Sargeson Prize 2026 – A Huge Opportunity for Student Writers
Students with a passion for writing are encouraged to enter the Sargeson Prize, New Zealand’s biggest short story competition. Hosted by the University of Waikato, this prestigious competition gives young writers the chance to showcase their creativity on a national stage.
The Secondary Schools Division is open to students aged 16–18 years. Entrants are required to submit an original, unpublished short story of up to 3000 words.
Entries for 2026 open on 1 April 2026 and close on 30 June 2026.
There are fantastic prizes on offer:
- First Prize: $2,000
- Second Prize: $1,000
- Third Prize: $500
In addition to cash prizes, the winning story will be published in ReadingRoom, Newsroom’s literary section, an incredible opportunity for national recognition.
The overall winner will also receive a one-week summer writing residency at the University of Waikato, including accommodation, meals, a dedicated writing space, and mentoring from experienced writers and academics. (Parental consent is required if the winner is under 18.)
Students can submit a piece from their English writing portfolio or develop something entirely new. Entries must be typed, 1.5 spaced, in a clear font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. To ensure fair judging, submissions must be anonymous, with no identifying details included anywhere on the manuscript.
Entries can be submitted online (preferred) or by post, and students are responsible for ensuring their work is received before the deadline. This competition is an excellent opportunity for aspiring writers to gain recognition, build confidence, and take their writing to the next level.
Students interested in entering should visit the official Sargeson Prize website and make sure to scroll to the Secondary School Division for the correct information.
For support or guidance, students are encouraged to speak with their English teacher.
