ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition Requirements and How to Apply

The ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition (also called the “Future of Privacy” scholarship) is an annual essay competition organised by ExpressVPN, a global VPN service provider focused on internet privacy and security.

This competition invites high-school, undergraduate, or postgraduate students from any country to submit an essay on themes related to digital privacy, the internet, censorship, or the metaverse.

The top prize has previously been USD 5,000 plus a one-year subscription to ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Must be currently enrolled in high school, an undergraduate or postgraduate programme (or have just accepted registration) at the time of application.
2. The contest is open to all nationalities / any country — there is no citizenship restriction.
3. The applicant must not be an employee of ExpressVPN nor an immediate family member of such.
4. The entry must include an original essay (English language) on the theme specified in that year’s call.
5. Often, one entry per student is allowed; multiple entries will be disqualified.

What the  ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition Covers

1. The grand prize is USD 5,000 cash.
2. In addition, the winner receives a one-year ExpressVPN subscription.
3. Runner-ups (typically five) each receive a one-year ExpressVPN subscription (but not the cash prize).
4. The winner’s essay may be published or featured on ExpressVPN’s platforms as part of the competition.

ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition Application Process

1. Visit the official ExpressVPN scholarship page (check the blog or scholarship section) to view the current year’s prompt/theme.
2. Write your essay in English on the year’s theme (for example: “If you were writing the rules for the metaverse, how would you ensure it was free, open, and safe?” from the 2022 call).
3. Include personal details: full name, contact info, school/university name and address, and current grade level or year of study.
4. Submit the essay by email to the designated scholarship address (e.g., scholarship@expressvpn.com) with the correct subject line (e.g., “ExpressVPN Scholarship Application 2026”).
5. Ensure your submission meets the word-count limit (typically around 600-800 words) and follows all rules (one entry only, original work, etc.).
6. After the closing date, the winner(s) will be chosen and notified. The winner may need to submit proof of enrolment and other supporting documentation.

ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition Closing Date

For the 2026 intake, the exact closing date has not yet been publicly confirmed.

Previous years’ deadlines for this scholarship for 2022 was 15 September 2022.

ExpressVPN Scholarship Competition Contact Details

• Official website: expressvpn.com → look for the “Scholarship” or “Blog” section.
• Email for submissions or queries: scholarship@expressvpn.com.
• Since this competition is global, South African students are eligible and can apply, provided they meet the criteria.

FAQs