ScholarLite
If you have a passion for storytelling, poetry, or creative nonfiction, pursuing a degree in creative writing can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, like any college degree, it comes with a price tag. But here’s some good news—there are numerous scholarships specifically designed to support aspiring writers like you! These creative writing scholarships are an excellent way to fund your education while honing your craft, and they come in all shapes and sizes, from national competitions to small, school-specific awards.
Whether you’re a high school senior, a college student, or a graduate student looking for financial aid, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creative writing scholarships. We’ll explore where to find them, how to apply, and tips for making your application stand out. Ready to take your writing skills to the next level? Let’s get started!
Why Apply for Creative Writing Scholarships?
Creative writing scholarships provide financial support to students pursuing degrees in writing, literature, or English. These scholarships not only help alleviate the financial burden of tuition and other educational expenses but also provide recognition for your talent and dedication to the craft. By applying for and winning these awards, you can focus on your studies and writing without worrying about how to pay for school.
In addition to financial support, creative writing scholarships often include networking opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to have your work published or recognized by prestigious literary organizations. This recognition can be a great addition to your portfolio, especially as you pursue a career in writing, publishing, or academia.
Top Creative Writing Scholarships
Here are some of the most prominent and reputable creative writing scholarships available to students at various stages of their educational journey. These scholarships range from national competitions to university-specific awards.
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are one of the most prestigious scholarships for young writers and artists. Open to high school students in the U.S. and Canada, the awards recognize outstanding creative works in a variety of genres, including poetry, short stories, personal essays, and more.
- Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7-12.
- Award Amount: Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000.
- Deadline: Varies by region, usually in December.
- Pro Tip: Submit your best work and seek feedback from teachers or mentors before entering the competition. The Scholastic Awards offer recognition at both the regional and national levels, so even if you don’t win nationally, you may receive local honors.
2. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
Although not exclusively for creative writing, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers a highly competitive scholarship for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. The scholarship is open to students pursuing any major, including creative writing, and can cover most college-related expenses.
- Eligibility: High school seniors with financial need and strong academic achievement.
- Award Amount: Up to $55,000 per year to cover tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Deadline: Typically in November.
- Pro Tip: The application requires a strong academic record, leadership, and community involvement, but showcasing your creative writing talents can help you stand out in the application process.
3. The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships
If you’re a poet, the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships offer an incredible opportunity to receive significant financial support. These prestigious fellowships are open to emerging poets between the ages of 21 and 31 and are awarded by the Poetry Foundation.
- Eligibility: Poets between 21 and 31 years of age.
- Award Amount: $25,800 per fellowship (five fellowships awarded annually).
- Deadline: Typically in April.
- Pro Tip: Submit a collection of your best poetry. Quality and originality are key, so focus on refining your voice and submitting a cohesive, polished portfolio.
4. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Portfolio Gold Awards
The Portfolio Gold Awards, part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, specifically honor graduating high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional creative writing skills. The award provides both recognition and substantial financial support for students planning to pursue a college education.
- Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. and Canada.
- Award Amount: $10,000 for portfolio winners.
- Deadline: Varies by region (typically in December).
- Pro Tip: Focus on creating a strong, well-rounded writing portfolio that showcases your range and skill across different genres or themes.
5. The Creative Writing Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a prestigious fellowship for students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This fellowship is highly competitive and provides financial support as well as mentorship from established writers and faculty members.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be accepted into the MFA program at UW-Madison.
- Award Amount: Full funding for two years, including a stipend and tuition waiver.
- Deadline: Varies (typically in the fall for MFA program applications).
- Pro Tip: Focus on developing a compelling writing sample for your MFA application, as this will be the primary factor in your acceptance and fellowship consideration.
6. The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
The Ayn Rand Institute offers several annual essay contests for students interested in writing about Rand’s novels. These contests are open to high school and college students and offer substantial scholarship awards. Writing an essay on themes from Rand’s novels allows students to showcase their critical thinking and writing skills.
- Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students (eligibility varies by contest).
- Award Amount: Scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000.
- Deadline: Various deadlines, typically in the spring and fall.
- Pro Tip: Read the novel carefully and develop a unique, well-argued perspective. Ayn Rand essay contests reward thoughtful, original interpretations of her work.
7. The YoungArts Foundation
The National YoungArts Foundation recognizes and supports talented young artists in various disciplines, including creative writing. This highly competitive program offers scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities for recognition and networking with established artists and writers.
- Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 or in grades 10-12.
- Award Amount: Awards range from $100 to $10,000, along with opportunities for mentorship and recognition.
- Deadline: Typically in October.
- Pro Tip: Submit your best original work across multiple genres if possible, and don’t hesitate to experiment with form and voice.
Tips for Winning Creative Writing Scholarships
Applying for creative writing scholarships requires more than just filling out forms. You’ll need to craft compelling applications and showcase your unique voice and talent. Here are some tips to help you stand out in the competitive world of creative writing scholarships:
1. Choose Your Best Work
When submitting writing samples, it’s tempting to include multiple pieces that show your versatility. However, it’s often better to choose a few polished, well-developed pieces that highlight your strengths and style. Quality over quantity is key.
2. Follow the Guidelines
Every scholarship has specific guidelines and submission requirements. Make sure you follow them to the letter. If a scholarship requires a certain word count, theme, or format, adhere to it. Submitting a well-organized, professional application shows attention to detail and respect for the process.
3. Get Feedback
Before submitting your work, ask for feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. They can help you identify areas for improvement, catch typos or grammar issues, and offer suggestions to make your writing stronger.
4. Craft a Strong Personal Statement
Many creative writing scholarships require a personal statement or essay explaining why you’re passionate about writing and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Be honest, specific, and personal in your statement—this is your chance to show the selection committee who you are beyond your writing samples.
5. Submit Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Give yourself plenty of time to revise and proofread your writing, as well as to gather any additional materials (such as letters of recommendation or transcripts).
Conclusion
Creative writing scholarships are an excellent way for aspiring writers to fund their education while pursuing their passion for storytelling. Whether you’re a poet, novelist, or essayist, there are scholarships out there to help support your journey. Start by researching the scholarships that best fit your goals and interests, and then focus on creating a strong, polished application.
By combining your unique voice with careful planning, you can unlock opportunities to showcase your talent and secure the financial support you need to succeed in your academic and creative pursuits. So, gather your best work, polish your portfolio, and apply for those scholarships—your writing future awaits!
FAQs
What types of creative writing scholarships are available?
Creative writing scholarships come in many forms, including awards for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and playwriting. Some scholarships are open to high school students, while others are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, there are competitions that award scholarships based on specific themes or writing prompts.
Do I need to be an English or creative writing major to apply for these scholarships?
No, many creative writing scholarships are open to students regardless of their major. As long as you have a passion for writing and submit a strong application, you can apply for most creative writing scholarships, even if you’re majoring in a different field.
How can I find more creative writing scholarships?
In addition to the scholarships listed here, you can find creative writing scholarships through scholarship search platforms like Fastweb, Cappex, and Scholarships.com. You can also check with the English or creative writing department at your college or university for any school-specific awards.
What should I include in my creative writing portfolio?
Your portfolio should showcase your strongest work. Include a mix of genres if possible (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction), but focus on quality over quantity. Each piece should reflect your unique voice, creativity, and mastery of the craft. Avoid including incomplete or underdeveloped work.
Can international students apply for creative writing scholarships?
Yes, some creative writing scholarships are open to international students, but others may be restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Be sure to read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship carefully to determine if you qualify.
