The Australian Political Book of the Year Award is proud to introduce the University Essay Prize.
A new annual award recognising outstanding writing on politics and policy by undergraduate students across Australia. This Prize aims to foster the next generation of political thinkers, writers and commentators.
$1000 prize money for the Winner
$250 prize money for the Runner-up

Key dates
Submissions open
20 July 2026
Submissions close
26 September 2026
Winner announced
28 October 2026
at the annual Australian Political Book
of the Year event in Canberra
Eligibility
The Prize is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled at an Australian university. Students in any year of study may enter. Postgraduate students are not eligible.
Essay requirements
Judging criteria
Essays will be assessed on the quality of the whole piece, with the judge looking for the submission that makes the most compelling contribution to understanding Australian political events and debates.
Specifically, essays will be assessed against the following criteria:
Who is the Judge
Jamie Miller is a published author in modern history and a regular contributor to The Atlantic, The Australian, and other publications. Jamie held academic positions at Yale University, Cornell University, and the University of Pittsburgh, with research and teaching focused on political economy and geopolitics.
He is currently Chief Executive Officer of The Argyle Group, where he provides strategic counsel to corporate and investor clients globally. He led Hakluyt’s financial sponsors business in Australia, Asia, and then globally, and before that he worked at McKinsey and Company in Australia. Previously, he served in the United States as Chief of Staff to State Representative Chris Hansen (Democrat – Colorado). Jamie holds a BA (first class honours, university medal) from the University of Sydney and an MPhil and PhD from the University of Cambridge.

How to submit
Send your essay as a PDF to enquiries@auspolbookaward.com.au with the subject line: Submission for Student Political Essay Prize – (First Name Last Name).
In the body of your email please include:

How to submit
Send your essay as a PDF to enquiries@auspolbookaward.com.au with the subject line: Submission for Student Political Essay Prize – (First Name Last Name).
In the body of your email please include:

If you have any queries about the University Essay Prize, please email enquiries@auspolbookaward.com.au
