Student Achievement
After months of dedicated research and writing, Aralia students have achieved outstanding results in the HIR Academic Writing Contest 2025 (Fall–Winter Cycle):
🏆 1 Gold Medal
🏆 5 Bronze Medals
🏆 2 Outstanding Writing Awards
🏆 3 Commendations
A total of 11 global awards!
We extend our warmest congratulations to all 11 students whose exceptional writing and analytical abilities have earned them these prestigious honors. Their success reflects not only strong academic skills but also a deep engagement with complex global issues.
About Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest
Competition Introduction
The Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest is a prestigious global competition that encourages students to explore and engage with international affairs. Organized by the Harvard International Review, the contest is judged by a panel of distinguished editors and Harvard scholars.
The publication itself has featured interviews and insights from 43 presidents and prime ministers, 4 UN Secretaries-General, 4 Nobel Laureates in Economics, and 7 Nobel Peace Prize winners, making it a highly respected platform for young writers to showcase their intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking.
By participating, students not only strengthen their academic writing skills but also gain global recognition for their work.
Competition Format
The contest is open to high school students in grades 9–12 worldwide. Participants are required to submit a short analytical essay on a topic related to international affairs, evaluated by the editors of the Harvard International Review.
Finalists are invited to participate in the HIR Finals, where they defend their work in an online event. During HIR Defense Day, students present a 15-minute presentation and respond to questions from a panel of judges.
All submissions must be written in English and follow standard American spelling conventions.
Contest Theme (2026)
For the upcoming 2026 competition, students may choose from the following themes:
Junior Contest (Grades 7–8): Inventions that Changed How We Live
Senior Contest (Grades 9–12): Students select one of three themes:
- Global Culture in the Digital Era
- Security in a Multipolar World
- Technology, Innovation, and Power
Submission Guidelines
- Essays should be 800–1200 words, excluding figures, tables, and authorship statements
- Writing must present a well-supported analytical perspective on an underexplored global issue
- Submissions must follow AP Style guidelines
- Articles must be fact-checked, culturally sensitive, and respectful
Note: HIR does not accept purely opinion-based or op-ed style writing.
Prizes
Finalists will:
- Receive an official HIR medal and certificate
- Have the opportunity to publish their work on the HIR platform
- Be eligible for a print subscription to Harvard International Review
More information about this contest can be found on Aralia’s competition website.
Increase Your Chance Of Winning In HIR 2026
The Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest has officially opened registration for its next cycle.
If you’re aiming to stand out, consider joining Aralia’s HIR Contest Preparation Program. Our experienced instructors, who have guided students to Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, will support you in:
- Developing strong research and analytical skills
- Refining your thesis and argument structure
- Writing with the clarity, depth, and rigor expected by HIR
Whether your goal is recognition, publication, or academic growth, Aralia is here to help you succeed on the global stage.
HIR Academic Writing Contest Prep
In the HIR Academic Writing Contest Preparation, students will explore college-level topics in international affairs to craft a compelling, well-researched essay.
