2026 St. Gallen Global Essay Competition

2026 St. Gallen Global Essay Competition

Meet 300 of society’s brightest young minds. Present and debate your ideas with 600 senior leaders. Be inspired by some of the world’s

most impressive speakers. Gain a unique and new perspective on this year’s topic. Become a member of a unique global community.

Participate in the symposium with us. Win prize money of CHF 20,000 split amongst the three winners.

Essay Question

• Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide?
• Pick a case where at least two of these forces meet, and propose a bold idea to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks over the long term.

Summary of the 2026 St. Gallen Global Essay Competition

• Type: Contest
• Location: University of Gallen, Switzerland
• Summit Dates: 6th to 7th May, 2026
• Eligible Countries: All
• Benefits: Travel Tickets, Accommodation, Food
• Deadline: 1st February, 2026

To be eligible, you must fulfill all of the following criteria:

• Enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme (master level or higher) in any field of study at a regular university
• Born in 1996 or later

Make sure you can provide the following documents:

• Copy of passport or other identification (in English for non-Roman languages)
• Confirmation of matriculation/enrolment from your university which proves your enrollment in a graduate/postgraduate level programme as of 1 February 2026 (download sample document here)
• Your contribution file with no indication of your name in the file name, the file metadata or the file itself

The Selected Students for the St. Gallen Global Essay Competition in Switzerland will receive:

• Travel Tickets
• Accommodation
• Food

Essay Requirements

• Essay (max. 2,100 words).
• Must be in English.
• All Essays will be tested for plagiarism.
• Only individual submissions are allowed.

Apply Here for the 2026 St. Gallen Global Essay Competition