The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) conducts its annual Student Essay Contest to inspire young readers to engage deeply with the timeless works of Jane Austen. The contest invites students from around the world to analyze, interpret, and appreciate Austen’s literature while competing for prestigious scholarship awards.
This international competition not only celebrates literary talent but also encourages critical thinking and creative expression among students across different academic levels.
๐ Who Can Participate?
The contest is open to students worldwide and is divided into three categories:
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High School Division
Students enrolled at the high school level, including home-schooled students -
College/University Division
Undergraduate students taking at least six credit hours -
Graduate Division
Students pursuing advanced degrees with at least three credit hours
Importantly, membership in JASNA is not required , making the contest accessible to all eligible participants.
๐ 2026 Essay Topic
“Men and Boys in Jane Austen’s Novels”
For the 2026 contest, students are encouraged to shift perspective and explore male characters in Austen’s novels—an interesting departure from the usual focus on her heroines.
Participants are invited to:
- Analyze two or more male characters
- Compare their personalities, roles, and development
- Examine relationships with women and family
- Explore themes, behaviors, or societal roles
- Develop their own unique interpretation
Students may also consider the Regency-era context, but the emphasis remains on personal insight rather than academic research. Essays should be engaging, thoughtful, and supported with relevant references from the texts.
๐ง Division-Specific Guidelines
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High School Students:
Choose characters from one or more novels -
Undergraduate Students:
Analyze characters from at least two novels -
Graduate Students:
Use at least two novels and may explore broader themes, such as how Austen’s portrayal of men evolves over time
All entries should be written for a general audience, not as formal academic papers.
๐ Submission Deadline
- Final Date: June 1, 2026
- Entries accepted until 3:00 AM ET on June 2, 2026
Participants are encouraged to plan and refine their essays well in advance of the deadline.
๐ Awards and RecognitionJASNA offers attractive scholarship awards in each division:
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๐ฅ
First Place:
$1,000 scholarship- Free registration and two nights’ lodging at JASNA’s Annual General Meeting
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Second Place:
$500 scholarship -
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Third Place:
$250 scholarship
๐ Additional Benefits
Winners also receive:
- One-year membership in JASNA
- Publication of their essays on the official website
- A set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels
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