Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award 2027 provides financial assistance to writers from around the world who could not otherwise afford to attend this prestigious literary event. Funded entirely by alumni and friends of the retreat, the award program has supported writers from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, and numerous other countries since 2016.
For 2027, both full and partial awards are available following a successful fundraising campaign. The retreat itself takes place April 14, 2027 in Reykjavík, Iceland.
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What the Award Covers
Full Funding
Full awards cover:
- Standard retreat package fee (5 classes, 1 day trip)
- Four nights accommodation in Reykjavík (location may not be the retreat hotel)
- Round-trip airfare from a major international airport
Important exclusions: Airport transfers in your home country, during transit, or in Iceland; travel insurance; travel visas; and meals or incidentals not listed in the itinerary. The organizers will provide supporting letters for visa applications but do not facilitate or issue visas themselves.
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Partial Funding
Partial awards cover only the standard retreat package fee (5 classes, 1 day trip). Recipients must arrange and pay for their own flights and accommodation.
Given the high volume of applications for full funding, applicants should carefully assess which category best matches their actual financial situation.
Eligibility Requirements
The award welcomes diverse applicants but has specific criteria:
- Must be age 18 or older by April 14, 2027 (retreat start date)
- Open to all backgrounds and levels of writing experience
- Writing interests must align with 2027 faculty (literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir)
- Family members of judges and past IWR participants are ineligible
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region: there is no geographic restriction. Previous winners include writers from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Your application will be assessed on writing potential and financial need, not nationality.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Statement of impact: Explaining why you are applying and how you will share word about your IWR experience
- Creative writing sample: Maximum 1,000 words of prose (fiction, non-fiction, or memoir)
- Two references: PDFs attached to application; must be from people familiar with writing’s role in your life who are not family members; references written specifically for this application receive higher marks
- Financial need acknowledgment: Honest explanation of why the retreat is beyond your means without support
For full funding specifically, you must demonstrate inability to afford flights and accommodation. You will also be asked whether you have sought additional funding sources.
Application Process
Follow these steps:
- Review the 2027 faculty to confirm your writing interests align with their expertise
- Prepare your statement of impact and writing sample
- Request two references from non-family members who know your writing practice
- Gather financial documentation to support your need statement
- Pay the $10 USD application fee (no exceptions)
- Submit complete application via Award Force platform before the deadline
Critical notes: Incomplete applications will not be considered. No changes are possible after submission. References must be attached to the application—email submissions are not accepted.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a team of IWR alumni. Final selections are made by the IWR founding directors. Two factors dominate the decision:
- Demonstrated potential as a writer
- Financial need requiring support to attend
The awards are highly competitive. Applications from writers who have had limited opportunities to attend writing retreats or develop their craft through other means receive favorable consideration alongside writing quality.
Key Dates
- Application opens: September 16, 2026
- Application closes: October 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT
- Recipient notification: Late November 2026
- Retreat dates: April 14, 2027 (start date)
Tips for African Applicants
Based on previous award patterns:
- Start visa research early—supporting letters are provided but processing times vary
- Demonstrate initiative by listing other funding sources you have pursued
- Emphasize what makes your perspective unique if you are from an underrepresented region in international writing retreats
- Ensure references specifically address this opportunity, not generic praise
About the Iceland Writers Retreat
The Iceland Writers Retreat is a small Icelandic non-profit organization. The Alumni Award program was created by past participants who wanted to share their transformative experience with writers who could not otherwise afford to attend. The 2027 award is made possible by contributions from over 40 alumni and friends.
Official scholarship page: https://icelandwritersretreat.com/scholarships/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships