Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University 2027–2029: $75,000 Annual Stipend for Fiction and Poetry Writers

Overview

The Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University is a two-year creative writing programme designed for promising fiction writers and poets. Operating as an artist-in-residence experience rather than a traditional academic degree programme, it brings together ten fellows annually to focus entirely on their writing within a supportive literary community. Participants engage in weekly workshops, readings, and events while receiving mentorship from experienced Stanford faculty.

Who can apply

The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities who are at least 18 years old and possess a strong interest and demonstrated ability in fiction or poetry. Candidates are not required to hold any university degree, pass standardized tests, have attended a specific writing school, or have previously published a book. International applicants who are not United States citizens are fully eligible to apply.

What you get

Selected writers receive an annual living stipend of $75,000 per academic year for the duration of the two-year fellowship. In addition to financial support for living expenses, Stanford University's Creative Writing Program covers the full cost of tuition and health insurance. Fellows also benefit from faculty guidance, access to a community of fellow writers, and opportunities to participate in public readings and literary events.

Requirements

Fellows must treat writing as their primary commitment throughout the two-year term, meaning the fellowship cannot be pursued concurrently with another degree programme. Participants must reside close enough to Stanford University to attend a mandatory three-hour faculty-led workshop every week, along with other required readings and programme activities. Responsibilities include producing and revising creative work, providing feedback on peers' manuscripts, and presenting work during the first-year reading series.

Key dates

Applications for the 2027–2029 cohort close on November 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time.