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.
Queensland Writers Centre Fellowships
Applications open 16 Feb 2026
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.
Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Applications close 10 March 2026
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.
The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability
Applications close 10 Feb 2026
Six online fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf, providing mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity for peer feedback.
Varuna Residential Fellowships
Applications open March 2026
Varuna’s most prestigious award, running since 1991. Up to 38 fellowships will be awarded to emerging and established writers across Australia, offering between two and four weeks in residence, with mentorship.
Ray Koppe ASA Young Writers Fellowship
Applications open March 2026
Offered in partnership with the Australian Society of Authors, and generously supported by the Ray Koppe bequest, this is one of the Varuna flagship fellowships and is offered to a writer under the age of 35 who is as yet unpublished.
The Jerra Studio Fellowship for Writers with Disability
Applications open March 2026
This two-week fellowship will be awarded for a Varuna Residential Fellowships application of outstanding quality, by a writer with disability.
Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2026
Applications now closed for 2026
In partnership with Red Room Poetry, this fellowship for six poets includes a residency at Varuna, one-on-one mentorship, and a poetic commission as part of the national Poetry Month in August 2026.
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.
Affirm Press Fellowship
Applications now closed
The Affirm Press Mentorship Award provides a unique opportunity for writers to develop new work through a Varuna residency and editorial feedback.
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.
Scribe Varuna Fellowship
Applications now closed
In partnership with independent press Scribe Publications, four fellowships will be awarded, with writers invited to participate in an intensive residency with Scribe editors.
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.