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.
Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Applications are 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 and the Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington.
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.
Roderick Centre Residential Fellowship for Regional and Remote Writers
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing (RCALC). Open to emerging or established writers, living in regional and remote parts of Australia.
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.
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 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.
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.
Shanghai Western Sydney Writing Exchange
Applications are 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.
Writing NSW Fellowships
Applications are 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.
Scribe Varuna Fellowship
Applications are 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.
The Henry Handel Richardson Fellowship for Short Story Writing
Applications open March 2026
Offered in partnership with the Henry Handel Richardson Society, this short story writing fellowship promotes the life and legacy of Henry Handel Richardson, and is offered to an outstanding short story submission as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
The Next Chapter Residencies
Applications are 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.