The University of Sydney Offers a Variety of Prizes

Prizes are financial rewards awarded for an accomplishment or event. Prizes may include literature, art or academic accomplishment. Many prizes require applicants to submit written work on an assigned topic before being considered; some prizes have existed for years while others were recently established.

The University of Sydney offers numerous awards to recognize student excellence across several areas, such as academic scholarships and awards for literary work. These prizes can be found listed on your transcript as a way of showing your academic success and showing potential employers just what a great work you’ve done!

Sir Sidney Cox Prize for Undergraduate Writing is one of the most coveted awards available, honoring outstanding undergraduate writing across any discipline or nationality. Established to commemorate late Professor Sidney Cox and administered by an appointed committee composed of former students and friends.

As well as offering the Sir Sidney Cox Prize for Writing, the University offers many other academic prizes for student writing or achievements in specific areas of study. Students interested in applying should first check with their advisor to see if there is an application process associated with each competition they wish to enter.

Sidney Taylor Book Award

Every year, the Sidney Taylor Book Award honors an outstanding work of fiction or nonfiction written by a student studying English at the University of Sydney. This prestigious prize was named after Sir Sidney Taylor – an esteemed Australian poet and writer who chaired English Department from 1912-1921 and received both cash prize and an engraved plaque in recognition. The winner receives both cash prize and plaque upon their win!

Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize mes The 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is open to writers from any country who have an Australian or international travel story in mind, whether the setting be domestic or overseas. First prize is $5,000 while two runners-up each will be given $750 as their share. Judges for the 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize included Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh who selected eight shortlisted works out of over 500 entries; Annie Zhang from Western Sydney who lives on unceded Wangal land was victorious with her story ‘Who Rattles the Night?’ being declared victorious this time round – her writing being the winner with Annie Zhang winning entry ‘Who Rattles the Night?’ as her winning entry ‘Who Rattles the Night?’ was selected.

The Australian Jewish Literary (AJL) is an independent non-profit publisher offering fiction, memoir and narrative journalism from established and emerging authors alike. Their mission is to produce works which reflect the values and commitment of Australian Jewish communities towards tolerance, diversity and social justice – they receive support from grants from the NSW Government as well as private donors; for more information about them visit their website.