The 55th St. Gallen Symposium Global Essay Competition 2026 is now open, offering outstanding graduate and postgraduate students from around the world a unique opportunity to participate as Leaders of Tomorrow at one of the world’s most prestigious cross-generational forums.
Selected participants will engage in high-level debates with 600 senior global leaders, connect with 300 exceptional young talents, and gain exposure to world-class speakers from business, politics, academia, and civil society. The competition also offers CHF 20,000 in prize money, shared among three winners.
About the St. Gallen Symposium
The St. Gallen Symposium is a globally renowned platform that brings together today’s leaders and tomorrow’s decision-makers to discuss pressing global challenges. Participation as a Leader of Tomorrow is fully funded, covering travel, accommodation, and meals.
Global Essay Competition Topic (2026)
Disruption in Technology, Politics, and Demography: What Happens When They Collide?
Applicants are required to:
- Choose a real-world case where at least two of these forces intersect
- Propose a bold, long-term solution that maximizes benefits while minimizing risks
Creativity, originality, and forward-thinking ideas are highly encouraged.
Benefits of Participating
- Fully funded participation in the 55th St. Gallen Symposium (5–7 May 2026)
- Networking with global CEOs, policymakers, academics, and innovators
- Opportunity to present ideas on an international stage
- Access to an exclusive global alumni community
- CHF 20,000 prize fund for the top three essays
Essay Requirements
To qualify, your essay must meet the following criteria:
- Format: Essay
- Maximum Length: 2,100 words (excluding abstract, footnotes, and bibliography)
- Language: English
- Deadline: 1 February 2026, 11:59 PM (UTC-12)
- Submission Type: Individual only (no group work)
- Anonymity: No personal or identifying information in the document or file metadata
All essays must be original, written specifically for this competition, and fully cited.
Use of AI & Academic Integrity
The use of AI tools (such as ChatGPT), translation tools, or proofreading services is allowed, provided that:
- All tools are fully disclosed in an auxiliary aids directory
- AI-generated content is properly cited
- The essay reflects your own ideas and reasoning
Failure to declare any external aid will result in automatic disqualification.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate (Master’s or higher) program
- Study at a regular university (one that conducts research and offers PhD programs)
- Are born in 1996 or later
- Are enrolled as of 1 February 2026
Bachelor’s students are generally not eligible, unless their program is officially certified as graduate-equivalent.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Copy of passport or official government ID
- Proof of university enrollment (graduate/postgraduate level)
- Essay contribution file (anonymous)
- Abstract (200–300 words) entered in the application form
Accepted file formats: DOC, DOCX, or PDF (must allow text copying).
Selection & Results
- Essays are reviewed by an Academic Jury (University of St. Gallen & ETH Zurich)
- Final winners are selected by an Award Jury of global leaders
- Top 100 applicants qualify as Leaders of Tomorrow
- Results announced by mid-March 2026
- Selected participants may be invited to pitch their ideas on stage
Travel, Visa & Accommodation
- Travel (flight or train), accommodation, and meals are fully covered
- Participants stay in student housing in St. Gallen
- Free public transport provided during the symposium
- Visa applications are self-managed, but invitation documents are provided
Check other opportunities:
Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 in Kenya (Fully Funded)
Research Explorer Ruhr Summer Program 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)
