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.
The Writer's Space Fellowships for Writers with Disability
Applications now closed
Six two-week residential fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf.
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.
Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Applications are now closed
First Nations writers are invited to apply for one of twelve week-long fellowships at Varuna in 2025, sharing the residency with other First Nations writers, and benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay
Applications now closed
This six-session intensive masterclass – held across three months for writers at all stages of their careers – offers the opportunity to get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.
Roderick Centre Online Fellowship for Regional and Remote Writers
Applications now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing (RCALC) and is open to emerging or established writers, living in regional and remote parts of Australia.
The Writer’s Space Writing Group - Lithgow
Registrations now closed
The Writer’s Space Writing Group is being held in Lithgow at the Lithgow Transformation Hub for the first time in 2025, offering a free, six-week writing program to writers with disability. Writers at all levels of experience and working in any genre are welcome. Spaces limited to 12.
Cove Park International Fellowship
Applications are 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.
International Lamplight Online Fellowship - Ireland
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 with Pip Williams and Penguin Random House publisher Meredith Curnow.
Finish Your Memoir in 2025: an extended program with Kris Kneen
Applications are 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.
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, 29 Sept - 20 Oct 2025.
Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2025
Applications are 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.
First Peoples India-Australia Exchange
Applications are 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.
Recharge Your Poetry Practice with Felicity Plunkett
Applications are 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.
Affirm Press Fellowship
Applications are 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 are 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.
Arts NT Online Fellowships
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
Arts NT Residential Fellowships
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
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.
Whitlam Essay Residency
Applications are 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.
Writers SA Fellowships
Applications are 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.