The University of Limpopo is pleased to announce its internal call for entries for the ARSO Continental Essay Competition 2026, coordinated nationally by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This prestigious academic opportunity invites undergraduate and postgraduate students to showcase their analytical skills, deepen their understanding of trade and development issues, and compete for significant national and continental awards.
This year’s theme, “The role of harmonized standards in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and promoting fair and just trade within intra-African and global trade,” challenges students to explore how standards shape the movement of goods, influence economic integration, and support fair trading practices. Entrants are encouraged to submit well-researched, original essays that demonstrate critical thinking and a strong grasp of standardization in the context of African and global markets.
Students who participate stand a chance to win a wide range of prizes, including national bursaries valued up to R120 000, cash rewards, continental prizes worth up to R16 000, and an exciting fully sponsored trip to Uganda to attend the ARSO General Assembly in June 2026. Winners also gain valuable national and continental recognition, making this competition an excellent platform for academic and professional growth.
The competition is open to all registered UL students aged 35 or younger. Essays must be between 1 000 and 1 200 words, written in English, double-spaced, using Century Gothic size 12, and referenced using the Harvard style. Only one original essay per student may be submitted, and entries containing more than 20% AI-generated content will be disqualified. Students may also include a brief author biography of up to 50 words.
All entries must be submitted by Friday, 13 March 2026, via the official submission link: https://forms.gle/A4HypTyJskdR7NS58. For enquiries, students may contact Ms Abba Armooh at the UL Technology Transfer Office via abba.armooh@ul.ac.za.