2026 LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition: Now Accepting Submissions (Deadline 1 September)
The 2026 LSESU Economics Society Annual Essay Competition — run in partnership with ASEEDER — is now accepting submissions. It invites students worldwide to showcase their analytical writing on contemporary economic issues and policy: you write one essay on one of five set questions, and the deadline is 1 September 2026, 23:59 (GMT+1). Winners receive certificates signed by the LSESU EconSoc President and Amazon gift cards. This page explains who can enter, the rules, and exactly how to submit.
Deadline 1 September 2026, 23:59 (GMT+1) · late entries are not accepted
The competition at a glance
| Status | Accepting submissions now |
| Deadline | 1 September 2026, 23:59 (GMT+1, UK time) — late submissions are not accepted |
| Who can enter | Students globally, at the recommended levels below (UK Year 12–13 equivalent, or entering university in 2026/27) |
| What you submit | One essay, responding to one of five set questions on contemporary economics and policy |
| Prizes | Certificates signed by the LSESU EconSoc President, and various Amazon gift cards (see the guide for details) |
| Integrity | Original work only; plagiarism and AI-generated content are forbidden and screened — any breach is disqualified. Referencing is essential. |
| Run by | The LSESU Economics Society, in partnership with ASEEDER (Hanlin Education operates the China & Asia desk) |
Who can enter
The competition is open to students globally, with the following recommended levels:
- Students who have just completed their penultimate year of secondary/high school (Year 12 in the UK system);
- Students who have just completed their final year of secondary/high school (Year 13 in the UK system);
- Students entering university in the 2026/27 academic year (for example, those taking gap years or entering after military service).
What you submit — and the rules
You submit one essay in response to one of the five set questions. The questions themselves, the marking rubric, and any recommended readings are set out in the official guide — read it carefully before you start, because it is what your essay is judged against. The integrity rules are strict and enforced:
- One response, one question. Entrants may submit only one response to one of the five questions.
- No plagiarism, no AI-generated content. Both are strictly forbidden. All essays are screened, and any found in breach are immediately disqualified.
- Reference properly. Adequate referencing is vital — cite your sources correctly.
- No late entries. The form closes at the deadline and late submissions are not accepted.
For a full walkthrough of the five questions, the marking criteria, and how to build a strong argument, see our detailed 2026 competition guide, our guide to writing the essay to length and structure, and how this competition compares with other economics essay prizes.
Prizes
Winning and commended entries receive certificates signed by the LSESU EconSoc President, together with various Amazon gift cards. The exact award tiers are listed in the official guide. Beyond the prizes, a strong result is a credible signal for applications in economics, PPE, and related fields — evidence that you can build a rigorous, well-referenced economic argument.
Before you submit: the requirements
A few rules from the submission form are worth getting right, because entries cannot be changed once submitted:
| Requirement | What to do |
|---|---|
| Final version only | Submit the version you intend to enter. Once submitted, it is a formal entry — the title, description, and attachments cannot be modified. |
| One submission per question | You may submit only once for a given question. Choose your question and your final draft carefully. |
| File naming | Name your attachment exactly: “FORENAME SURNAME + Question X” — for example, “PETER SMITH + Question 1”. Unclear naming can cause identification problems that affect your entry. |
| Deadline | The form closes at 1 September 2026, 23:59 (GMT+1). After that, no further entries are accepted. |
How to submit
When your final essay is ready and correctly named, open the official submission page and upload your entry. If you would like the submission link together with a step-by-step walkthrough first, message an advisor on WhatsApp and we will send it to you and help you meet every requirement before you file.
Ready to submit your essay?
Entries are open now · deadline 1 September 2026, 23:59 (GMT+1)
Prefer to get the link and a walkthrough first?
Message us on WhatsApp — we’ll send you the submission link and help you meet every requirement.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 deadline?
Submissions close on 1 September 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+1, UK time). The form closes at that point and late entries are not accepted, so aim to submit with time to spare.
Who can enter?
Students globally, at the recommended levels: those who have just finished Year 12 or Year 13 (UK system), or who are entering university in the 2026/27 academic year (including gap-year and post-military-service applicants).
Can I submit more than one essay?
No. You may submit only one response to one of the five questions, and once submitted an entry cannot be modified — so choose your question and final draft carefully.
Is AI-generated content allowed?
No. Plagiarism and AI-generated content are strictly forbidden. All essays are screened, and any in breach are immediately disqualified. Original, properly referenced writing is essential.
Filed underASEEDER · Essay Competition · How To Enter
This is the official China & Asia editorial desk for the LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition, operated by Hanlin Education in partnership with ASEEDER. The competition questions, marking rubric, prizes, and deadlines are set by the LSESU Economics Society — always confirm the current details in the official guide before you submit. Confirmed errors are corrected within 7 working days.