The St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition 2027 invites students and young professionals born in 1997 or later to submit essays on a globally relevant theme for a chance to win from a CHF 20,000 total prize pool. Top finalists are also invited to attend the prestigious St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland, with travel and accommodation fully covered by the host organisation.
This is one of the most prestigious international essay competitions for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Entry is completely free. The competition is organised annually by the International Students’ Committee (ISC) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland and attracts thousands of applicants from across the world.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Competition |
| Host Organization | ISC at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) |
| Location | St. Gallen, Switzerland (symposium for finalists) |
| Format / Mode | Online (essay submission); in-person for finalists at symposium |
| Duration | 3 days |
| Stipend / Salary | Cash prize + travel and accommodation for finalists |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Nationality | Open worldwide |
| Degree Required | Not specified by the host |
| Age | Born 1997 or later |
| Fields / Areas | Any field (essay on the competition theme) |
| Deadline | February 1, 2027 |
What Is the St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition?
The St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition is an annual international essay contest organised by the International Students’ Committee (ISC) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland. Each year, the competition invites young people from around the world to engage critically and creatively with a major global challenge through a written essay. The top submissions are awarded prizes from a CHF 20,000 prize pool, and the most outstanding contributors are invited to the St. Gallen Symposium as “Leaders of Tomorrow”.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria as stated by the host:
- Be born in 1997 or later
- Be a student or young professional from any country worldwide
- Submit an original essay addressing the announced competition theme
- Submit in English (the competition language)
What Do You Get?
Winners and finalists receive the following benefits as confirmed on the official ISC–HSG website:
- A share of the CHF 20,000 total prize pool for the top essays
- An invitation to the annual St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland as a “Leader of Tomorrow” (for selected finalists)
- Travel and accommodation fully covered for finalists invited to attend the symposium
- Networking opportunities with senior global leaders, CEOs, and policymakers at the symposium
What Will You Do?
Participants research and write an original essay responding to the competition’s annual theme, which addresses a pressing global challenge. Shortlisted finalists travel to St. Gallen to participate in the symposium alongside senior global leaders, engage in high-level panel discussions, and present their ideas. Selected finalists may also have opportunities to present their work to the broader symposium audience.
Fields and Areas
The competition is open to applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds. The essay theme is set annually and is cross-disciplinary by nature, touching on economics, politics, sustainability, technology, governance, and society. Visit the official website for the 2027 theme announcement.
How to Apply
To enter the St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition 2027, visit the official ISC–HSG website and review the 2027 competition theme and essay guidelines. Write your original essay in accordance with the stated requirements, then submit it through the official online application portal before the deadline. The process is free of charge.
Important Deadline
The deadline to submit your essay for the St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition 2027 is February 1, 2027. Deadline time and timezone are not specified by the host. Check the official website for any updates to submission requirements or the closing time.
📌 Find more opportunities like this on Potenue — your go-to source for scholarships, fellowships, internships, and grants from around the world.
