Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is now open for submissions!

The theme for this year’s competition is Our Commonwealth Journey.

Journeys are a fundamental aspect of our lives, helping us to explore, to learn, and to grow. Throughout history, nations, communities, and individuals have undertaken their own journeys, navigating the tides of an ever-changing world.

Since its founding in 1949, the Commonwealth has undertaken many journeys to evolve into its current form, with 56 member countries, and recently celebrating its 75th anniversary.

There are also many great journeys to be had within the Commonwealth, which spans five continents, is responsible for a third of the world’s oceans and has a hugely diverse population of 2.7 billion people.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, therefore, asks entrants to consider the relevance of journeys in a Commonwealth context, whether geographical, historical or personal. What journeys the Commonwealth has taken or may take in the future, as well as to reflect on their own individual journeys.

Enter the competition by 23 May 2025!

Apply Here