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Partial Funding Undergraduate Masters Prize the USA

Plagiarism Search Scholarship 2026 - $1,000

Deadline Round 2: 10 December 2026 83 days left · Hosted by PlagiarismSearch.com · Published

The Plagiarism Search Scholarship from PlagiarismSearch.com asks college students to write about originality, AI, and academic integrity in a 500- to 700-word English essay. Pick one of five 2026 prompts, upload your work with proof of enrollment through the official form, and compete for $1,000 paid to one winner in each semi-annual round. You must be 18 or older and attending or planning to attend a college or university in 2026. Round 1 accepts entries from 1 January through 20 May 2026, with the winner named 30 May 2026. Round 2 runs 1 June through 10 December 2026, and the second winner is announced 20 December 2026. Students outside the United States may apply. The jury scores originality, writing quality, credibility, accuracy, and style.

One winner per round
$1,000
Undergrad or grad
College 18+
Round 2 deadline
10 Dec 2026
US students welcome
Worldwide
How to apply Am I eligible? Official website

What is the Plagiarism Search Scholarship?

PlagiarismSearch.com sells tools that help teachers and publishers catch copied work. The Plagiarism Search Scholarship turns that focus into a writing contest: you explain how originality and integrity matter in a world full of AI shortcuts, and the company pays $1,000 to the strongest essay in each half of the year.

The 2026 cycle runs twice. Round 1 wraps on 20 May 2026, with a winner on 30 May. Round 2 stays open from 1 June through 10 December 2026, and the second winner lands on 20 December. Every entry needs a 500- to 700-word English essay on one of five fixed prompts, plus proof that you are a college student. You must be 18 or older, and the contest is free.

Judges score originality, clarity, credibility, accuracy, and style. Only one writer wins each round, but you keep ownership of your text after the contest ends. If your name is called, expect a blog feature with your photo and essay after you send the short eligibility packet within ten days.

US students compete alongside international applicants, so bring campus examples that feel specific to you. For a similar integrity-themed prize, compare the PlagCheck Essay Contest 2026. Official rules and the live form sit on the PlagiarismSearch scholarship page.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 7
  • ✓
    Age 18 or older
    You must be at least 18 when you submit. The contest is limited to college-age applicants, not younger high school students.
  • ✓
    College or university student in 2026
    You must be attending a college or university in 2026 or be accepted and planning to enroll during that calendar year. The rules target students already in higher education or about to start.
  • ✓
    One essay in English only
    Submit exactly one essay per person, written in English. Entries in other languages are rejected automatically.
  • ✓
    500 to 700 words on an official prompt
    Choose one of the five published topics about AI, plagiarism, and integrity. Essays outside the 500- to 700-word range may need editing before they are judged.
  • ✓
    Proof of student status with your entry
    Attach a valid document that shows your name and student status, such as a student ID, acceptance letter, transcript, or tuition receipt. This goes in with the application, not after you win.
  • ✓
    Not a PlagiarismSearch employee or household member
    Employees of PlagiarismSearch.com and their family or household members cannot enter. Entry is free with no application fee.
  • ✓
    Original work judged on merit
    The jury weighs originality, quality of writing, credibility, accuracy, and style. Their decision is final for each round.
What you get

Benefits

  • Cash award $1,000 USD per round
  • Payment methods Card, PayPal, or bank transfer
  • Payout timing Within 4 weeks of winner verification
  • Blog feature Name, photo, and essay on PlagiarismSearch blog
  • Essay ownership You keep rights to your text after the contest
  • Tuition billed to school Cash to you, not to bursar
  • Runner-up prizes One winner per round only
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 6
  • ✓
    500- to 700-word essay on one prompt
    Write on one of the five 2026 topics listed on plagiarismsearch.com/scholarship, such as ethical storytelling with AI or academic integrity beyond the classroom.
  • ✓
    Online application form
    Complete the scholarship form on the official page and attach your essay there. Technical glitches on your side do not excuse a missed deadline.
  • ✓
    Proof of student status
    Upload any valid document from your school that includes your name and confirms enrollment or acceptance for 2026.
  • ✓
    Photograph (winners only)
    If you win, respond within ten days of the notification email with a photograph for the company blog announcement.
  • ✓
    Signed eligibility statement (winners only)
    Winners must return a signed written statement of eligibility within the same ten-day window or PlagiarismSearch may select an alternate winner.
  • ✓
    Payment preference (winners only)
    After verification, choose card, PayPal, or bank transfer for the $1,000 payout. You are responsible for applicable taxes.
Step by step

How to apply

Read the topics on plagiarismsearch.com/scholarship and choose the prompt that lets you tell a concrete story about originality, AI, or integrity.
Aim for a clear opening, specific examples, and a strong close. Stay inside the word band so reviewers do not have to send your file back for edits.
Scan a student ID, acceptance letter, transcript, or tuition document that shows your name and ties you to a college or university for 2026.
Round 1 ends 20 May 2026; Round 2 ends 10 December 2026. Use the official form and confirm the upload succeeded.
PlagiarismSearch names Round 1 winners on 30 May 2026 and Round 2 winners on 20 December 2026, then emails the selected writer.
If you win, send your photo and signed eligibility statement quickly. Missing the window can cost you the prize.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
Round 2: 10 December 2026
83 days left
Jan - May 2026
Round 1 open from 1 January through 20 May 2026 for essays and student-status documents.
30 May 2026
Round 1 winner announced after jury review.
Jun - Dec 2026
Round 2 accepts entries from 1 June through 10 December 2026.
Sep - Nov 2026
Strong window to draft Round 2 essays before the December close.
10 Dec 2026
Round 2 submission deadline on the official form.
20 Dec 2026
Round 2 winner announced; email notification follows.
Questions

FAQ

What is the Plagiarism Search Scholarship?

It is a semi-annual essay contest run by PlagiarismSearch.com. College students aged 18 and older submit a 500- to 700-word English essay on one of five AI-and-integrity prompts for a $1,000 prize in each round.

When is the Plagiarism Search Scholarship deadline for 2026?

Round 1 closes 20 May 2026 with winners announced 30 May 2026. Round 2 runs from 1 June through 10 December 2026, and that winner is named 20 December 2026.

How do I apply for the Plagiarism Search Scholarship?

Choose a prompt, write your essay, attach proof of student status, and submit everything through the form at plagiarismsearch.com/scholarship before the round deadline.

How long should the Plagiarism Search Scholarship essay be?

The FAQ asks for 500 to 700 words. If your draft falls outside that range, PlagiarismSearch may ask you to edit before judging.

Can international students apply to the Plagiarism Search Scholarship?

Yes. The official page welcomes students from all over the world, including applicants studying at US colleges and universities.

How does the Plagiarism Search Scholarship pay winners?

Each round awards $1,000 USD to one winner by card, PayPal, or bank transfer within about four weeks after email notification, once photo and eligibility paperwork arrive.

What counts as proof of student status for Plagiarism Search?

Any valid document from your school with your name on it, such as a student ID, acceptance letter, academic records, or tuition receipt, satisfies the requirement when uploaded with your essay.

How many times can I enter the Plagiarism Search Scholarship?

Each applicant may submit only one essay per round. You could enter a different round in another cycle year if rules stay the same, but only one work per round.

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