University of Oxford - CHANCELLOR'S ENGLISH ESSAY PRIZE

Benefit

The prize for the best English-language essay on a set topic is a one-time prize of about 590 EUR (£500). The University of Oxford awards this prize once a year through its Department of English. A new topic is set each year (for 2026–27, the topic is ‘Islands’). Your essay may be up to 7,000 words in length, not including the bibliography; however, shorter essays are also welcome. You may choose a literary, creative or analytical approach, or combine all three. The judging panel may also select a runner-up, and the Department of English will publicly announce the winning essay.

Eligibility

• University: You are currently a student at the University of Oxford.
• Level: Both Bachelor’s and Master’s students are welcome to take part.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are studying at Oxford.
• Once only: This prize can only be won once. Previous winners are not eligible to enter.

How to apply

You should submit your essay online via the Faculty of English Studies’ entry form. Submissions are anonymous: instead of your name, please include a short motto of no more than 10 words, which the judging panel can use to identify you. The closing date for entries is the Monday of the 8th week of the Hilary term (for 2026–27, this is Monday 8 March). There will be no interview. The jury will read the essays and select a winner.

How realistic are your chances?

Only current students at the University of Oxford are eligible to enter, meaning that the pool of entrants is limited and the prize is awarded to a single winner each year. Your chances depend entirely on the quality of an essay on a set topic, which is assessed through a blind review process. Write a compelling, original essay and you’ll have a real chance – but first place is hotly contested.