Royal Economic Society Young Economist of the Year

The Young Economist of the Year competition invites students aged 16 to 18 in the UK to submit essays addressing current economic issues. The competition aims to enhance students' understanding of economics and encourage critical thinking. Winners receive cash prizes, and their work may be published.
Interested in the competition?
Royal Economic Society Young Economist of the Year

Competition Overview

Year 10 – Year 13 students
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
July 14, 2025 (based on last year's deadline)
Submission deadline
October 2025 (based on last year's deadline)
Winners Announcement

Competition Details

1. Eligibility

Students in Years 10 to 13 in England or Wales, Years 11 to 14 in Northern Ireland, or S3 to S6 in Scotland (or equivalent), and are currently studying in the UK. 

2. Teammates

Students can work individually on their entry, or with up to 4 other students. 

3. Shortlists

A panel will evaluate submissions and create a shortlist of five entries, announced in September. The finalists will present their work in person at KPMG offices in October, delivering a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with an expert panel. The winning entry will be published in the Financial Times. 

Submission Details

1. Overview

To enter the competition, participants must choose one of five economic questions to answer in a blog post (up to 1,000 words) or a media format (video, podcast, or presentation slides, no longer than 5 minutes). Entries can be individual or in groups of 2-5 students and must not contain personally identifiable information. Using AI tools is prohibited, and sources must be acknowledged without detailed in-text referencing.

2. Questions

Student’s entry must answer only 1 of these 5 questions:

  • Do you think the government should subsidise the purchase of electric cars?
  • What is the economic impact of the growing gig economy?
  • What are the economic arguments for and against a one off cost of living payment for all individuals?
  • What long term changes to the labour market might be expected post pandemic?
  • Should the government tax goods that are unhealthy?

Join our competition prep classes now!

Eligibility

Open to students in grades 1353446209-12 worldwide

Submission deadline

January 27, 2023

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