Applications now closed

Commit to your writing and make 2025 the year you finish your memoir. In this in-depth online masterclass, award-winning author Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers over 9-months, with structured exercises, readings and feedback designed to help you finish a draft of your memoir. 

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, 29 Sept - 20 Oct 2025.

Applications now closed

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 2025.

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.

Applications now closed

In this five-week masterclass you’ll have the opportunity to read a lot, write a lot, receive written and verbal feedback, explore a trove of original prompts and diverse forms, explore and enhance aspects of your creative practice and have a one-to-one consultation about your work.

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.

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.

Applications 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.

Applications now closed

This program is presented in partnership with the Whitlam Institute with support from Western Sydney Creative, Western Sydney University’s arts and culture decadal strategy.

Applications now closed

A one-week residency, including travel subsidy and manuscript consultation, is open to Writers SA members who are emerging writers and poets who live in South Australia.

Applications now closed

A prestigious two-month international residency in Shanghai, China that will run from September to October 2025. Alumni from Western Sydney University and Alumni from Varuna, the National Writers’ House, are invited to apply in 2025 for the 2027 program.

Applications now closed

Expand and nurture your practice as a poet in this 4-month program. We’ll create an encouraging and inspiring community, and support the development of original work, from single poems to sequences, and explore how to build a collection for publication.

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.

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.

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.

Applications now closed

This small online masterclass for First Nations writers of all genres uses reading as a tool to sharpen artistic vision and ambition.

Applications now closed

Trans and Gender Diverse writers are invited to apply for a week-long residency at Varuna, 4 - 11 August 2025, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and and group reading sessions, supported by community.