The Prix RFI-AUF des Jeunes Écritures is an annual writing contest of short story that is conducted worldwide together by RFI and AUF. The prize was established in 2018 and is meant to promote literary creativity among youths from all over the world who are French-speaking. It provides them with an avenue where they can show off their skills and address contemporary themes at their best.
Now in its 7th edition, writing contest is once again asking young writers to “Écrire, S’engager, Rayonner”—to write, engage, and radiate. This year’s writing contest theme and structure are carefully conceived to entice youth from everywhere to use writing as an instrument of individual and collective expression.
Travel to Abroad is a platform committed to aiding students across Asia to explore worldwide prospects on scholarships, fellowships, internships, competitions, and academic exchange plans. Travel to Abroad aim is to illuminate youngsters with current, accurate, and practical information such that they convert their dreams of studying and developing outside into realities. In this post, let’s introduce an incredible writing contest—the Prix RFI-AUF des Jeunes Écritures 2025—one of its kind chance for aspiring French-speaking writers.
Summary of RFI-AUF Prize
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 18–29 years old, French-speaking |
| Theme | Écrire, S’engager, Rayonner (Write, Engage, Shine) |
| Open for | All Nationalities |
| Format | Original short story in French |
| Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
| Apply At | AUF Official Website |
| Prize | Literary residency, promotion, publication |
Who Can Apply?
This short story writing contest is open to any young Francophone aged between 18 and 29 years old from any country worldwide. Candidates must submit an original short story written in French and fitting into this year’s theme (details are given below).
Whichever you are—a student, an aspiring writer, or an eager writer, and you fall into that age group and are comfortable communicating verbally and expressing yourself in writing in French, then you have here a golden opportunity to make some impact.
The 2025 RFI-AUF Theme and Writing Prompt
The 2025
For the 2025 edition, the short story writing contest would like you to concentrate on the following theme:
“Écrire, S’engager, Rayonner” (Write, Engage, Shine)
Students must write an original short story (fiction) that creatively addresses this theme. The piece must provide an exemplar of the author’s engagement with an environmental, political, social, or personal cause and how writing can be used as a tool of reflection, resistance, or change.
The presentation must be:
- Original and unpublished
- Only in French
A short story (no poetry, no essay, no script)
The judges will be looking for articles which stand out for their style and language but also for their influence, originality and relevance.
Why You Should Apply
Winning or even shortlisting for the Prix RFI-AUF des Jeunes Écritures is an honourable distinction. Its benefits are:
1. Professional Exposure
Your articles can be posted on the RFI and AUF websites, which are read by millions on every continent of the Francophone world.
2. Mentorship & Guidance
The competition also normally provides its finalists with help from experienced writers and editors to hone their skills.
3. Opportunity for Publication
Their work appeared in printed anthologies for other years’ finalists and hence opened for them a gateway to print.
4. Visibility and Networking
The award ceremonies and side activities are best opportunities for networking with publishers, authors, journalists, and other leaders of culture.
Process of Selection and Jury
The entries will undergo a two-phase selection:
Stage 1: Preselection via RFI and AUF Teams
The organizing committees of RFI and AUF will shortlist all qualified entries and compile a longlist of outstanding submissions.
Stage 2: Final Decision of Literary Jury
The longlisted entries will be judged by a panel of journalists, professional writers, and literary specialists. They will select:
- The Winner
- Finalists gaining special mention or publication
Juries decide on stories based on:
- Literary quality
- Originality and creativity
- Relevance to the theme
*i. Intellectual and emotional influence
Prizes and Recognition
The grand prize winner of Prix RFI-AUF des Jeunes Écritures 2025 will be awarded:
A writers’ residence* in Paris or another cosmopolitan Francophone city
- Career development on RFI and AUF media networks
- Publication on an official site or special anthology
- Potential book deal or other advancement via partner institutions
Finalists can also be:
- Invited to fests and literary readings
Appearing on podcasts or TV shows - Offered workshops or mentorships to improve their career in writing
How to Apply for RFI-AUF Prize
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the Official Application Page:
- Write Your Short Story:
Adhere to theme and template
*a. Écrire en français
*A file should be ready either in PDF or Word version
- Complete an Application Form:
- Provide your personal details
- Upload your story
- Hand in before the deadline
📌 Application deadline: June 30, 2025
How to Write an Effective Story
These are some tips from past winners and judges on how you can increase your chances of winning:
- Be brave with your voice – Don’t be afraid to tackle challenging topics or challenge assumptions.
- Create realistic characters – People, not ideas, are identifiable to readers.
- Start strong – Your introductory sentences should capture attention immediately.
- Extensive proofreading – Useful information can be lost through poor grammar or spelling.
- Do not use clichés – Approach familiar concepts from new angles.
Stay on track* – The competition calls for scripts that adopt this year’s theme: Write, Engage, Shine.
Impact of the Prize Over the Years
Since its creation, Prix RFI-AUF des Jeunes Écritures has become one of the most respected youth writing competitions from the Francophone world. Past prize-winners have on to:
- Release novels and short stories
- Work as journalists or literary critics * Participate in international literary residencies
- Be awarded fellowships or scholarships based on their capacity
The competition doesn’t just distribute a single prize—it aids launching careers.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Words Travel
In an age where voices of youth are becoming louder and louder still, this prize is not just a competition—it’s a movement of expression. With stories, we transcend cultures, challenge unfairness, and motivate others. If you’re serious about writing, competent in French, and ready to unleash your creativity, then this is your time.
Education and self-expression come first at Travel to Abroad. Whether it be via an internship, a scholarship, or an essay competition like ours, every opportunity counts. So join on and don’t hesitate—start writing, get absorbed, and let your story be heard from the world platform.
FAQs – Prix RFI-AUF des Jeunes Écritures
❓ Who can apply?
Anyone aged 18 to 29 who can write fluently in French.
❓ Is there any registration fee?
No, the competition is completely free to enter.
❓ Do I need to be a published writer?
No, the competition is aimed at emerging and unpublished writers.
❓ Can I submit poetry?
No. Only short fiction stories are accepted.
❓ Can I write in English?
No. The story must be written in French.
❓ Will my story be published?
If selected, yes! Winning and shortlisted stories are often published or featured by RFI and AUF.
❓ What is the prize?
The main prize is a residency, plus media coverage, mentorship, and publication.
❓ How do I know if I’m selected?
Winners and finalists will be contacted by email and announced publicly on the RFI and AUF websites.