2026 Polonia Institute Competition on the History of Poland
Offered by Polonia Institute
About this scholarship
The 2026 Polonia Institute Competition on the History of Poland awards a $3,000 first prize for original historical research on “German Eradication of the Polish People and the Polish State in WWII.” Adults worldwide may enter as long as they are at least 18 years old on October 15, 2026. Entrants may analyze the full prompt or focus deeply on one listed issue, including German policy toward Poland, methods used to exterminate ethnic Poles, Poles in concentration and death camps, destruction of material wealth and cultural identity, postwar Sovietization, Poland’s compensation efforts, Germany’s postwar response, or the present significance of Polish reparations claims. The English-language paper must reflect the entrant’s own research and thinking and may not exceed 20 typed pages including the bibliography. Required formatting is 12-point type, double spacing, one-inch margins, and numbered pages. The sponsor permits AI as a research aid but explicitly prohibits using AI to write the essay; entries identified as AI-written are disqualified. To apply, download and complete the official one-page application form, then email the form with the essay and proof of age to both addresses specified in the announcement by October 15, 2026. Results are expected around November 11, 2026, and selected essays or excerpts may be published by the Institute.
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old on October 15, 2026
- Provide a copy of a valid document showing date of birth
- Write an original English-language essay addressing the official 2026 competition topic
- Limit the paper to 20 typed pages including the bibliography
- Use 12-point type, double spacing, one-inch margins, and numbered pages
- Do not use artificial intelligence to write the essay text
- Complete the official application form
- Email the application, essay, and proof of age to both official addresses by October 15, 2026