32nd MPU International Poetry Competition 2026/27 - NOW OPEN
COMPETITION NOW OPEN
OPENING DATE: 28th of OCTOBER 2026
CLOSING DATE: 31st of JANUARY 2027
FIRST PRIZE: $1500 AUD
SECOND PRIZE : $500AUD
THIRD PRIZE : $300 AUD
FOURTH PRIZE: WENDY FLEMING URBAN REALIST AWARD $150 AUD
3 HIIGHLY COMMENDED PRIZES: $100 EACH
6 COMMENDED: BOOK PRIZE
JUDGE : JOE DOLCE
Submit unpublished single poems of up to 50 lines in English,
inclusive of the title of the poem and any sub-headings used.
$15 first entry and $10 for each subsequent entry.
Conditions of Entry
All entries must be single poems, written in English, with a maximum of 50 lines inclusive of title of the poem and any sub-headings used.
Poems must be the original work of an individual author, unpublished, and should not be submitted or accepted for publication anywhere else, nor in any other competition.
Poems should be typed in a standard font (such as Times Roman, Arial or Calibri) in 12pt, and double spaced.
Each poem should be submitted in a separate file. Accepted formats are doc, docx, pdf or txt only.
The author's name or any identification must not appear on the same page(s) as the poem nor in the filename.
Entry fee is $15 for first entry and $10 for each subsequent entry.
Overseas Submissions: The standard overseas payment in US Dollars is a flat fee: US$20 for up to three poems.
MPU reserves the right to publish the winning poem in their newsletter, webpage or social media.
Judges decisions are final.
Payment of the entry fee can be done via the following options.
Electronic Funds Transfer to:
BSB: 063 010
Account Number: 1005 4087
Name: Melbourne Poets Union
(Payment Reference must state “IPC” and Author’s name).
OR Use PayPal “Send Money” facility to PayPal account:
@melbournepoetsunionc
(Payment Note must state “IPC” and Author’s name).
If paying by Electronic Funds Transfer - be sure to populate “Reference” field with “IPC” and Author’s Name
If paying by PayPal - be sure to populate “Note” field with “IPC” and Author’s Name