Now open: The Judith Yates Essay Prize in Economics

Eligible students completing the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Advanced Studies can win $10,000 courtesy of The Judith Yates Essay Prize in Economics. The annual prize celebrates one winner who presents a solution to a real-world challenge facing Australia’s economy and population.

To enter, eligible students must write an essay in response to a single question addressing the issue of unmet social needs. In 2024, the question is: 

"Within the next 20 years, it is predicted that 25% of the Australian population will be over the age of 65. This significant shift in demographics will impact older individuals, their families and communities, as well as the organizations that provide support for them. Identify and describe the possible challenges that the Australian economy may encounter due to this demographic change. Discuss appropriate government policies to address these challenges."

To be eligible to enter, students must be studying the Advanced Economics program in the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney. They must also be enrolled in their second or third year of the pre-Honours pathway or enrolled in Honours (fourth year).

Applications for the prize are now open and will close on 12 October 2024 at 11:59 pm.

Why should you enter?

We spoke to the 2022 prize winner, Khloe Lizardo, about what winning the prize meant to her.

“Trying to balance work while studying as a full-time student was something I personally found a bit challenging,” says Khloe. “However, prizes that offer financial awards can be an incredibly helpful alternative, allowing you to study and spend quality time with family and friends.” 

Outside of the financial incentive, Khloe found the process of writing her essays rewarding – helping her grow in confidence, improve her problem-solving skills, and tackle complex problems.

Read on to learn more about Khloe’s experience writing her award-winning essay, where she found inspiration, and how the prize has impacted her future.  

Meet our 2022 winner: Khloe Lizardo

Khloe won the Judith Yates Essay Prize in Economics when COVID-19 was one of the biggest socio-economic problems facing Australia. In response, Khloe wrote an essay about fiscal consolidation within the context of rising interest rates and record-high levels of public debt.

“As a productivity-boosting measure, I proposed the development of a school-level intervention aimed at upskilling the non-cognitive skills of students,” she explains. “Lastly, I suggested supporting our agricultural sector, as it is thought to be one of the most productive in the world.”   

Khloe found one of the great benefits of entering the prize was discovering new-found confidence in being able to tackle the big issues affecting our world. 

“Although I was constantly second-guessing myself throughout the whole writing process, I was still determined to give it my best shot,” she remembers. “Ultimately, winning the Judith Yates Essay Prize was particularly symbolic for me as it gave me the opportunity to challenge my self-limiting beliefs and inspired me to pursue even more ambitious academic challenges.”