The Sidney Prizes at the University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers many different prizes to reward outstanding student work in a range of disciplines. Most require an essay or piece of creative writing on a specified topic, and are judged by a panel of faculty members. Submissions can be made in a variety of forms, including fiction, poetry, essays and research papers. The University reserves the right to withhold a prize if the quality is not sufficiently high or the subject matter does not fit the criteria of the prize.

In addition to the major academic awards and prizes, there are a number of student-submitted literary prize that focus on particular topics or themes. These may include political and social commentary, cultural or regional analysis, scientific or technical investigation, and the arts and humanities. The winners of these prizes are often invited to participate in the annual Prizes Ceremony and Lecture Series in the autumn.

Awarded to the best undergraduate writing in English. This prize aims to recognise the writing that most closely meets those high standards of originality and integrity that Sidney Cox set for his students in his lectures and book, Indirections for Those Who Want to Write. This award is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of their major or minor. The winning essay is published in Overland’s autumn 2024 issue. Two runners-up are published online.

This prize is awarded to the student submitting the best essay on an Australian legal history theme. The winner will be invited to attend the Prizes Ceremony and Lecture Series in the autumn and will also have the opportunity to visit Australia in the following year.

No application is required, but students are encouraged to contact the Undergraduate Advisor for more information about the prize and how to enter. Submissions must be received by the end of May. A committee of faculty members reads the prize submissions over the summer and results are announced in late summer or early fall.

This is an annual award given to the most outstanding essay in Physiology. The essay must be based on original research (MD project) completed within the Faculty of Science.

The winner of this prize will receive $500 to be used for books, magazines or periodicals related to their studies. It is funded by the University of Sydney Greek Society in honour of Professor Vrasidas Karalis and Associate Professor Anthony Dracopoulos.

Currently enrolled in the final year of an MD degree at Sydney Medical School. Awarded for the best MD project essay that demonstrates significant contribution to knowledge of Physiology and has been presented at FMH Thesis Excellence Prize.

Must be a student who is undertaking research using the HUB core facilities at Westmead. Must be endorsed by an academic or professional staff member of the Faculty of Science and have been involved in leadership activities while studying health sciences.

This award is offered to an HDR student who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and a commitment to the community through involvement in their school, Faculty and/or University committees, as well as engagement in outreach activities.