Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest
Location:
Virtual (worldwide submissions accepted)
Cost:
Free entry — no fee required
Contest Date:
Accepted submissions February through early June 2026 (2025 contest closed; topic for 2026 releases in November 2025; deadline was June 2, 2025 for 2025 cycle)
Application Deadlines:
June 2, 2025 (for 2025 cycle); likely early June annually
Eligibility:
High school and homeschooling students enrolled at high school level during the contest year; separate divisions for college and graduate students
A global essay competition inviting participants to write a 6–8 page MLA‑formatted literary analysis on a selected theme related to Jane Austen’s novels. For 2025, contestants examined a motif used in two scenes and explained how Austen deploys it and why. Winners receive scholarship awards, membership, literary editions, and registration plus lodging to JASNA’s annual meeting
Awards: First place gets $1,000 plus free registration and two nights’ lodging for JASNA’s Annual General Meeting (transportation not included); second gets $500; third gets $250. All winners receive one-year JASNA membership, Norton Critical Editions of Austen’s works, and publication online
Please note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources and may change from year to year. Dates, locations, fees, and other details are subject to updates—please verify all information directly on the official competition website before applying.