Best Writing Competitions for Kids in 2026 (Open to International and ESL Students)

Writing competitions are one of the best ways to motivate young writers. They set a real goal, build confidence, and give students something to work toward beyond a classroom grade. The good news? Many of the best competitions in 2026 are open to students from anywhere in the world — including ESL (English as a Second Language) learners.

This guide covers the top writing competitions for students aged 8 to 13. Whether your students write poetry, short stories, letters, or essays, there is something here for them. All competitions listed are free or low-cost to enter unless noted.

1. UPU International Letter-Writing Competition (Ages 9–15)

Open to: Students in 170+ countries worldwide, including Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and most of Asia

What to write: A letter to a friend on the annual theme. The 2026 theme is “Why human connection matters in a digital world.”

Prize: National winners advance to the international level. The top winner receives a gold medal and a sponsored trip to the international awards ceremony. National prizes vary by country.

Deadline: Around May 5 annually. Entries are submitted through national postal services.

Why it is great for ESL students: This is one of the most globally inclusive competitions in the world — run since 1971 across 170+ countries. ESL students can write naturally in a letter format, which is a common and practical English writing skill.

Website: upu.int

2. Stone Soup Monthly Flash Fiction Contest (Ages 8–13)

Open to: Students worldwide

What to write: Original short fiction (microfiction). A new prompt is posted monthly.

Prize: Publication in Stone Soup magazine + digital badge. Winners are also considered for the Stone Soup annual book.

Deadline: 15th of each month

Why it is great for ESL students: Short format means lower pressure. Stone Soup has published student writing from dozens of countries. The monthly deadline keeps students writing regularly.

Website: stonesoup.com

3. Write the World Monthly Competition (Ages 8–18)

Open to: Students worldwide

What to write: A different genre each month — including personal narrative, poetry, persuasive writing, and satire. Each competition has a specific prompt.

Prize: $100 first place / $50 runner-up. Winners are published on the Write the World platform.

Deadline: Mid-month, monthly

Why it is great for ESL students: Write the World is a global community of young writers. It offers peer feedback and workshops, not just competitions. Students can read and comment on each other’s work from around the world.

Website: writetheworld.org

4. Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest (Ages up to 14)

Open to: Children aged up to 14 worldwide (separate category for ages 15–25)

What to write: An essay up to 700 words in English or French, on the annual peace and sustainability theme.

Prize: 1st prize ¥100,000 (~$650 USD) + certificate. Winners are published online and invited to a Winners Gathering in Tokyo.

Deadline: Typically June each year

Why it is great for ESL students: Based in Japan, the Goi Peace Foundation has always welcomed essays from non-native English speakers. The topic of peace and global issues gives ESL students meaningful content to write about in English.

Website: goipeace.or.jp

5. John Locke Junior Essay Competition (Ages up to 14)

Open to: Students aged 14 and under, worldwide

What to write: An analytical essay (under 900 words) on one of the competition’s questions from subjects like philosophy, politics, economics, or history.

Prize: Certificate of distinction, publication, and recognition from one of the world’s most respected youth academic competitions.

Deadline: June annually

Why it is great for ESL students: The John Locke Institute, based in Oxford, runs competitions known for academic rigor. Entering — even without winning — gives students experience writing structured academic arguments in English. The senior version (ages under 19) has a $10,000 scholarship prize.

Website: johnlockeinstitute.com

6. Skipping Stones Asian Haiku Contest (Ages 7–18)

Open to: Students worldwide, especially those with connections to Asian culture and nature

What to write: Haiku poems (3-line, 5-7-5 syllable format) on Asian-themed nature and culture topics.

Prize: Books, a Skipping Stones magazine subscription, and certificates for winners.

Deadline: May annually

Why it is great for ESL students: Haiku is one of the most accessible forms of English poetry for ESL learners. It is short, structured, and deeply connected to nature — themes that resonate across cultures. Students in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China have a natural advantage here.

