Shanghai Western Sydney Writing Exchange
A prestigious two-month international residency in Shanghai, China that runs from September to October each year and open to students, staff and alumni from Western Sydney University as well as Varuna alumni.
Applications are now closed
Residency dates: 1 September - 31 October 2025
Places: One writer will be selected to go on exchange to Shanghai.
Who should apply: Published Australian writers of any genre with a connection to Western Sydney University (as students, staff or alumni) and/or Varuna alumni.
Fees: There are no application fees or residency fees for this program. International economy flights, accommodation in central Shanghai and daily per diems are included in the residency, as well as a stipend of $600 per week.
FAQ: Please read the FAQ before you apply.
This exchange will take place over two years, with recipients travelling in alternating years: The selected Shanghai Writers’ Association recipient will travel to Australia in 2024, and the selected Australian recipient will travel to Shanghai in 2025.
The Shanghai Writing Program is an annual event which has hosted writers from over 30 countries since it began in 2008. The residency includes a series of literary events and Friday night readings, as well as cultural tours and excursions to neighbouring areas. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your writing for a sustained period and build friendships with the other writers in residence.
This fellowship includes:
International economy flights
accommodation in central Shanghai
daily per diems during the residency
a stipend of $600 per week.
For FAQ about this program, please click here.
While this is predominantly a self-directed writers’ residency, some duties of an ‘ambassadorial’ nature are required, attending functions and other events during your stay.
HOW TO APPLY
This program is only open to published Australian writers of any genre with a connection to Western Sydney University (as students, staff or alumni) and/or Varuna alumni.
Applications will open in late 2025 for Australian writers applying to visit Shanghai 2027.
This Project is a partnership between Western Sydney University, Varuna the National Writers’ House and Shanghai Writers’ Association. Varuna is grateful to Creative Australia for their support of this project.
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
