The Southern Cross University Student Writing Prize, proudly supported by Southern Cross University, aims to stimulate and showcase youth thinking and writing.
The Brief
Write an original piece of creative or journalistic writing of up to 500 words on any theme.
Who can enter
Years 9 – 12 students
Prizes
- Winner receives $500 cash. The winning piece will be published in Byron Writers Festival member magazine, northerly
- Two runners-up receive $150 cash each
Presentation of 2026 Southern Cross University Student Writing Prize will take place on Sunday 16 August, 2026 at Byron Writers Festival in Byron Bay.
Key Dates 2026
- Submissions open: 11 May
- Applications close: Midnight AEST, 30 June
- Winners notified: 22 July
- Presentation of 2026 Southern Cross University Student Writing Prize will take place on Sunday 16 August, 2026 at Byron Writers Festival in Byron Bay
Submission Guidelines
1. Write and polish an original piece of writing.
2. Include the title in the header of your story and in the file name.
3. Submit your story as a word document or PDF (Arial 12-point font preferred).
4. Submissions are judged anonymously. Your name should not be included anywhere on your story or filename – it should only be entered in the submission form.
5. Entries are limited to one submission per person.
2025 Southern Cross University Student Writing Prize winners
Winner: Lola Brazenor
Runners up: Liberty MacKenzie, Elise Nikkinen
[Button before 11 May] Opens 11 May, 2026
[Button from 11 May ] Submit Your Entry
Proudly supported by Southern Cross University
Cost
General:
$
Friends (Members):
$
Free
TBC
When
TBC
Support us
Byron Writers Festival is Australia's largest regional literature festival and the beating heart of the Northern Rivers' intellectual and cultural life.
Byron Writers Festival is a registered charity with DGR status. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
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