Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 | Fully Funded

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 is one of the most prestigious international writing competitions, celebrating original short fiction from emerging writers across the Commonwealth. Open to anyone aged 18 and above who is a citizen of a Commonwealth country, this prize offers a fantastic opportunity to share your storytelling talents on a global stage. The overall winner will receive a £5,000 cash award, while five regional winners will each earn £2,500. Entry is free and welcoming to all—whether you are a student, teacher, or part-time writer—making it an accessible platform for voices waiting to be heard.

This competition is known for its commitment to diversity and creativity, attracting thousands of entries worldwide each year. Judged by experts from five Commonwealth regions—Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific—the prize highlights unique perspectives by allowing submissions in English and several regional languages. Winning stories gain international exposure through publication by Granta, helping new writers build their literary careers. Whether you’re an experienced author or writing your first story, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 offers a valuable chance to launch your writing journey.

Contest Summary

• Country: UK
• Host: Commonwealth Foundation
• Dates: 1 September 2025 to 1 November 2025  
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 1 November 2025

Benefits

• Each regional winner will get a £2,500 cash prize.
• One overall winner will receive a total prize of £5,000.
• Winning stories will be published in Granta, a respected international literary magazine.
• Shortlisted stories will also be featured in adda, the online magazine of the Commonwealth Foundation.
• If a winning story is translated into English, the translator will receive £750.
• Writers will gain global recognition and have their work shared with a wide audience.
• A chance to represent your country or region in one of the top international writing competitions.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to citizens of all Commonwealth countries
• You must be 18 years or older
• Submit an original, unpublished short story
• Your story must be between 2,000 and 5,000 words
• You can write in English or one of the accepted languages
• The competition welcomes writers from all backgrounds and identities

Entry Rules for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026

• Entries must be submitted online by the original author through the official entry form.
• The deadline to apply is 1 November 2025, 11:59 PM (any time zone).
• Only one story per writer can be submitted each year.
• The story must be your own original work and unpublished, including online (except personal blogs or Facebook pages).
• You cannot resubmit a story that has been entered in the Commonwealth Short Story Prize in previous years.
• Stories must be written in English or one of the approved languages. If it is a translation, it must be submitted by the original author.
• The story should be between 2,000 and 5,000 words, excluding the title.
• Submit your story as a PDF file, with the file name matching the story title.
• Do not include your name or personal details in the document.
• Use Arial font, size 12, with double line spacing and numbered pages.
• Stories must be adult fiction. Entries written solely for children are not eligible.

Prize Regions

• Africa: Includes countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and others.
• Asia: Includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and others.
• Canada and Europe: Includes Canada, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, and others.
• Caribbean: Includes countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and others.
• Pacific: Includes Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and others.

Selection Criteria for the Commonwealth Award 2025

• Excellent Academic record.
• Quality of Writing.
• Meeting the eligibility criteria.

How to apply?

• Visit the official Commonwealth Foundation website to access the Short Story Prize 2026 application.
• Wait for submissions to open on 1 September 2025 before starting your application.
• Register online through the official entry portal once the submission window is live.
• Carefully read all entry rules and guidelines provided to ensure your story meets the requirements.
• Fill out the application form and upload your original short story between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
• Double-check all details for accuracy, then submit your entry before the deadline on 1 November 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 is a prestigious competition open to writers aged 18+ from Commonwealth countries. Stories between 2,000–5,000 words can be submitted online from Sept 1 to Nov 1, 2025. Winners receive cash prizes and publication, with announcements between April and June 2026.