The Ninth Annual Korean Speech Contest 2026

Monash University Korean Studies presents

The Ninth Annual Korean Speech Contest 2026

(제 9회 한국어 말하기 대회)

DATE: October 8th, 2025, 5:30-9pm (Melbourne/Sydney Time/AEST) ♣

Place: Room H116, Level 1 (Exhibition Space) Building H, Monash University Caulfield Campus, VIC 3145 & via ZOOM ♣

Prizes:

1st prize: AUD$1000.00 ♣

3 x Runners up prizes of AUD$350.00 each♣  

Entry Process:

To be eligible to compete in the final on October 8th, 2025 you will need to pass the qualification round. Send in a video of yourself giving a 3-minute talk in Korean on:

Topic: “Navigating Cultural Differences”

Upload the video according to the instructions below. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the video functions so the judges of the preliminary round can view the video.

Submit your qualification round video as follows:

  1. All applicants should upload their videos to the following Google DRIVE location: 

    9th Annual Korean Speech Contest Entries

    All video entries should be titled: “Surname initial date month year” for example:

    JacksonA4Jul2025

    Or

    NguyenS27Sep2025

  2. In your video, state your name clearly at the start
  3. Videos longer than 3 minutes will not be considered. No special presentation requirements (for example: PowerPoints etc) are necessary. Videos do not need to be professionally edited. Videos only need to show the entrant speaking. Audio only will not be accepted, the speaker needs to be visible. Please be aware that your video will only be viewed by the qualification round judges consisting of Monash University Korean Studies teaching staff members.
  4. After uploading the video, you should submit your application form as below.
  5. Deadline for Qualification Round Videos and application forms:  

    18th September 2026, 11:55 pm AEST

------------------------------------.

How to submit your application form:

Send a completed application form to Sandy Nguyen:

Sandy.nguyen1@monash.edu

All entries will receive a reply within 2 days of receipt. If you do not receive a reply, you should send a follow up email, however, you are advised to submit your entries prior to the deadline, because late entries will not be considered. 

--------.

※ In your application form (see below) you will be asked to include:

1) Your full name, your year of study (1st, 2nd etc), your major area of study, and the name of your educational establishment in the Melbourne Metropolitan area or in Vietnam as appropriate.

2.) A few words about your interests especially Korea-related interests (10-15 words in English or in Korean – this applies to all entrants both from Melbourne and Vietnam)

3.) A list of all Korean studies you have undertaken with precise dates. You should include courses at educational institutions and structured self-study, private one-to-one tuition and language exchanges.

4.) Your contact details (address, phone number and email address)

5.) A scanned copy of student ID from an educational institution in Metropolitan Melbourne or in Vietnam as applicable.

6.) A signed consent form for still and moving images

7.) A signed consent form for entrants under 18 years old (see below)

For any further questions, please contact Sandy Nguyen:

Sandy.nguyen1@monash.edu

Entry Requirements:

  1. Open to students who meet one of following two classes of candidates: 
    1. all second language non-heritage learners of Korean who are 16 years of age or over, and currently registered part-time or full-time in education at institutions in metropolitan Melbourne and in possession of a valid ID as proof of their current enrolment; 

      or 

    2. students selected during an internal selection round by Korean studies staff of the following partner universities in Vietnam; Van Lang University, University of Social Sciences & Humanities Vietnam National University (USSH - VNUHCM), Van Hien University, and University of Economics & Finance Universities.

All entrants who are under the age of 18 must provide the written and signed consent of a parent or guardian to ensure that they have permission to compete in this competition. The consent form should be scanned and sent by email to Sandy Nguyen: Sandy.nguyen1@monash.edu along with your application information before the qualification round deadline of 18th September 2026, 11:55 pm AEST

  1. The entrant who appears in the video must be the same person who has filled in the application form and who has included a scanned copy of their ID from their relevant institution (applies to both Melbourne and Vietnamese institutions). The entrant must be available to appear (if necessary) in the final event.
  2. The talk should be a monologue in Korean by one person on the topic listed above.

Selection of Finalists and winners:

All competitors will be split into three groups for the qualification round and final competition by the Speech Contest organisers based on the information in the completed application forms:

Group 1 - less than one year since you began learning Korean in an educational setting or through structured self-study

Group 2 – less than two years since you began learning Korean in an educational setting or through structured self-study

Group 3 – more than two years since you began learning Korean in an educational setting or through structured self-study

Judges will select a maximum of eighteen participants for the final on October 8th, 2026 (around six in each category). The selection for the finalists from both Melbourne and Vietnam will be judged by Monash University Korean studies staff members, and this will take place on September 18th at Monash University, Clayton and the announcement of the successful qualifying candidates will be made by Wednesday, September 30 at 5pm AEST. To ensure a balance of onshore and offshore participants, Van Lang University, University of Social Sciences & Humanities Vietnam National University (USSH - VNUHCM), Van Hien University, and University of Economics & Finance will be limited to two participants each, in any category (Groups 1, 2, and 3).

The judges for the speech contest will be announced on 1 October, 2026.

At the final, qualifying candidates will be asked to give a short speech in Korean to a live audience on the topic: ”Navigating Cultural Differences.”

In the final on October 8th 2026, one overall winner will be selected. Three other candidates, one from each level, will be awarded runners-up prizes.

Awards will be made based on:

  • Korean language ability (in relation to experience learning Korean)
  • Originality of content and creativity

Announcement of winners:

The overall winner and runners up will be announced at the conclusion of the final competition on October 8th, 2026.

