The ILO BRMM University Essay Writing Competition 2026 is now accepting entries from university students across the East and Horn of Africa region. Run by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, the contest gives young people a voice on labour migration under the theme "Young Voices on Safe Migration for Work." The top prize is a fully funded trip to the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar.
Complete guide to the ILO BRMM University Essay Writing Competition 2026, covering the purpose, eligibility criteria, essay requirements, suggested questions, prizes, application process, important dates, and official links.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), supports countries in the East and Horn of Africa region to strengthen labour migration governance and to promote safe, regular, orderly, and rights-based labour mobility. BRMM supports universities as places where evidence is produced and where young people form their views on migration, engaging students, faculty and researchers across the region.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Region Supported
East and Horn of Africa
Core Focus
Strengthening labour migration governance; promoting safe, regular, orderly, and rights-based labour mobility
University Role
Supports universities as places where evidence is produced and young people form their views on migration
Engagement
Students, faculty and researchers across the region
Purpose of the Essay Competition
Purpose
Details
Youth Voice
Give young people a voice on labour migration
Public Debate
Encourage informed public debate on safe and regular migration
Policy Impact
Bring student ideas to tripartite partners and senior officials attending the meeting
Suggested Questions and Essay Requirements
Item
Details
Theme
"Young Voices on Safe Migration for Work"
Question 1
What measures would help young people in your country access decent work opportunities, both locally and/or abroad?
Question 2
What should young people check and understand before accepting a job offer in another country?
Question 3
Why do some young people choose irregular routes, and what are the risks and costs for them and their families?
Question 4
What can governments, employers and recruitment agencies do to ensure that young people migrate safely and access fair working conditions abroad?
Question 5
What support do young people/returnees need when they return home to rebuild their lives, develop their skills and find decent work?
Other Questions
Essays may address one of these questions or a related one
Accepted Languages
English and/or French
Word Count
1,200 to 1,500 words, excluding references
Originality
Original, unpublished work; copied text and text produced by any AI tools will be disqualified
Argument
Clear argument supported by evidence, with sources listed
Recommendation
At least one practical recommendation required
File Format
Word or PDF file
Anonymity
The essay itself must not show the author's name, so it can be judged anonymously
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Enrollment
Students currently enrolled in a bachelor's or postgraduate programme at a university in one of the East and Horn of Africa countries covered by BRMM
Eligible Countries
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Age
Aged 18 or over on the closing date
Entry Type
Individual entries only; one essay per student
Exclusions
ILO staff, consultants and their immediate family, and members of the judging panel cannot enter
Prizes and Benefits
Prize
Details
First Place
Invitation to the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar, 16 to 18 December 2026, with travel, accommodation, DSA, and visa costs covered by the ILO; chance to present the essay to ministers and senior officials
Second Place
A plaque and publication of the essay on the ILO and regional websites
Third Place
A certificate and publication of the essay on the ILO website
Documents Required
Document
Details
Essay
The essay as a Word or PDF file, without the author's name
Entry Form
Name, university, faculty, year of study, country, email, phone number
Student ID
A copy of the student ID
Originality Statement
A signed statement that the work is original and that the author agrees to the conditions of the competition
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Prepare your essay on the theme "Young Voices on Safe Migration for Work," 1,200 to 1,500 words, in English and/or French
2
Ensure the essay is original and unpublished, with sources listed and at least one practical recommendation
3
Remove your name from the essay file so it can be judged anonymously
4
Save the essay as a Word or PDF file
5
Complete the entry form with your name, university, faculty, year of study, country, email, and phone number
6
Attach a copy of your student ID and a signed statement that the work is original and that you agree to the conditions
7
Email two attachments (the essay and the entry form) to zewdiey@ilo.org
8
Use the subject line "Essay Competition, Country"
Important Dates
Event
Date
Call Opens
3 November 2026
Closing Date
25 November 2026, 23:59 East Africa Time
Judging
26 to 27 November 2026
Winners Notified
30 November 2026
Awards at the Fifth LMAG, Zanzibar
18 December 2026
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
Official Webpage of the ILO BRMM University Essay Writing Competition
Q1. What is the ILO BRMM University Essay Writing Competition 2026?
It is an essay contest run by the ILO through the BRMM Programme, giving young people a voice on labour migration under the theme "Young Voices on Safe Migration for Work."
Q2. Who can enter the competition?
Students currently enrolled in a bachelor's or postgraduate programme at a university in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda, aged 18 or over on the closing date.
Q3. What is the application deadline?
25 November 2026, 23:59 East Africa Time.
Q4. What is the essay word count?
1,200 to 1,500 words, excluding references.
Q5. In which languages can the essay be written?
English and/or French are accepted.
Q6. What does the first-place winner receive?
An invitation to the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar, 16 to 18 December 2026, with travel, accommodation, DSA, and visa costs covered by the ILO, plus the chance to present the essay to ministers and senior officials.
Q7. How do I submit my entry?
Email two attachments (the essay and the entry form) to zewdiey@ilo.org with the subject line "Essay Competition, Country."
Q8. Can I submit more than one essay?
No. Individual entries only, with one essay per student.
Q9. Can I use AI tools to write my essay?
No. Copied text and text produced by any AI tools will be disqualified.
Q10. When will winners be notified?
30 November 2026.
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Confirm your eligibility as a student in a BRMM-covered country
2
Pick one of the suggested questions on safe migration for work
3
Write your original 1,200 to 1,500-word essay in English and/or French
4
Prepare your entry form, student ID copy, and signed originality statement
5
Email both attachments to zewdiey@ilo.org by 25 November 2026
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