Ray Koppe ASA Young Writers Fellowship
Established by the Koppe family as a tribute to their mother, Ray Koppe, the Australian Society of Authors awards a two-week residential fellowship to an aspiring or emerging writer under the age of 35.
Applications will open in March 2025
Residency dates: The fellowship can be taken between January - August 2026.
Places: One writer is selected every year as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships program.
Who should apply: Aspiring or emerging writers under the age of 35.
FAQ: Please read the FAQ before you apply.
This two-week residency has been established by the Koppe family as a tribute to their mother, Ray Koppe. Ray, who for many years managed the business affairs of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA), was always passionately interested in, and supportive of, young writers.
The Ray Koppe ASA Young Writers Fellowship is part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
The recipient will receive:
A two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
A one-hour consultation with a Varuna mentor, Carol Major, Mary Anne Butler or Tegan Bennett-Daylight
One year’s membership to the Australian Society of Authors (ASA)
A travel subsidy of $350 for writers living more than 300 km away from Varuna.
The recipient will be asked to acknowledge The Ray Koppe Young Writers’ Residency in any published work associated with time spent at Varuna.
Past winners include Aaliyah Sugitha (2023), Sarah Stivens (2021), Tim McGuire (2020), Hayley Scrivenor (2019), Holden Sheppard (2017), Nick Couldwell (2016), Chloe Higgins (2015), Danielle Binks (2014), Hannah Bent (2013), Dimitra Harvey (2012) and Renae Gibson (2011).
For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.
TESTIMONIALS
“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!”
“In October of 2019, I found out I’d won the 2019 ASA / Varuna Ray Koppe Young Writers’ Residency. This was a much-needed boost to my writing, not only because of the external validation, but because of my experience at Varuna itself – I will cherish the time spent and the community found there for the rest of my life. I strongly encourage others to apply for this fantastic opportunity.”
HOW TO APPLY
The Ray Koppe ASA Fellowship is awarded to an emerging writer under 35 years of age who applies for a Varuna Residential Fellowship. There is no separate application process.
Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
