To encourage a new generation of feminist scholars, the FSA sponsors an annual student essay competition for work which is innovative, interdisciplinary and grounded in feminist theory and practice. After an initial shortlisting process, the top seven entries will be judged by our judging panel to determine the winner. All shortlisted entries will be published in the Journal of International Women’s Studies, and the winner will also receive a year’s free FSA membership.
Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances the student essay prize did not run in 2021/22, we would encourage anyone who submitted previously to submit to this round of the essay prize.
The scheme for 2026/2027 applications is now open! Deadline Friday 26th February 2027
You can find details about the 2026/2027 scheme on the poster (see right), alternatively you can find these details, including the Eligibility Criteria and more information about How to Apply on this page below!
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to submit to the student essay prize you must currently be enrolled on a postgraduate degree (taught or research) at a British or Irish university.
The Student Essay Prize is currently open to FSA members only, however, if the membership fee presents a financial barrier, please get in touch with us via email directly to discuss options.
Essays do not need to have been submitted to an institution, and we also accept draft chapters/papers written during PG/doctoral studies. Any work submitted to the competition must not already published or under consideration elsewhere and must not have been entered into other competitions.
Strong applications will include: (1) Convincing/supported arguments using research and academic evidence, (2) Strong theoretical background, and (3) Clear and robust analysis of data and/or theory.
Essays should be 6,000-7,000 words (including footnotes and bibliography) and should be submitted electronically via email, including a completed competition coversheet, and adhere to the submission instructions.
How to Apply
The 2026/2027 student essay competition is now open!
Please submit your essay by email as PDF with a completed coversheet.
Email for Submission: studentessayprizefsa@gmail.com
Closes Friday 26th February 2027
Contact for Questions
Queries and Submissions please email: studentessayprizefsa@gmail.com
Previous essay prize winners and shortlisted entries
- Volume 22, Issue 2 (2021) The Post Pandemic University, Possibilities, Practices and Pedagogies: And New Writings in Feminist and Women’s Studies—Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2020 Feminist Studies Association’s (FSA) Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 21, Issue 3 (2020) Feminist Comforts and Considerations amidst a Global Pandemic: New Writings in Feminist and Women’s Studies—Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2019 Feminist Studies Association’s (FSA) Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 20, Issue 4 (2019) New Writings in Feminist and Women’s Studies Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2018 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association’s (FWSA) Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 19, Issue 1 (2018) New Writings in Feminist Studies: Winning and Shortlisted Entries from the 2017 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association’s Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 18, Issue 3 (2017) New Writings in Feminist Studies: Winning and Shortlisted Entries from the 2016 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association’s Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 17, Issue 2 (2016) New Writings in Feminist Studies: Winning and Shortlisted Entries from the 2015 FWSA Student Essay Competition
- Volume 16, Issue 1 (2014) The 10th Anniversary of the FWSA Essay Competition: New Directions in Feminist Studies – Emotions, Activisms, Intersectionality
- Volume 14, Issue 4 (2013) New Writings in Feminist and Women’s Studies: Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2012 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association’s Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 13, Issue 2 (2012) Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2010 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 12, Issue 2 (2011) Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2009 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 11, Issue 3 (2009) Winning and Short-listed Entries from the 2007 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 10, Issue 3 (2009) Feminist and Woman’s Studies Association Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 9, Issue 2 (2008) Politics, Sexualities, and New Feminist Scholarship: Winning and short-listed entries for the 2006 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association Annual Student Essay Competition
- Volume 8, Issue 2 (2007) Identity, Difference and New Feminisms: Winning and Short-listed entries for the 2005 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association, U.K. Annual Essay Competition
- Volume 7, Issue 3 (2006) New British Feminist Scholarship and Contemporary Politics: Prizewinning and Short-listed Essays from the Feminist and Women’s Studies Association (UK and Ireland) Essay Competition
- Volume 6, Issue 3 (2005) Winning and Short-listed Essays from the Second Annual Essay Competition of the Feminist and Women’s Studies Association (UK and Ireland) (FWSA)
- Volume 5, Issue 2 (2004) New Writings in Women’s Studies: Selected Essays from the First Women’s Studies Network (U.K.) Association Essay Contest