Insight Creative Writing Competition

The 2026 Insight Creative Writing Competition is now open. This competition is open to high school students around Australia as we aim to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future. 

Entering the competition is free and all entrants will have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes! 

All shortlisted entries will be judged by acclaimed Australian authors. Past judges have included Alice Pung, Nam Le, Cath Moore, Michael Pryor, Will Kostakis and Jack Henseleit. This year’s shortlist judges will be announced in the coming months.

Over the past seven years, we have had the pleasure of reading more than 2000 creative pieces from high school students around the country. If you’re a budding writer in high school, we’d love to see your work. 

THIS YEAR’S OPTIONAL THEME IS: IGNITE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM AND TERMS & CONDITIONS

ENTRIES OPEN: 20.03.26

ENTRIES CLOSE: 01.09.26

Questions? Get in touch at publishing@insightpublications.com.au