The Sidney Prize and Other Literary Prizes at the University of Sydney

Longform journalism and thought pieces remain effective ways of informing, engaging and challenging audiences in our increasingly short attention span culture. That is why the University of Sydney provides various literary prizes which recognize students’ writing talents. All prizes require submission of written piece on selected topic(s), typically essay length submitted under pseudonym and signed copyright release forms before submission is allowed.

The Sidney Prize is given monthly to an exceptional piece of journalism published during the previous month, nominated by anyone and winning candidates receives a $500 honorarium and certificate designed by New Yorker cartoonist Edward Sorel. Nominations must be received by midnight of each month’s last day of submissions.

This award was established to honour Dr Walter Edward Steward Reid, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney in 1922 and went on to earn both his BA and PhD in history at Oxford. An expert on European and Asian history, his research in central European history helped shape our understanding of it today. It is funded by the Reid Memorial Fund and worth $500.

The Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Prize for Leadership recognizes those HDR students who take on additional responsibilities as leaders within their school, at university and professional organizations – or who take on outreach activities for community service purposes. The prize is valued at $500 but not available to international students.

Students enrolled in degrees with at least one unit from anatomy, biochemistry, biophysics, histology or physiology can apply for this award. Students should submit a written statement outlining their achievements, interests in science and non-academic activities – along with endorsement from an academic or professional staff member – in order to be eligible.

Students enrolled in Greek Honours bachelor’s degrees with the School of Languages and Cultures within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences can qualify for this prize of $500.00, payable as one lump payment.

Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award is open to NSW-based film creatives who have completed five or fewer short films, and is sponsored by Event Cinemas and Screen NSW. Robyn Liu from The Dancing Girl and Balloon Man fame won in 2023. For consideration, students must submit an online application here by 11 August with CV, letter of endorsement from an academic or professional staff member from Faculty of Science as well as their CV. A selection committee will meet on 13 September to select their winner; notification of their victory will occur early October (unless tied candidates tie).