The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has announced the opening of the call for entries for the competition for the best master's thesis in the field of competition protection and consumer protection. The initiative is aimed at graduates of universities with majors such as law, economics, administration, or management. Applications are accepted until November 30, 2026, and the prizes include not only monetary awards but also the opportunity to complete paid graduate internships within the Office's structure and the publication of the best papers.

Participation Conditions and Formal Requirements

To apply for the competition, the master's thesis must have been defended at a university in Poland between October 15, 2025, and October 15, 2026. An additional criterion is obtaining at least a 'very good' grade. The research topics should focus on issues related to anti-competitive practices, merger control, state aid, and the counteraction to unfair exploitation of a dominant position in contracts concerning the trade in agricultural and food products. In the area of consumer protection, papers may refer to practices violating the collective interests of consumers, prohibited standard contract terms, and unfair commercial practices.

Applications are submitted electronically to dk@uokik.gov.pl, via the electronic reception box, or by post. The documentation must include a completed form, a one-page summary, and a certificate issued by university authorities confirming the date of defense, the thesis topic, and the grade received. Papers may be written in Polish or English.

Awards and Opportunities for Winners

The competition jury will award prizes in three ranked categories: first place will be honored with an amount of PLN 7,000, second place with PLN 5,000, and third place with PLN 3,000. Additionally, a distinction worth PLN 5,000 is provided by the Competition Law Association, which is a partner of the initiative. The Polish Economic Society has assumed patronage over the competition.

In addition to financial rewards, winners will be able to take advantage of paid graduate internships at UOKiK. The most interesting papers will also be published within the Office's library, both in print and electronic form, giving authors a chance to reach a wider audience.

Reminder of the Doctoral Dissertation Competition

Along with the announcement of the call for master's theses, the Office reminds participants of the ongoing competition for the best doctoral dissertation in the field of competition and consumer protection. In this category, the main prize is an amount of PLN 10,000. Doctoral dissertation applications can be submitted until November 30, 2027. UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny encourages participation in both editions of the competition, emphasizing that good thesis work should reach a wider circle of experts and constitute a contribution to the development of the debate on legal and economic challenges.

Decisions

  • Announcement of the UOKiK President's competition for the best master's thesis (deadline for applications until November 30, 2026)
  • Announcement of the competition for the best doctoral dissertation (deadline for applications until November 30, 2027)