The biennial W.K. Hancock Prize recognises and encourages an Australian scholar who has recently published a first scholarly book in any field of history.
The W.K. Hancock Prize was instituted in 1987 by the Australian Historical Association, to honour the contribution to the study and writing of history in Australia by Sir Keith Hancock. Since his death in 1988, it has served to commemorate his life and achievements.
The 2026 W.K. Hancock Prize will be awarded for a work published in 2024 or 2025.
Important Dates
Applications open: 21 August 2025
Intention to submit due: 30 September 2025
Applications close: 31 January 2026
The successful applicant will be announced at the 2026 AHA conference.
Terms and Conditions
The Prize of $2,000 and citation will be awarded biennially at the AHA Conference. If two winners are chosen, the cash prize will be shared between them.
A ‘first book’ means the first book to appear under the sole name of the nominee published anywhere in the world and does not include previous edited or joint works.
The work must have been primarily produced in Australia and published during the two years preceding the year of the Award.
Eligibility
Australian citizens, permanent residents, or applicants with a current and valid visa are eligible. Applicants must normally reside in Australia.
Applicants must be current financial members of the AHA at the time of application.
Current members of the AHA Executive Committee are ineligible to apply for this prize.
Applications
An intention to submit email should be sent to the AHA Executive Officer by 30 September 2025.
Nominations may be made either by the author or, with the nominee’s permission, by the book’s publishers or by any member of the Australian Historical Association.
Applicants are required to complete the application form.
Applicants should sent three copies of the nominated work to PO Box 1550 Macquarie Centre NSW 2113.
The AHA strives to conduct its activities sustainably. Please note that, subject to the preference of the judging panel, this prize may require digital submissions, hard copy submissions, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce its environmental impact.
Completed applications should be sent to the AHA Executive Officer by the application deadline.
Judging
A panel of three judges will be appointed by the AHA Executive Committee.
No feedback will be given on applications. Judges’ decisions are final.