Empowering emerging writers to develop their novels through mentorship, craft, and community.
Writing NSW is proud to offer two scholarships for the 2026 Year of the Novel program: one for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writer, and one for a writer from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) background. Each scholarship provides a fully funded place in the 2026 intake of this highly regarded program.
Year of the Novel is designed to offer emerging writers structured, long-term support. More than just a course, it fosters a strong sense of creative community and gives participants a rare chance to focus deeply on developing a manuscript—guided by expert tuition and peer support—over the course of twelve months.
The program has sold out annually for nearly a decade and has helped launch the careers of authors including Zaheda Ghani, Amy Lovat, Natasha Rai, and Clare Fletcher. With a proven track record of guiding writers from draft to publication-ready, Year of the Novel is a trusted pathway for emerging talent. These newly established scholarships offer a powerful opportunity for two emerging writers to take the next step in their creative careers, with the support of this acclaimed program.
Applications for the 2026 intake will open later in 2025. To be notified when entries open, please complete the Register of Interest form below.
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