The Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) is launching a new cycle of the international Student Essay Contest 2025, which is open to students of higher education institutions from around the world. The competition is designed to give students the opportunity to express their point of view on topical issues of university education development and stakeholder engagement in the educational process.
The theme of the 2025 competition is:
"How can universities engage more effectively with stakeholders to ensure equal access to higher education and improve the student experience?"
The organisers call on participants to analyse, based on their personal experience, how their university can more actively and effectively engage stakeholders (graduates, employers, professional associations, NGOs, local communities, etc.) in shaping the educational environment.
Who can participate: Students of any educational programmes and levels studying at higher education institutions in any country.
Participation in the competition is free.
What you need to do to participate:
- Read the requirements for the essay (section "Formal Requirements" on the competition website).
- Read the detailed description of the competition ("About the 2025 MCO Student Essay Competition").
- Register a personal account on the website.
- Create and save an application.
- Submit the application for consideration before the deadline
Deadline: 13 July 2025 (23:59 CET).
Winners will be announced: 5 September 2025.
The winners (up to 5 people) will have the opportunity to present their work at one of two prestigious international events:
- World Access to Higher Education Network Conference (27-29 October 2025, University of the Western Cape, South Africa), or
- Magna Charta Observatory Anniversary Conference (11-13 November 2025, King's College London, UK).
All participation costs (flight, accommodation) are covered by the organisers.
The video of the inaugural webinar is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFMs-ghZOCc
Detailed information about the competition and terms of participation is available on the official website: https://mcostudents.plateformecandidature.com/