APPLY FOR A WRITERS' HQ BURSARY
Everyone should have access to stories
Pencil drawing of hands writing on paper and a laptop

Writers’ HQ is dedicated to supporting systemically marginalised or disadvantaged writers for one simple reason: everyone should be able to read, write, watch, listen to and tell stories.

Stories are what makes humanity truly great; the fuel that power our world. But there’s no story until we have all stories. So let us help you tell yours. 

Man and woman smiling and discussing writing

What does a Writers’ HQ bursary give me?

The bursary gives six months free membership to Writers’ HQ, which gives you access to our whopping great course library, all our online events, the private student forums, and all the other membership goodies. 

From flash to short fiction to plotting, writing, editing and publishing a novel, we’ve got you covered. 

How do I apply?

There’s a form down there. We ask you to answer a handful of questions and submit 2,000 words of your writing.

Who is a Writers' HQ SPONSORSHIP for?

You! Anyone who needs it! We prioritise the following:

– People who are disabled 

 – People who are neurodivergent or have a mental illness

– People from a minority or persecuted community

– People living in a low income household, in receipt of benefits/social security or generally finding the cost of living impossible

– People with a criminal record

– People who are the primary carer for another human with high needs (including your bog standard common or garden children)

– People who are struggling in other ways and just really need to write some kickass stories.

How are the applications assessed?

Our bursaries are not means tested, nor do we perform background checks. We read them all in-house and try to help as many people as we can.

Just tell us a bit about you, your writing, and your situation, and we’ll do our best to help.

In an ideal world everyone would get everything, of course, but we do the best we can with what we’ve got. 

Unfortunately we can’t enter into correspondence or give feedback on applications, but feel free to re-apply if you weren’t successful the first time.

How many sponsorships are there?

Ah. Well. That depends on donations. Some times there might be three, some there might be thirty. We can’t tell, but usually we have a good chunk to hand out.

Can I have the cash instead?

No mate, soz. Writers’ HQ sponsorships are given in the form of course access only. There are no cash alternatives. But there are SO many benefits to being a WHQ member. You’ll see.

Want to apply? Just send us a message

Bursary applications are assessed on a rolling basis.

That means there are no deadlines.

Just fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you within four weeks. 

Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, Max. file size: 1 MB.
Max 2,000 words (please send a docx, doc, or PDF, no larger than 1MB)