Overview
Scholarship type
Merit based
Number of scholarships to award
Multiple
Grant
Up to $25,000
Scholarship coverage
- tuition fee reduction
- other
Description
This modern classic is the story of intransigent young architect Howard Roark, whose integrity was as unyielding as granite…of Dominique Francon, the exquisitely beautiful woman who loved Roark passionately, but married his worst enemy…and of the fanatic denunciation unleashed by an enraged society against a great creator.
As fresh today as it was then, Rand’s provocative novel presents one of the most challenging ideas in all of fiction—that man’s ego is the fountainhead of human progress.
Every three months there is a new seasonal entry round, with its own unique essay prompt. You may compete in any or all of these entry rounds.
The top three essays from each season will be awarded a cash prize. The first-place essay from each season will advance to compete for the annual grand prize.
Benefits
The scholarship awards 12 prizes a year, 3 per season: $3,000 for the first place, $2,000 for the second place and $1,000 for the third place, to help you with your studies.
The first-place essay from each season will be eligible to contend for the annual first-place title, with the opportunity to secure a grand prize of $25,000.
Eligibility
- Open to all middle & high school students worldwide, ages 13 and older.
Scholarship requirements
Disciplines
Any
Locations
Worldwide
Nationality
Any
Study experience required
None
Age
Over 13
Application
Application deadline
30 Apr 2026
Follow these steps to submit your essay for the The Fountainhead essay contest:
Register for the Contest (Get immediate access to the book and essay prompts.)
Read The Fountainhead carefully, paying close attention to the characters and the philosophical themes. And most importantly, enjoy the story!
Respond to each of the assigned prompts in the contest dashboard.
Submit your essay by April 30 at 11:59 PM PT.
Financing
Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.
MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees. Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.
- Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
- Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
- No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
- Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
- 100% online application -- instant conditional offer
- Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program