The 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize is now open for entries. This prestigious international writing competition is a unique opportunity for writers from across the Commonwealth to share their stories with a global audience and win recognition for their talent.
Deadline: 1 November 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT
About the Commonwealth Short Story Prize
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual award administered and funded by the Commonwealth Foundation. It is free to enter and is open to all citizens of Commonwealth countries aged 18 and over.
The prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (between 2,000 and 5,000 words). Writers may submit stories in English, as well as in Bengali, Chinese, Creole, French, Greek, Kiswahili, Malay, Maltese, Portuguese, Samoan, Tamil, and Turkish. Authors may also submit an English translation of their work.
An international panel of judges, representing the five Commonwealth regions (Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean, and Pacific), will read and deliberate on all entries.
Awards and Prizes
Writers have the chance to win both regional and international recognition.
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Overall Winner: £5,000
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Regional Winners (5 total): £2,500 each
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Winning stories will be published by Granta online and in a special print anthology by Paper + Ink.
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If a translated story wins, the translator will receive an additional £750.
Key Dates for the 2026 Prize
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Submissions Open: 1 September 2025
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Submission Deadline: 1 November 2025, 11:59 PM GMT
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Shortlist Announced: April 2026
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Regional Winners Announced: May 2026
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Overall Winner Announced: June 2026
Writers should ensure their entries are submitted before the deadline. Late entries will not be accepted.
Eligibility Criteria
To enter the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026, writers must meet the following requirements:
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Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (full list available on the official website).
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Be 18 years or older on 1 November 2025.
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Writers with dual Commonwealth citizenship will be judged in the region where they are permanently resident.
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Writers do not need to currently reside in a Commonwealth country if they hold Commonwealth citizenship.
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Stories must be original and unpublished in any language before 1 May 2026.
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Only one entry per writer is permitted each year.
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Previous overall winners and those who have won the regional prize three times are not eligible.
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Current staff of the Commonwealth Foundation are not eligible.
Submission Guidelines
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Entries must be submitted via the online entry form available from 1 September 2025.
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Stories should be 2,000–5,000 words in length, excluding the title.
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Manuscripts must be uploaded in PDF or Word format, saved under the story title (not as “Commonwealth Story” or generic names).
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The first page should include only the story title and word count, without the author’s name.
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Stories must be written in fiction. Poetry, plays, and stories written exclusively for children are not eligible.
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Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but entrants must notify the organisers if their story is accepted elsewhere.
How to Enter
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Review the eligibility requirements and entry rules.
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Prepare your short story (2,000–5,000 words) in English or one of the accepted languages.
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Save your manuscript as a PDF or Word file with the story title as the filename.
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Complete the online submission form on the Commonwealth Foundation website once entries open on 1 September 2025.
Final Submission Deadline: 1 November 2025, 11:59 PM GMT.
Writing Advice for the Prize
If you are preparing your entry, consider these tips to strengthen your short story:
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Write with authenticity: Judges value original voices that reflect diverse experiences across the Commonwealth.
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Choose a strong theme: Stories can be written in any genre but should engage readers with creativity and depth.
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Edit thoroughly: Revise your story for clarity, grammar, and flow. Reading your work aloud helps refine language and pacing.
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Stay within the word count: Ensure your story is between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
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Submit early: Avoid last-minute technical issues by uploading your story well before the deadline.
Writers can also access guidance from past winners and expert tips to prepare their entries by signing up through the official prize portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my entry has been received?
If you receive a reference number at the end of your submission, your entry has been received. Confirmation emails may appear in your spam folder.
Can I enter a story I have already submitted in a previous year?
No. Stories submitted in earlier years are not eligible.
Can I submit a story published on my personal blog?
Yes. Stories published on personal blogs, websites, or social media are eligible. However, stories published in magazines, anthologies, or other public platforms are not.
Will I receive feedback on my entry?
Due to the high volume of entries (around 8,000 annually), the Commonwealth Foundation does not provide individual feedback.
Do you accept translations?
Yes. Stories may be submitted in Bengali, Chinese, Creole, French, Greek, Kiswahili, Malay, Maltese, Portuguese, Samoan, Tamil, and Turkish. English translations are also eligible, and translators of winning stories receive an additional £750.
For the full list of eligible countries and detailed rules, visit the Commonwealth Short Story Prize official page.
Get Started
Do not miss this chance to share your voice with the world. Submit your short story to the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize by 1 November 2025, 11:59 PM GMT.
