The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 is now open for submissions. This prestigious annual award celebrates unpublished short fiction and is funded by the Commonwealth Foundation. Writers across the Commonwealth have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and win up to £5,000.
If you are a writer from Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean, or the Pacific, this is your chance to gain international recognition.
About the Commonwealth Short Story Prize
The prize is awarded each year to the best unpublished short fiction from across five Commonwealth regions:
- Africa
- Asia
- Canada and Europe
- Caribbean
- Pacific
It aims to support new voices in literature and give writers a global platform.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026, you must meet the following conditions:
- Entry is free of charge.
- Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries aged 18 and above.
- Only unpublished short fiction between 2,000–5,000 words is accepted.
- Stateless persons residing in a Commonwealth country may also apply.
- Writers with dual Commonwealth citizenship will be judged in the region of permanent residence.
- You do not need to currently live in a Commonwealth country as long as you hold valid citizenship.
- Entrants must be 18 years or older as of 1 November 2025.
- The story must be original and not published anywhere (online or print) before 1 May 2026. Personal blogs, personal websites, and personal Facebook pages are exempt.
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Prize and Rewards
Winners of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 will receive:
- Overall Winner: £5,000
- Regional Winners (4): £2,500 each
- If the winning story is a translation into English, the translator will also receive prize money.
Submission Guidelines
To submit your entry:
- Save your story as a PDF with the title of your story as the file name.
- If PDF is not possible, a Microsoft Word document is accepted, using the same file naming rule.
- The first page must include:
- Story title
- Word count
- Do not include personal details in the uploaded story. All entries are judged anonymously.
- Author details should only be filled out in the entry form.
How to Apply
Applications are open online. Writers are required to upload their stories and complete the official entry form.
👉 CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY PRIZE 2026
Why You Should Apply
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is more than an award. It is a platform that:
- Amplifies your voice globally.
- Connects you with leading writers and publishers.
- Helps you build credibility as a professional writer.
If you are passionate about storytelling, this is your chance to shine.
Tip for Applicants: Ensure your story is original, well-edited, and falls within the required word limit. Avoid including personal identifiers in your manuscript.
