The University of Sydney provides numerous prizes that recognize student academic excellence in various areas. Some of these awards require applicants, while others are automatically awarded based on academic performance. The Sir Sidney Cox Prize is one of the university’s most prestigious writing prizes and is named in honor of English professor Sir Sidney Cox. It is awarded to undergraduates who meet high standards for originality and integrity in their work.
The 2024 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize seeks excellent short fiction of up to 3000 words themed around the notion of travel; imaginative and creative interpretations are strongly encouraged. The winner will receive $5000 and their short story will be published in Overland, while two runners-up will each receive $750. The judging panel for the contest included Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh. The winning short story, ‘Who Rattles the Night?’, was written by Annie Zhang. The story is set on unceded Wangal land and follows a couple learning to live with ghosts. The entry fee for the competition is $20, or $12 for Overland subscribers. Multiple entries are welcome, but each must be submitted separately and accompanied by the relevant fee.
Molecular biologist Sidney Altman shared the 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Thomas R. Cech for their discovery that RNA, which was previously known to carry genetic codes between parts of cells, also has an enzymatic role, triggering and accelerating vital chemical reactions within living cells. Their revolutionary work opened up new fields of scientific research and biotechnology.
This annual prize is given to a playwright who shows promise as a writer. It was first established in 1939 by the Playwrights Company to support new playwrights who had failed to become a success on Broadway. Previous winners include Robert Ardrey and Tennessee Williams.
This prize is given to an advanced graduate student or recent PhD for the best unpublished article stemming from dissertation research in the history of Christianity. It is intended to recognize scholarship that contributes significantly to the field and to Christian history more broadly. The article will be published in Church History.
Each month the Hillman Foundation gives a Sidney Prize for investigative journalism in service of the common good. This prize aims to recognize discernment of a significant news story, resourcefulness and courage in reporting it, and skill in communicating its significance.
The University of Sydney offers a variety of scholarships and grants for students. These are generally open to students from all countries and at all levels of study. They can be used for tuition, housing, books or even for travel expenses. Interested students should check with their prospective departments or the Scholarships Office for further information. Applicants may be required to submit an application form and essay in order to apply for some of these scholarships. Those who have been awarded the scholarship will be listed on their transcript and will be honored at an awards ceremony. The university also maintains a list of past recipients on its website.