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ASF Translation Awards

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Deadline

2026-09-15

Organization

American-Scandinavian Foundation

Field

Literary Translation, Nordic Literature

Funding

partial

Overview

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) annually offers five translation prizes for exceptional English translations of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose. The original works must be by a 20th- or 21st-century Nordic author. The prizes include the Nadia Christensen Prize, the Leif and Inger Sjöberg Prize, the Wigeland Prize, the Inger and Jens Bruun Translation Prize, and the Turið Sigurðardóttir Translation Prize.

Coverage

Each prize includes a monetary award: $5,000 for the Nadia Christensen Prize and $2,000 for the Leif and Inger Sjöberg Prize, Wigeland Prize, Inger and Jens Bruun Translation Prize, and Turið Sigurðardóttir Translation Prize. Additionally, winners receive publication of an excerpt from their winning translation in the Scandinavian Review and a commemorative bronze medallion.

Eligibility

Applicants must submit an outstanding English translation of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose originally written in a Nordic language. Translations must be from the work of a single author. The submitted translation must not have been previously published in English. Translators may submit only one entry and cannot submit the same entry in more than two competitions. A translator cannot win the Translation Prize more than three times. Please note a specific restriction: the Wigeland Prize is exclusively awarded for the best translation from Norwegian by a resident of Norway. For all other prizes, the translator's nationality or residency is not specified as a restriction.

Requirements

The online application requires the following materials: * Your Curriculum Vitae (CV). * A brief description of the author whose work is being translated and the significance of the original work. * One copy of the translation manuscript. For prose, it must be 25-50 double-spaced pages; for poetry, 15-25 pages. Pages must be numbered, and the translator's name must *not* appear on any page of the manuscript (submissions containing the translator’s name will be disqualified). * A letter or other document signed by the author, their agent, or their estate, granting permission for the translation to be entered in this competition and published in Scandinavian Review.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the American-Scandinavian Foundation's secure platform. The online application will require the submission of all specified materials.

Notes

The submission deadline is September 15th, by 11:59 pm EDT. Ensure your translation manuscript does not contain your name to avoid disqualification. If your submitted translation is also under consideration by a publisher, you must inform ASF of the expected publication date.

Source & Verification

Host organization: American-Scandinavian Foundation

Original source: JLV College Counseling

Official application page: https://amscan.secure-platform.com:443/a/page/Awards/translation

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.