Utopian Writing Competition
NEWSFLASH: We've heard the plaintive cries of students labouring under a heavy load of assignments, and have extended the competition deadline to 28 June.
Dystopian stories are everywhere, and disaster is perennially exciting. But can you imagine a better future for society? We’d like to find out! The Chaplaincy VUW Utopian Writing Competition is your chance to imaginatively explore a better world. In 2500 words or less, share your vision of utopia. It could be a short story, a poem, fairytale, science-fiction, fantasy, essay, etc — up to you! Entries will be judged by a panel, and the winning submission will receive a cash prize of $500.
Conditions of entry
Participants must be enrolled either part or full-time at Victoria University at time of entry
Writing submitted must be your own
Multiple entries are welcomed
Entries must be received no later than 11.55pm on Saturday 28 June 2025
By submitting an entry, you consent to the possibility of your work being published
How to enter
Upload your submission below
The winner will be announced in July 2025.
This competition is organised by chaplains Matthew Packer, Ginni Shaw and Matthew Bartlett. If you have questions not covered here, do get in touch.