John Masefield Prize

About

The John Masefield Prize is awarded for the best original poem in English of not more than 50 lines, on a subject prescribed by the Academic Board. The 2026 subject will be determined by the Academic Board and will be made available closer to the application opening date.

Applications open

14 September 2026

Applications close

26 October 2026

Benefits

Up to $250.93 is available and only one award will be offered from this total amount. Award payments will be made as a single lump-sum.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this prize, you must:

• be an enrolled student at the University of Melbourne, at any study level.

Selection criteria

The recipient will be determined after considering the quality and creative merit of the submitted poetry as assessed by a selection committee within the School of Culture and Communications.

Conditions

Recipients are required to:

• accept the award online within 21 days.

Outcome

Applicants are advised of the outcome via email within 8-10 weeks.

Application process

Eligible applicants must complete the online application form, including:

• an original poem in English of not more than 50 lines on the 2025 subject ‘Timeless'.

Apply

Enquiries

artsawards-info@unimelb.edu.au

About the donors

John Masefield (1878-1967) was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967. Poet, novelist, dramatist and journalist, John Masefield's literary career was rich and varied, and although his reputation waned in later years, he is recognised for his wide range, encompassing ballads, nature poetry and mythological narrative, and for his attempt to make poetry a popular art. This prize was first awarded in 1949.

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.