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Oxford–BNU Creative Writing Award 2026/27: Submissions Now Open

creative writing 26

The Oxford Prospects and Global Development Institute (OPGDI) is delighted to announce that submissions are now open for the Oxford–BNU Creative Writing Award 2026/27.

The Award celebrates creative writing and provides an opportunity for members of the University of Oxford community to showcase their literary talent. Encouraging originality and imaginative expression, the competition welcomes writers from across academic disciplines and backgrounds.

Participants are invited to submit an original, unpublished short story written in English prose. Entries may explore any subject or theme, offering writers the freedom to develop their own ideas and creative perspectives.

Prizes

Three prizes will be awarded in recognition of outstanding creative writing:

  • First Prize: £2,500
  • Runner-up Prize (x2): £500

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

The competition is open to eligible students and staff of the University of Oxford's colleges and departments.

Submissions must meet the following requirements:

  • An original, unpublished short story written in English.
  • Between 2,500 and 10,000 words.
  • A maximum of one entry per author.
  • Submission of both a Word document and a fully anonymised PDF copy of the story.

Important Dates

Submissions open: 12th November 2026
Submission deadline: 31st January 2027

Submission Requirements and Conditions

  • Submit your entry as both Word and PDF attachments by email sent from your Oxford SSO email address to moyan.centre@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk no later than 12 noon on 31st January 2027. 
  • The PDF version must be fully anonymised, named with the title and word count
  • At the top of the Word version state:
  1. Your name as stated in your Oxford University matriculation/employment contract
  2. Your name as you wish it to appear in any publicity, if different
  3. Your email address for further correspondence
  4. Your college, subject and year of study if a student
  5. Your employing college/department and job title if staff
  6. Your Bod card number

We look forward to receiving submissions and discovering the creativity and literary talent of writers across the Oxford community.