Website: skippingstones.org

7. Author of Tomorrow — Wilbur Smith Foundation (Ages up to 15)

Open to: Two categories: ages 11 and under, and ages 12–15. Open internationally.

What to write: An adventure story up to 2,500 words. The competition celebrates outdoor adventure, exploration, and the natural world.

Prize: £100–£1,000 depending on category and placement. International reach with real prize money for young writers.

Deadline: April annually

Why it is great for ESL students: Adventure narratives are engaging to write and fun to read. Students can draw on their own outdoor experiences. The Wilbur Smith Foundation celebrates African adventure writing, but the competition is open globally.

Website: wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org

8. 53-Word Story Contest (All Ages, Monthly)

Open to: Writers of all ages worldwide

What to write: A complete story in exactly 53 words — not 52, not 54. The constraint is the challenge.

Prize: Publication in Press 53’s anthology and a book prize.

Deadline: 15th of each month

Why it is great for ESL students: The 53-word limit makes this ideal for ESL students at any level. Choosing exactly the right words to tell a complete story is great vocabulary and grammar practice. Teachers can also use this as a classroom activity before entering.

Website: press53.com/53word-story-contest

9. Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Contest (Ages up to 12 / Ages 13–18)

Open to: Two age categories — under 12, and ages 13–18. Open internationally.

What to write: Original poetry on themes of peace, cooperation, and global understanding.

Prize: $100–$200 cash prizes per category.

Deadline: July annually

Why it is great for ESL students: Peace and global understanding are universal themes that ESL students can write about from personal experience. The two age categories mean younger and older students can both compete.

Website: peacecontests.org

10. Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition (Ages up to 18)

Open to: Students aged 18 or under who are nationals or residents of any of the 56 Commonwealth countries. This includes India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Jamaica, and more.

What to write: Creative writing up to 1,000 words on the annual theme. The 2026 theme is “Common Ground: Better Together.”

Prize: Regional winners (5 world regions) are invited on a fully funded trip to London for an awards ceremony and a week of cultural and educational activities.

Deadline: April 30 annually

Why it is great for ESL students: With 56 eligible countries, this is one of the broadest international competitions available. If your students or their families come from any Commonwealth country, they can enter. The prize — a fully funded trip to London — is one of the most exciting awards in this age group.

Website: royalcwsociety.org

Hong Kong Young Writers Awards (Ages 6–18)

Open to: Students in Hong Kong, Macau, and China attending schools (international schools included)

What to write: Fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in English (with one Chinese poetry category). Multiple age bands: 6–9, 10–11, 12–14, and 15–18.

Prize: Certificates, trophies, and publication for top winners.

Deadline: Typically February–March annually. Entries go through a school teacher.

Why it is great for ESL students: This competition is built around non-native English writers in the Greater China region. Most participants are ESL learners. It is the most accessible high-profile English writing competition for students in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.

Website: hkywa.com

Tips for Teachers: How to Use These Competitions in Class

Use the competition prompt as a class writing task. Even if only a few students enter, everyone can practice writing to the same prompt.
Read past winners aloud. Most competitions publish winning entries online. Reading strong student writing gives a clear model of what works.
Start with the shortest formats. The 53-Word Story Contest and haiku competitions are perfect for beginners. Build confidence before trying longer essays.
Frame it as a goal, not a test. The goal is a published piece or a competition entry — not a grade. This shifts motivation from fear to excitement.
Enter together. If you write a short entry alongside your students and share it with them, it builds trust and models the process.

Final Thoughts

The writing competitions in this list are free or low-cost, open internationally, and designed to encourage — not intimidate — young writers. For ESL students, entering a real competition adds genuine purpose to writing practice. Even a certificate of participation is a memorable achievement.

Check back for Part 2 of this series: the best writing competitions for teenagers with scholarships and cash prizes.

🇹🇼 Also in Chinese: This topic is available on 18KEnglish.com — bilingual worksheets for Chinese-speaking students.