Literary prizes

Previously known as 'Prize Compositions', Literary Prizes have a long history at the University of Sydney with many of them dating from bequests left to the University at the beginning of the last century, bringing a sense of tradition to the awards.

The University of Sydney reserves the right not to award a prize if submissions are not deemed to be of sufficient standard.

Applications are now open for the University of Sydney Literary prizes.

Closing Date: 27 July 2012

Beauchamp Prizes

Founded in 1901 by a gift of £625 from his Excellency the Right Honourable William Lygon, Earl Beauchamp, KCMG, Governor of New South Wales. This composition prize is awarded for the best essays on (i) some literary subject, and (ii) some historical subject.

To be considered for the literary prize write an essay on some literary subject. The essay should be 5,000 - 7,500 words in length, and appropriate for publication in an academic journal.

To be considered for the historical prize write an essay on some historical subject. The essay should be 5,000 - 7,500 words in length, and appropriate for publication in an academic journal.

Eligibility: This prize is open to all currently enrolled students and graduates who are of not more than two years’ standing from the date of their graduation.
Value: $4,000 each

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Earle Page Constitutional Prize

Founded in 1936 by a gift of £100 from the Right Honourable Earle Page, MB ChM, MHR, then Minister for Commerce, to stimulate the interest in national policy by the establishment of a prize for an essay on constitutional problems generally.

Eligibility: The competition is open to all currently enrolled students and graduates who are of not more than two years’ standing from the date of their graduation.
Value: $600

Topic for 2012 is: "How does Australia's federal structure frustrate or facilitate recovery from major natural disasters?" The essay should be 2,000 - 3,000 words in length.

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Henry Lawson Prize for Poetry

Established in 1936 by a gift of £845 from subscribers to the memorial of Henry Lawson, Australian poet and prose-writer, to provide for a ‘Henry Lawson Prize for Poetry’.

This prize is awarded annually for English verse. The composition need not be of great length, though sustained quality will receive due credit. Topic is of the candidate's choice.

Eligibility: The competition is open to undergraduates who have no graduate status in any faculty.
Value: $1,500

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Henry Lawson Prize for Prose

Established in 1936 by a gift of £845 from subscribers to the memorial of Henry Lawson, Australian poet and prose-writer, to provide for a ‘Henry Lawson Prize for Prose’.

This prize is awarded annually for an original composition on an Australian theme. Compositions should take the form of a short story or descriptive sketch and need not be of great length, though sustained quality will receive due credit.

Eligibility: The competition is open to undergraduates who have no graduate status in any faculty.
Value: $1,500

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Nicholson Medal

In 1866, the sum of £200 was set aside by the Senate for the purpose of permanently founding a medal to be called the ‘Nicholson Medal’ in honour of Sir Charles Nicholson, Bt, MD Edin. Hon. DCL Oxf. Hon. LLD Camb., Provost 1854-59, Chancellor 1860-61, to provide an annual prize for Latin verse. Awarded annually, on the recommendation of the Professor of Classics, for either:

• translation of a set piece into Latin verse
• translation of a set piece of Latin verse into English verse
• an essay on a prescribed topic in the field of Latin poetry, which may be a regular essay set for a Senior course in Latin

Eligibility: The competition is open to all currently enrolled students and graduates who are of not more than two years’ standing from the date of their graduation.
Value: $1,500 plus a medal

Topic for 2012 is: amor vincit omnia ("Love conquers all"): does Latin poetry support this view? Discuss in relation to at least one Latin poem.

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Robert A. Dallen Prize

Founded in 1929 by an endowment of £150 by Mr Robert A Dallen for an annual prize.

Eligibility: The prize is open to final year Arts students or Arts graduates of not more than two years' standing from the date of their graduation.
Value: $1,600

Topic for 2012 is: Candidates are invited to submit an essay on "The influence of the Bible on later culture and literature" or have reference to it.

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Venour V. Nathan Prize

Founded in 1922 by a gift of £500 from Venour V. Nathan for an annual prize in Australian or Imperial history.

Eligibility: The prize is open to all currently enrolled students and graduates who are of not more than two years’ standing from the date of their graduation.

Two awards may be made each year;

• One for the best essay from a student currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree; limit of 3000 words.
• One for the best essay from a student currently enrolled in a postgraduate degree or a graduate of not more than two years standing from the date of their graduation; limit of 5000 words.

Value: $3000

Topic for 2012 is: Candidates are invited to submit an essay on a subject connected with Australian or Imperial History.

How to Apply: Submit your entry with the cover letter to the Scholarships Office

Adrian Consett Stephen Memorial Prize

Established in 1944 by a bequest of £100 from Emilie A.C. Stephen. Awarded annually to an undergraduate for a short story or play following recommendation from the Professors of English for the best entry.

Eligibility: This competition is limited to undergraduates only.
Value: $200

Prize not available for 2012. Prize is under review.

H.M. Moran Prize

Established in 1945 by a gift of £250 from Dr H.M. Moran, for an annual essay prize.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates only.
Value: $1,250

Prize not available for 2012. Prize is under review.