Graduate Student Essay Contest

Graduate Student Essay Contest

Eligibility:

• Master’s or PhD student status at a Canadian university or college for the upcoming or preceding academic year (September–August).
• The student must be a member of the CSSR/SCÉR to submit in the graduate category.
• Two awards will be given, one for the Master’s and one for the PhD.
• Limit of one entry per student.
• Students cannot win two years in a row in the same category.

Requirements:

• Essays do not need to be written specifically for this contest. They may be assignments from a course. Essays that have been previously published or are forthcoming publications are eligible.
• Essays must be typed and double-spaced (word count does not include footnotes or bibliography) and sent in Word or text format (PDFs will not be accepted).
• Essays must be accompanied by a letter of support from a member of the sponsoring religious studies department or program, certifying the degree and program status of the candidate and indicating that the student is in good standing in that university or college. Letters should be submitted by the referee directly.
• Students must attach this form (as a PDF)or this form (as a fillable Word document) with their application.
• Proof of CSSR membership (e.g., confirmation email or e-transfer receipt) must be attached or forwarded.

Entries which do not meet these criteria will not be eligible for consideration.

Submissions and Deadline:

The entire essay application, including all forms and letters of support, and proof of CSSR membership, must be submitted via email to studentprize@cssrscer.ca by 11:00 pm EST on August 1, 2025.

Results:

Winners will be announced in the Fall semester.

Graduate student winners will be invited to present their papers during the 2025–2026 CSSR/SCÉR Webinar Series (date to be confirmed). More information will be circulated to members closer to the date.