You are cordially invited to take part in the 20th English Short Story Writing Competition. The Regulations, Prizes and Procedures are as follows:

Eligibility:

1. All HKBU full-time UGC-funded undergraduate students
2. All HKBU full-time UGC-funded postgraduate students

Titles & Word Limit: Students must use ONE of the titles/story prompts provided and keep to a maximum of 7500 characters, including spaces.
NOTE: The word limit does NOT include the provided prompt.

Prizes for each category:

• First Prize ($1,500 vouchers for purchasing apps, online courses, or books, plus a trophy)
• Second Prize ($1,200 vouchers for purchasing apps, online courses, or books, plus a trophy)
• Third Prize ($900 vouchers for purchasing apps, online courses, or books, plus a trophy)
• Merit Prizes ($500 vouchers for purchasing apps, online courses, or books)
• All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation at the award ceremony.

Selection Procedure: Winners are selected by a panel of judges from HKBU and an external expert judge.

Application Deadline: 1 December 2025 (Monday)

• Mixed-mode Orientation (Rules of competition and submission guidelines): 5 December 2025 (Friday) 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Mixed-mode Short Story Writing Workshop 1 (Plot and Character): 12 December 2025 (Friday) 10:00 am – 12:00 nn
• Mixed-mode Short Story Writing Workshop 2 (Language): 19 December 2025 (Friday) 10:00 am – 12:00 nn

Short Story Submission Deadline: 12 January 2026 (Monday)
Note: Your attendance of the briefing section and the workshops is optional. The outcome of the competition is determined by the quality of your story.

Assessment Criteria:

1. Demonstration of creativity and originality, expression of emotions, and development of characters and plot;
2. Accuracy and variety of language, proper and effective use of vocabulary and dialogue.

Reminder on Plagiarism:

Please be reminded that all works submitted will be subject to a plagiarism check. Contestants who submit plagiarised works will be disqualified from the contest.

Registration: https://hkbuchtl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2siFGL8cjKp86h0