes advanced research in a topic of their interest, culminating in a full-length academic research paper.

Need financial support? If you need financial support to attend a programme, check out our bursary programme - open to students from all school types, worldwide.

Bursary Programme

Our Guest Judges

Who Judges Your Essays?

Our guest judges and markers are chosen for their exceptional subject matter knowledge and the prominence of their organisation in industries aligned with our essay topics. Many of them come from a teaching or academic background with advanced degrees in political science, English, business, physics, medicine, creative writing and more. This diverse expertise ensures that our judging process is both rigorous and insightful. 

Judging Criteria

The essay competition assessment criteria look at academic writing qualities like research and evidence, word choice and critical analysis, in addition to spelling, grammar & punctuation. Student age groups and are also considered in this assessment.

Man in nature

Adi Sen

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Business & Economics Judge

Adi Sen is the Head Of Outreach for UniAdmissions – the world’s first preparation school that focuses exclusively on helping students with their applications to higher education. As someone deeply entrenched in the admissions industry for the last 7+ years, he is always ensuring that UniAdmissions are able to make the biggest impact they can on the 50,000 students that apply to Oxbridge each year.
Guest judge photo

Pamela O’Brien

Supporting events logo for MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières).

Humanities Judge

Pamela O’Brien is the Public Engagement Manager for Médecins Sans Frontières UK. She has been working at MSF UK since 2014 to raise awareness and support for their medical care services and opportunities for curious students looking for a career in charity or medical aid.
Essay Competition Guest Judge Head Shot

Christina Bunce

Professional Writing Academy logo in a graphic style.

Humanities Judge

Christina Bunce is a founder-director of the Professional Writing Academy (PWA), the UK’s first online writing school. An online education expert, she has experience in publishing, academia, journalism and developing online communities. PWA offers an accessible place online for new writers across the globe to develop their creative talent and skills, regardless of background, level of experience or location.
Eabha Lynn, a guest judge, posing for a portrait with a warm and welcoming smile.

Eabha Lynn

BMJ (British Medical Journal) icon in vector format.

Medicine Judge

Éabha Lynn is this year’s Editorial Scholar at The BMJ, looking after all the content BMJ Student produces. She runs a blog and podcast at BMJ student, and has extensive writing, editorial and curative experience in the world of medicine.
Image of Arnold Longboy in an educational context.

Arnold Longboy

London Business School logo in JPG format.

Business Management Judge

Arnold Longboy has worked amongst the top business schools in the world, and is currently the Executive Director of the Recruitment & Admissions Team at London Business School.
Image of Tom Ireland in an educational context.

Tom Ireland

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Biology Judge, Editor of The Biologist

Tom Ireland is an editor at The Biologist, an award-winning magazine of the Royal Society of Biology. He is a regular contributor to the monthly magazine BBC Science Focus and has also written for The Guardian, New Scientist, and BBC News.

Writing tips

  • Take time to understand the essay question and mark scheme before starting. Google any unfamiliar terms, and write out prompts in your own words to help you stay on track.
  • Research effectively by planning your questions to investigate in advance, starting with the biggest questions first, keeping thorough notes, and using only reliable sources.
  • Start writing! Get used to the idea your first draft might be poor, set a timer, and write until everything's on paper.
  • When re-drafting, pay attention to structure, SPAG, and your initial notes on essay question and mark scheme. Have you hit all the key points and requirements?
  • The essay has a limit of 500 words, but there is a 10% leeway either side. The word count does not include references, titles, or captions
  • You'll need to upload your essay directly via the competition entry form
  • One entry is allowed per person
  • Entries received via email will not be considered

Past Winning Essays (Download PDF)

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Essays include judge commentary, writers’ tips, and reading lists.

Download 2024 winning essays 

Download 2025 winning essays

Check out individual winners 

Register Interest to Receive This Year's Essay Guidance

  • How to enter

    Step-by-step entry process and writing tips

  • Essay questions

    Complete list of essay questions across all topics and age groups

  • Submission guidelines and referencing guide

    Details on word count and deadlines.

  • Judging criteria

    Information on how essays will be evaluated, including a full mark scheme

  • FAQs

    Answers to common questions about the competition.

  • Winning essays

    Read and be inspired by the winning essays from the previous years’ competitions.

How to enter

  • Step 1: Register interest to get access to our full essay guide and receive reminders
  • Step 2: Choose your question, or use the open question!
  • Step 3: Write a 500-word essay that directly answers your chosen question
  • Step 4: Complete your referencing and check your spelling and grammar - why not ask a friend teacher to proofread?
  • Step 5: Submit your essay and await your result!

Hear our expert judge give feedback on our 100% scholarship winners’ essays.

