For Writers
Varuna offer writers time and space to write in the ‘big yellow house’ in the Blue Mountains, with six writers-in-residence staying each week, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship, and the support of their peers. Writers can apply to stay at Varuna via one of our residency programs.
We also offer an extensive program of online masterclasses and intensives, designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build connections. Unlike many other writing courses, Varuna masterclasses are by application, so that each of our online course groups is carefully curated with our expert facilitators.
Finally, we offer in-person workshops in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, throughout the year as well as during the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
Varuna Australia-Korea Literary Exchange
Applications close 5pm AEDT 15 December 2026
Varuna alumni with a record of publication are invited to apply for a four-week residency at Seoul Art Space Yeonhui, 1 - 28 September 2027, presented in partnership with Arts Council Korea (ARKO) and Seoul Foundation for the Arts.
Shanghai Western Sydney Writing Exchange
Applications close 5pm AEDT 15 December 2026
A prestigious two-month residency in Shanghai, China, 1 September - 30 October 2027, open to Varuna alumni and Western Sydney University staff students and alumni.
Ann Moyal Non-Fiction Fellowship
Applications close 5pm AEDT 15 December 2026
Non-fiction writers developing an original work drawn from the broad fields of the humanities and social sciences are invited to apply for a three-week residency at Varuna, 27 September - 18 October 2027.
Varuna Residential Fellowships
Applications open 2 March 2027
Varuna’s most prestigious award, running since 1991. Up to 50 fellowships will be awarded to emerging and established writers across Australia, offering between two and three weeks in residence, with mentorship.
Varuna Trans and Gender Diverse Fellowship
Applications open 2 February 2027
Emerging Trans and Gender Diverse writers are invited to apply for a week-long residency at Varuna, 2 - 9 August 2027, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and and group reading sessions, supported by community.
Writing NSW Fellowship
Applications open 2 February 2027
Writing NSW awards a single one-week Varuna residency to members of Writing NSW for manuscripts, plays or poem collections ready for the next stage of development.
The Writer's Space Fellowships for Writers with Disability
Applications now closed.
Eight two-week residential fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf.
First Peoples India-Australia Exchange
Applications now closed
First Nations writers are invited to apply for the opportunity to connect with Adivasi writers from India, first in residence at Varuna, then at a four-week residency at Sangam House in Bangalore.
Irish Lamplight Online Fellowship
Applications now closed
Held in collaboration with the Irish Writers Centre, this online fellowship connects writers from Ireland and Australia, with mentorship, networking and peer feedback, plus Q&As.
Writers SA Fellowships
Applications now closed
Two-week fellowships, including writing consultation, are open to Writers SA members who are emerging writers living in South Australia.
Pitch Me! Agent and Publisher Introduction Program
Applications now closed
Open only to writers from Varuna’s recent Fellowship and Masterclass programs, the intention of Pitch Me! is to create opportunities for writers who are seeking a publishing contract or agency agreement.
Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Applications now closed
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers are invited to apply for a week-long writers residency at Varuna in 2026, connecting with other First Nations writers, and benefiting from mentorship, and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
Queensland Writers Centre Fellowships
Applications are now closed
The Queensland Writers Centre offers two Varuna fellowships, both of which include a two-week residency at Varuna, travel subsidy and manuscript consultation, and are open to members of the Queensland Writers Centre.
Varuna Climate Fellowship
Applications now closed
Writers focused on climate change and the environment are invited to apply for a week-long residency, with the opportunity to network and connect with others working across literature, academia, journalism, grassroots organising and activism.
Affirm Press Fellowship
Applications now closed
The Affirm Press Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for writers to develop new work through a Varuna residency and editorial feedback.
WestWords Varuna Emerging Writers Residency
Applications now closed
The WestWords Varuna Fellowship offers four emerging writers from diverse backgrounds from Western Sydney the opportunity of a week-long residency, supported throughout the week by mentors.
Whitlam Essay Residency
Applications closed
Six fellowships are available for two-week-long residencies at the Whitlam Prime Ministerial home, at 32 Albert Street Cabramatta, with a focus on essay writing. Applicants can be Western Sydney University students, staff or alumni, and/or Varuna alumni.
Cove Park International Fellowship
Applications now closed
Varuna alumni are eligible to apply for a four-week residency at Cove Park, Scotland, with the opportunity to present at Wigtown Book Festival.
Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Applications now closed
Varuna is delighted to offer this three-week international exchange to Varuna alumni, held in collaboration with the Michael King Writers Centre and WORD Christchurch in New Zealand.
The Next Chapter Residencies
Applications now closed
Residencies are awarded to recipients of The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, where four outstanding writers are provided with a year’s mentorship and $15,000 to develop their work.