Tsinghua Global SDG Case Competition 2026 in China | Win Up to RMB 15,000

Applications are now open for the Tsinghua Global SDG Case Competition 2026, an international public policy competition organized by the China Case Center for Public Policy and Management (CCCPPM) at the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals of Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SDG Institute) and the Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC).

The competition invites undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from universities worldwide to develop innovative public policy case studies addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, conduct real-world policy research, and compete for cash prizes of up to RMB 15,000 while showcasing their work on an international platform.

Competition Overview

• Host Country: China
• Host Institution: Tsinghua University
• Organizers:
  • China Case Center for Public Policy and Management (CCCPPM)
  • School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM)
  • Institute for Sustainable Development Goals of Tsinghua University
• International Academic Partner: Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC)
• Competition Theme: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Competition Language: English
• Participation Mode: Individual or Team (up to 4 members)
• Application Deadline: 20 July 2026 (2:00 PM Beijing Time)

About the Competition

The Tsinghua Global SDG Case Competition encourages students to examine real-world public policy challenges related to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants are expected to produce original case studies that present practical solutions to sustainability issues while demonstrating strong policy analysis and academic research.

Case topics may focus on:

• Climate Change
• Poverty Reduction
• Public Health
• Education
• Gender Equality
• Environmental Protection
• Social Innovation
• Digital Governance
• Sustainable Cities
• Green Development
• Global Governance
• Community-based Development
• Other SDG-related public policy issues

Participants are encouraged to conduct field research, interview stakeholders, and integrate evidence-based policy recommendations into their case analyses.

Competition Benefits

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Compete on an international platform with students from around the world.
• Develop practical public policy research skills.
• Learn and apply the case study methodology.
• Collaborate with students from different countries and academic disciplines.
• Conduct real-world field research and stakeholder interviews.
• Expand international academic and professional networks.
• Receive international recognition from Tsinghua University.

Outstanding case studies may also be selected for:

• Publication in the China Case Bank for Public Policy & Management.
• One-time remuneration for accepted teaching cases.
• Potential publication in a Springer Nature edited volume (subject to peer review and revisions).

Prize Awards

Winning teams will receive:

First Prize

• 1 Team
• RMB 15,000

Second Prize

• 2 Teams
• RMB 10,000 per team

Third Prize

• 3 Teams
• RMB 5,000 per team

In addition, selected outstanding case studies may receive publication opportunities and author remuneration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a university anywhere in the world.
• Be undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students.
• Participate individually or in teams of up to four members.
• Designate one team leader.
• Submit an original case study written in English.
• Ensure the submitted work has not been published previously and is free from copyright disputes.

Additional Information:

• Mixed teams (undergraduate and postgraduate students) are permitted.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged.
• Each participant may join only one team.
• Participants may register for either the English competition or the Chinese competition, but not both.

Competition Timeline

How to Apply

1. Form your team (or apply individually).
2. Select an SDG-related public policy topic.
3. Prepare a case proposal.
4. Register through the official competition portal.
5. Submit your proposal before 20 July 2026.
6. If selected, conduct field research and prepare the full case analysis report for the final round.

Official Registration Portal

The Tsinghua Global SDG Case Competition is an outstanding opportunity for students interested in public policy, international development, sustainability, governance, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond competing for generous cash prizes, participants gain hands-on experience in policy research, case writing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based problem-solving. The opportunity to publish exceptional case studies through the China Case Bank and Springer Nature further enhances participants’ academic and professional profiles, making this competition an excellent platform for aspiring policymakers, researchers, and global leaders.

Final Thoughts

If you are passionate about solving global challenges through innovative public policy, the Tsinghua Global SDG Case Competition 2026 offers an exceptional platform to showcase your ideas. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student, this international competition allows you to transform research into real-world impact while competing for prestigious awards and publication opportunities. Gather your team, choose an SDG challenge, and submit your proposal before 20 July 2026 to become part of one of the world’s leading student competitions on sustainable development.