The name, photograph and videos of the winners may be published on the Monash University Korean Studies website and in other University publications in accordance with clause 12 of the Competition Terms.

The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Chance plays no part in determining the winners. All entries will be judged individually on their merits based on Korean language ability (in relation to experience learning Korean) and originality of content and creativity.

-----------------------------.

Please read all the attached competition terms CAREFULLY.

-----------------------------.

Competition Terms:

  1. The promoter of the competition is Monash University (ABN 12 377 614 012) (Monash).
  2. Information on how to enter this competition and prize details published by Monash form part of these terms and conditions of entry (Terms).
  3. All entrants agree to the Terms upon submitting their entry.
  4. Monash reserves the right at any time, to verify the validity of entries and entrants (including an entrant's identity, age, and place of residence) and to disqualify any entrant who tampers with the entry process.
  5. Entries must be received before the Deadline. Entries will be deemed to be accepted at the time of receipt and not at the time of transmission. Incomplete, inaudible or incomprehensible entries will be deemed invalid. No responsibility will be taken by Monash for lost, late or misdirected entries.
  6. This competition is a ‘game of skill’ and chance plays no part in determining the winners. All entries will be judged individually on their merits based on the rules and conditions of the competition.
  7. Monash reserves the right to: a) cancel, terminate, delay, modify or suspend the competition at any time; b) withdraw the invitation to participate from any person, including where that person incorrectly receives an invitational email; and c) amend or vary these Terms during the competition.
  8. The winner(s) will be chosen as outlined in the above details.
  9. Prizes must be taken as offered and are not redeemable for cash or an alternative prize. Prizes are not transferable.
  10. Monash reserves the right to disqualify any entry or entrants at its discretion at any time. Monash’s decision on all aspects relating to this competition is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  11. Monash may request further information from the prize winner to confirm the prize winner’s entry is eligible and complies with these Terms. This may include, for example, requesting proof of identity.
  12. By entering, entrants:
    1. confirm that any content they submit is original and does not infringe the intellectual property rights or any other rights of third parties;
    2. grant Monash a perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive licence (with the right to sub-licence) to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, communicate with the public and otherwise exploit the submission content in any media for any purpose (including to advertise or promote any of Monash’s products or services);
    3. consent to any act or omission by Monash that would otherwise infringe any moral rights that may subsist in the entry; and
    4. agree to the use of the entry (in whole, edited or altered form) and the entrant’s name for the purpose of promoting any aspect of this competition, Monash and any of Monash’s products or services in any media worldwide; and
    5. agree to sign any further documentation required by Monash to give effect to this clause.
  13. The image or video and text submitted must not contain or include:
  1. any material which might infringe the intellectual property rights or any other rights of third parties;
  2. any explicit material such as harsh/coarse/abusive language, alcohol, drugs, sex, nudity or violence;
  3. the name, image, likeness or voice of any other person (apart from the entrant).
  1. It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure they are readily contactable through the information provided at the time of entry.
  2. If a winner does not respond to claim the prize within 5 days of Monash attempting to contact the winner, the winner forfeits the prize. If this occurs, Monash may conduct a re-draw and offer the prize to other entrants until a valid winner has been contacted. The newly drawn winner will be contacted using the contact details provided at the time of entry.
  3. Unless otherwise agreed, for a winner from an educational institution in Metropolitan Melbourne, Monash will send the prize by post to an Australian address nominated by the winner. Any winner(s) from partner universities in Vietnam will receive any prize money by bank transfer.  Monash accepts no responsibility for prizes lost or damaged in transit.
  4. Unless expressly stated, all other expenses become the responsibility of the winners. Winners are advised that tax implications may arise from their prize winning and may wish to seek independent financial advice prior to the acceptance of the prize.
  5. Monash accepts no responsibility and shall not be held legally liable or responsible for any accident, loss, injury or damage to any individual or property whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, tort, negligence or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the competition or the prize, either during or after the competition.
  6. Without limiting clause 18, Monash makes no representations or warranties as to the quality, suitability or merchantability of any goods or services offered as prizes. To the extent permitted by law, Monash is not liable for any loss suffered to person or property by reason of any act or omission, deliberate or negligent, by Monash or its employees or agents, in connection with the arrangement for the supply of goods and services by any person to the prize winner, and where applicable, to any persons accompanying the prize winner. This clause does not affect any rights a consumer may have which are unable to be excluded under Australian law. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any liability of Monash or its employees or agents for breach of any such rights is limited to the payment of the costs of having the prize supplied again.
  7. Entrants' personal information may be collected by Monash, and may be disclosed to Monash’s contractors and agents (including without limitation marketing and promotional agencies, information technology providers and database service providers) to conduct, administer and publicise this competition and for future marketing and promotional purposes. If an entrant does not provide the personal information requested by Monash, or it is inaccurate or incomplete, Monash may determine that the entrant is ineligible to win a prize. Entrants can request access to their personal information by contacting Monash on 03 9902 9589 or dataprotectionofficer@monash.edu. Monash's privacy policy is available at www.privacy.monash.edu.au/.
  8. This contest is organized by Monash University Korean Studies and supported by the Core University Program for Korean Studies through the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and Korean Studies Promotion Service of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS-2017-OLU-2250002).

-----------------------------.

Please make sure you have read all the competition terms CAREFULLY. Access the Application and Consent Forms here.