Judging Criteria and Scoring Rubric

Communicating ideas effectively - worth 30%

Ideas clearly, effectively and imaginatively communicated
Careful selection of tone, adapted where necessary, along with, style and register for the form and purpose of the essay
Shows a clear understanding of its audience
Has organised information and ideas effectively, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts

Uses a relevant range of vocabulary
Uses a range of sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect
Accurate spelling and punctuation
Uses relevant and consistent topical terminology
Employs original and creative approaches to explore and present ideas
Channels the author’s authentic voice

Effectively explains, comments on and analyses the essay question
Shares insightful knowledge and a deep understanding of the topic at hand
Demonstrates a thorough understanding and a range of perspectives
Objective yet reflects a personal understanding informed by comprehensive research.

Effectively identifies and interprets explicit and implicit information
Uses reputable sources of evidence
References sources correctly using the right format
Relevant ideas have been selected and synthesised using evidence from different sources to support the claims made
Uses in-text citations correctly
Creates an accurate reference list as per the referencing guide

This submission is free from spelling, punctuation and grammar errors.
Demonstrates a firm grasp of the conventions of standard English throughout their writing

FAQs

Who can enter the Immerse Essay Competition?

The Immerse Education Essay Competition is open to entries from young people aged 13-18 interested in all subjects, from Architecture to Medicine, Creative Writing to Film Studies. However, students aged 18 should only submit an essay if they will still be 18 when the programmes the scholarships are valid for begin.

Any scholarships or vouchers awarded during the current round of the essay competition will only be valid for 2026 Immerse Education Programmes

Immerse provides a full essay-writing guide which is sent to your email address once you register your interest in the competition. This guide includes a full list of essay questions, our essay specification, top tips for writing an academic essay, referencing guidance, our terms and conditions and guidance on plagiarism! Registering interest also ensures that you’re on track to submitting your essay on time, through a series of helpful reminder prompts.

You are also welcome to explore our creative writing resources, including essay writing tips, guidance on introductions and conclusions, and more.

Funded scholarship to study abroad: Our essay competition offers students like you the chance to win a full or partial scholarship to one of our Online Programmes or residential programmes in locations such as Oxford, Cambridge, Sydney, London and more.

 

Ongoing support from Immerse while you write: Full support from our team as you write your essay, with free guides and top tips to help you along the way. Sign up to receive our full Essay competition Guide and free tips and tricks as you write. You can also follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok to get more useful essay writing tips.

 

Demonstrate what you know: The competition is a chance for you to demonstrate your content knowledge by answering advanced university-style questions.

 

Build your skills and knowledge: The opportunity to apply and advance your essay writing skills. You will likely learn something new in the process!

 

Develop your self-discipline: A chance to strengthen your self-discipline as you commit to a challenging project and complete it from start to finish.

Essays are graded by expert markers and guest judges who assess the essays across the following criteria:

  • – Content
  • – Research & Critical analysis
  • – Word choice & structure
  • – Evidence and inference
  • – Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation
  •  

Scholarship offers depend on the grades that students achieve. The higher the grade a student receives, the higher the likelihood of achieving a 100% or high partial scholarship. 

The essay competition receives thousands of entries each year, and with the vast number of high-standard entries, we acknowledge the efforts of all participants who have dedicated their time to completing an essay. As such, beyond our full and high-partial scholarships we provide further offers to entrants to facilitate access to our transformative programmes.

If you win a scholarship via the Essay Competition you can use it toward any residential course in any of our locations. Use your scholarship to enrol on one of our renowned online programmes or enriching in-person/residential summer school programmes in cultural melting pots such as Cambridge, Oxford, London, New York, Toronto, Sydney and more.

No, there is no entry fee and you do not need to have already enrolled onto any of our programmes to take part in the essay competition.

The deadline for the Immerse Essay Competition falls in September and early January each year. The deadline for the current round is 14 January 2026.

To submit your essay, click the button ‘Submit Entry’ and fill in the form.

 

Your essay’s word count should be 500 characters; there is a 10% allowance, meaning that your essay can be between 450 and 550 words. Captions, bibliographies and references are not including in your word count.

Essays that win a 100% scholarship are published on our website and in our academic showcase. Other essays may be eligible for publication depending on quality and space.

Register to receive free Essay Competition guidance

The Immerse Education Essay Competition provides the opportunity for students aged 13-18 to submit essay responses to a pre-set question relating to their chosen subject. Register interest to receive your guide with the comprehensive list of questions including:

  • A list of all topics and questions
  • Essay Specifications
  • Top Tips for Writing an Academic Essay
  • Referencing Guide
Register Interest