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.
Penguin Random House Varuna Fellowship
Applications open 17 March 2026
The Penguin Random House Varuna Fellowship is offering editorial support for an unpublished writer of a manuscript, as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
Arts NT Residential Fellowships
Applications open 17 March 2026
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
Ultimo Varuna Residential Fellowship
Applications open 17 March 2026
The Ultimo Varuna Residential Fellowships are offered to two unpublished writers of a Literary Fiction manuscript, as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
Scribe Publications Varuna Fellowship
Applications open 17 March 2026
In partnership with independent press Scribe Publications, four fellowships will be awarded, with writers invited to participate in an intensive residency with Scribe editors, as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
UQP Varuna Fellowship
Applications open 17 March 2026
The UQP Varuna Fellowship is offering editorial support for an unpublished writer of a manuscript, as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability
Applications closed for 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.
Whitlam Essay Residency
Applications closed for 2026
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.
Ann Moyal Non-Fiction Fellowship
Applications now closed
The Ann Moyal Non-Fiction Fellowship encourages excellence in non-fiction writing and supports writers developing an original work drawn from the broad fields of the humanities and social sciences. Three writers will be selected for a three-week residency, 28 Sept - 19 Oct 2026.
The Writer's Space Fellowships for Writers with Disability
Applications are now closed
Six two-week residential fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf.
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.
Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Applications now closed
Varuna is delighted to offer this four-week international residency to Varuna alumni, held in collaboration with the Michael King Writers Centre in New Zealand.
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.
Irish Lamplight Online Fellowship
Applications open 1 April 2026
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.
Varuna Trans and Gender Diverse Fellowship
Applications closed for 2026
Emerging Trans and Gender Diverse writers are invited to apply for a week-long residency at Varuna, 3 - 10 August 2026, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and and group reading sessions, supported by community.
Writing NSW Fellowships
Applications now closed
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.
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.
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.
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.