15 Awards Across Multiple Categories
This year’s results include:
🥉 5 Bronze Medals
✍️ 3 Outstanding Writing Content Awards
✍️ 1 Outstanding Writing Style Award
🏅 1 Commendation Prize
🎤 5 Defense Day Finalist recognitions
A total of 15 awards!
The HIR Bronze Medal is awarded to students who rank within the top 20% globally, recognizing strong performance in areas including international affairs, research, analytical reasoning, and academic writing.
Beyond the competition results themselves, we have also been hearing from students and families who have received their results. It has been rewarding to see their preparation, research, and writing efforts come together in such a meaningful way.
For students interested in continuing to develop these skills, Aralia will offer upcoming classes including Scholastic Writing Competition, HIR Junior Division preparation, and Forefront Research Program. These classes are designed to help students strengthen their academic writing, research, critical thinking, and competition skills over time.
Congratulations to all of our students on their achievements!
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
For the 2026-2027 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
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
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
Prepare for the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest with an advanced global affairs course designed to help students craft a standout 800–1,200-word academic essay. Through expert instruction, analytical training, and hands-on writing workshops, students develop critical thinking and research skills.
