Varuna Residential Fellowships
Varuna Residential Fellowships give writers time and space to write at Varuna, a stunning writers retreat in the Blue Mountains that was once home to well-known Australian writers Eleanor and Eric Dark.
Applications open: 17 March 2026
Applications close: 15 May 2026
Residency dates: Between January - August 2027, arranged directly with Varuna based on availability
Places: Forty-five fellowships will be awarded
Who should apply: All writers are invited to apply. We have Flagship fellowships specific to certain genres, identities, regional areas and career stage.
Fees: Application fees are $70 per application, unless you are a financially current alumni member using your annual fee waiver. If you have a Healthcare card, the application fee is $40. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can have your application fee waived via the Varuna Equity Fund.
Application fees are used to pay a team of professional assessors to read your work.
FAQs: Please read the FAQs before you apply.
ABOUT THIS FELLOWSHIP
Varuna Residential Fellowships offer 2-3 weeks of uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, as well as a one-hour mentor conversation with a Varuna consultant. All food is provided, with an evening meal prepared by our cook, Dionne, to be enjoyed with the companionship of your fellow writers - at any time, there are six writers-in-residence at Varuna.
Residencies can be taken at any time between July 2026 – September 2027.
For more information about staying at Varuna:
TRAVEL COSTS
Most writers pay their own travel to and from Varuna
Flagship fellowships, include a travel stipend
If you live more than 400 km away and have a healthcare card or are facing financial hardship, you can get up to $350 for travel via the Varuna Equity Fund
HOW ARE VARUNA RESIDENTIAL FELLOWSHIPS AWARDED?
In 2026, Varuna will offer 44 Varuna Residential Fellowships, to be undertaken in 2027. Of those, 25 writers of outstanding talent will be awarded a Flagship Fellowship, which may include a longer residency, editorial support or extra funding for travel and expenses.
When completing the application form, you will have the opportunity to put your work forward for certain Flagship Fellowships based on genre, identity, cultural background, life circumstances, career stage or where you live.
The Roderick Centre Fellowship for Regional and Remote Writers (three places)
Arts NT Fellowships for writers living the the Northern Territory (three places)
The Fowler Trust Fellowships for Genre Fiction (four places)
The Penguin Random House Varuna Fellowship for an unpublished author
The Ultimo Varuna Fellowships for unpublished authors (two places)
The Scribe Varuna Fellowship for an unpublished author
Varuna Residential Fellowships are assessed by a team of skilled peer assessors. For more information, read our Assessment Policy.
FAQs: Please read the FAQs before you apply.
A number of our flagship fellowships are supported by donations from members of the community or Varuna’s alumni. If you would like to donate towards a new fellowship opportunity, please get in touch.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Fellowships will be awarded based primarily on the artistic merit of your writing, which may refer to:
sound structure
compelling themes
a distinctive and engaging voice
vivid imagery
strongly written characters
social and cultural relevance
the work’s capacity to connect with readers
Our assessors also consider the potential of your manuscript, based on the experience of the writer and their work plan.
HOW TO APPLY
You will be asked to complete an application form and submit the firsty 7,000 – 10,000 words of the project you intend to work on while in residence. Please do not submit already published work, we are looking for works-in-progress.
Writers who have been awarded a Varuna Residential Fellowship in the last three years are not eligible to apply.
Your writing sample should be a work-in progress, and should be from the beginning of your manuscript. We ask for:
For most genres, between 7,000 – 10,000 words from the beginning of your manuscript
For poetry, a selection of up to 10 poems
For plays and screenplays, a sample of 10 pages, or more if it doesn’t exceed 10,000 words
For graphic novels, a sample of 10 pages
For children’s picture books, up to 10 pages, or you may send us a full manuscript.
Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work. If your writing style requires you to work outside these guidelines, your work will not be ineligible, they are intended as a guide.
TESTIMONIALS
“I’m working on the most difficult project of my career, and if I can successfully complete it, much of the credit will go to the extraordinary two weeks I spent at Varuna.”
“An extraordinary gift. The Varuna residential fellowship dignifies the work of writing, and offers the most precious things writers can ask for - time, peace, and respect for their labour.”
“Everything at Varuna seems meticulously planned to allow its residents to focus on their creative work. The accommodation, grounds, and location near walking trails were all perfect. Naturally, rhythms developed, with the day for writing (and perhaps a short walk), and the evening for exchanging ideas with fellow writers. All supported by Varuna’s staff and the wonderful meals!”
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
