Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026: How to Enter, Prizes, Eligibility and Deadline
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 is back, offering one of the most exciting global opportunities for writers across the 54 Commonwealth nations. Since its launch in 2012, the prize has become a powerful platform for emerging voices—especially those from small towns, rural areas, and places often overlooked by mainstream publishing.
Every year, between 6,000 and 7,000 entries pour in from across the world, making it one of the biggest short story competitions for unpublished fiction. The aim is simple: to give new and unheard voices a stage.
What the Prize Offers
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is structured to reward both regional and global excellence in storytelling:
- Five regional winners (Africa, Asia, Canada & Europe, Caribbean, Pacific) each receive £2,500.
- One overall winner is selected from the five and awarded £5,000.
- All winning stories will be published in Granta, one of the world’s leading literary magazines, giving writers global recognition.
This combination of financial support and international exposure makes the prize a life-changing opportunity for many first-time authors.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or a stateless person currently living in one.
- Be 18 years or older by 1 November 2025.
- Submit an unpublished short story, which must remain unpublished in any language until at least 1 May 2026.
- Previous overall winners cannot re-enter. Writers who have won three times regionally are also ineligible.
- Dual citizens will be judged in the region where they permanently reside.
- Staff of the Commonwealth Foundation are not allowed to enter.
Note: Stories that have been shortlisted or won other prizes (but not published) are still eligible.
Regions Covered
The prize celebrates voices from all corners of the Commonwealth, grouped into five key regions:
- Africa – Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and more.
- Asia – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and others.
- Canada & Europe – Canada, the UK, Cyprus, Malta.
- Caribbean – Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, etc.
- Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, and more.
Deadline for Entries
The final submission deadline is 11:59 pm GMT, 1 November 2025. Late entries will not be considered.
How to Submit
Applying for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is free and straightforward:
- Write and prepare your unpublished short story.
- Review the guidelines on length and originality.
- Submit online via the Commonwealth Short Story Prize entry page.
No entry fee is required, making the contest accessible to all.
Why This Prize Matters
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is more than just money—it is a movement that amplifies voices from across the globe. For many, it’s the first chance to share stories beyond their communities. For others, it’s the stepping stone to a lifelong writing career.
By giving recognition to new and diverse perspectives, the prize continues to remind writers everywhere: your words matter.
You may also like to read: Applications Open for 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship: A Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Entrepreneurs
