The Sidney Prizes at the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney has a long tradition of sponsoring literary prizes, dating back to bequests received at the beginning of the twentieth century. Prizes are awarded for writing on a range of topics, from poetry and plays to essays and short stories. Prizes are open to students, staff and the general public. The University reserves the right to withhold or cancel a prize if the quality of submissions is deemed insufficient. All entries should be made using the online application form. Submissions will be assessed by the Sidney Prize Committee and the winner will be announced in late May 2019.
This prize honours an outstanding essay addressing a nominated question in any area of the humanities or social sciences. The essay should be original and show evidence of independent research and scholarly endeavour. It should also address the essay question in a clear and intelligent manner, and be written for a broad general audience, including non-specialists. The prize is worth $1,000 and is presented annually at a ceremony held in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Founded by a gift from WC Wentworth, this award recognises an essay that demonstrates an exceptional understanding of Australian literature and culture in all its diversity. It is intended to encourage scholarly writing of the highest standard and is designed to foster the development of Australian literary studies as an academic discipline.
Established in 1985, the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award recognises unpublished manuscripts of Jewish fiction for children aged 8-13. It aims to encourage aspiring authors of this genre and is open to writers nationally and internationally at all stages of their careers. Published books that win the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award prior to publication can carry a Sydney Taylor Manuscript seal on their covers.
The prize was created in memory of Professor Philip Sidney Ardern, lecturer and Associate-Professor in English at Auckland University College from 1912 to 1947. It is awarded for an essay in any area of English literature, but preference will be given to work devoted to the study of Old or Middle English.
Supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, the Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize seeks excellent short fiction loosely themed around the notion of ‘travel’. The judges have chosen Annie Zhang as this year’s winner with her story ‘Who Rattles the Night?’, which tells of a couple learning to live with ghosts in their new home. The story will be published in Overland’s autumn 2024 edition and two runners-up will also be featured online. To be eligible to enter the prize, writers must take out a subscription for one year at the discounted rate of $12/issue ($20 for non-subscribers). To read this year’s full shortlist and see how to subscribe, visit the competition page.