Applications are open for the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award 2027, an international writing opportunity that helps writers attend a literary retreat in Reykjavík, Iceland. The award is designed for writers who demonstrate creative potential and financial need but may not otherwise be able to afford the experience.
The Iceland Writers Retreat will take place from 14–18 April 2027. Participants will attend small-group writing workshops led by established authors, explore Icelandic literature, join panel discussions and experience literary tours in Reykjavík and the surrounding area.
The Alumni Award offers both full and partial funding. The full award covers the standard retreat participation fee, four nights of accommodation in Reykjavík and round-trip airfare from a major international airport. The partial award covers the standard retreat package fee only.
The opportunity is open to writers from all countries and welcomes applicants at different stages of their writing journeys. You do not need to be a published author or professional writer to apply.
Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
Iceland Writers Retreat Award 2027: Overview
About the Iceland Writers Retreat
The Iceland Writers Retreat is an annual literary event held in Reykjavík, a UNESCO City of Literature. It brings together writers from different countries to develop their craft, exchange ideas and learn from experienced authors.
The retreat combines small-group writing workshops with literary discussions, readings, cultural activities and guided tours. Participants can explore Iceland’s literary heritage while connecting with writers who share their interests.
The Alumni Award programme is funded by contributions from Iceland Writers Retreat alumni and supporters. Its purpose is to make participation possible for writers who demonstrate potential but need financial assistance.
The award is not a university scholarship or academic degree programme. It is a short-term creative writing opportunity for people interested in developing their writing skills.
Financial Benefits of the Iceland Writers Retreat Award
Applicants can choose between full and partial funding, depending on their financial circumstances.
Full Funding
Successful recipients of the full award receive:
Partial Funding
The partial award covers the standard retreat participation fee, including the five classes and one day trip.
It does not cover flights or accommodation. Applicants offered partial funding must arrange and pay for those expenses themselves.
Expenses Not Covered by the Full Award
Even full-award recipients should budget for expenses that are not included in the award, such as:
The organisers can provide supporting documentation for visa applications but do not issue visas or arrange the visa process.
Activities at the Iceland Writers Retreat 2027
The retreat offers a mix of creative writing instruction, literary events and cultural experiences.
1. Small-Group Writing Workshops
Participants attend five writing classes in the standard retreat package. Workshops are designed for writers at different experience levels and provide opportunities to develop their craft in a small-group setting.
2. Sessions with International Authors
The retreat features established writers who share their experience, discuss their creative processes and help participants explore different approaches to writing.
3. Panels Featuring Icelandic Authors
Participants can attend discussions and readings featuring Icelandic authors, learning about the country’s literary traditions and contemporary writing.
4. Literary Tours
The programme includes a day trip and literary activities that introduce participants to Iceland’s cultural and natural surroundings.
5. Reykjavík Literary Walking Tour
Participants can explore Reykjavík’s literary heritage and learn more about the city’s connection to Icelandic literature.
6. Readings, Panels and Networking
Additional readings, panel discussions and social activities give participants opportunities to meet writers from different backgrounds and build lasting connections.
Eligibility Criteria
The Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award is open to applicants from around the world, regardless of their professional writing status.
To qualify, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
Applicants are assessed primarily on their potential as writers and their financial need. The organisers also consider the quality of the writing sample, the applicant’s motivation and the relevance of the retreat to their writing development.
Can Ghanaian Writers Apply?
Yes. The award is open to writers from all countries, including Ghana.
Ghanaian applicants do not need to be professional writers or have published a book. However, they must submit a strong creative writing sample, demonstrate financial need and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Applicants should also consider the costs not covered by the award, especially visa fees, travel insurance and airport transfers.
Is IELTS Required?
No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is listed as a requirement for the Alumni Award application.
However, the workshops and literary activities are conducted in English, so applicants should be able to understand the sessions and communicate effectively with the instructors and other participants.
Required Documents
The official application asks candidates to provide the following materials.
1. Statement of Impact
Explain why you want to attend the Iceland Writers Retreat, why the event and its faculty interest you, and how you plan to share what you learn from the experience.
2. Creative Writing Sample
Submit a prose writing sample of no more than 1,000 words. Eligible genres include:
Choose a sample that demonstrates your writing ability and aligns with your interests.
3. Two Reference Letters
Provide two references from people who know your writing and understand the role that writing plays in your life.
References should come from people who are not family members. The organisers prefer references written specifically for the Iceland Writers Retreat Award.
Both references must be attached to the application as PDF files. References sent separately by email are not accepted.
4. Acknowledgment of Financial Need
Applicants must acknowledge their financial circumstances and explain why support is needed to attend the retreat.
5. Online Application Form
Complete all required questions and provide the requested information through the official application platform.
Important: The application cannot be edited after submission, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Review all answers and uploaded files carefully before submitting.
How to Apply for the Iceland Writers Retreat Award 2027
Follow these steps to apply for full or partial funding.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the Iceland Writers Retreat’s official scholarship page:
https://icelandwritersretreat.com/scholarships/
Step 2: Review the Award Conditions
Read the eligibility requirements, funding details and application instructions. Decide whether to apply for full or partial funding based on your financial needs.
The organisers receive more applications for full funding, so applicants should select the category that accurately reflects their circumstances.
Step 3: Prepare Your Writing Sample
Select a prose sample of up to 1,000 words in literary fiction, nonfiction or memoir. Review it carefully for clarity, structure, originality and writing quality.
Step 4: Write Your Statement of Impact
Explain why the retreat is relevant to your writing journey, what you hope to learn and how you would share the experience with others.
Step 5: Obtain Two References
Ask two suitable people to prepare references that describe your writing and potential. Save the documents as PDFs and ensure they are ready to upload.
Step 6: Complete the Online Application
Follow the application link provided on the official scholarship page and complete all required fields, including the financial-need acknowledgment.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
The application fee is US$10. The official website states that no exceptions are made to this fee.
Step 8: Review and Submit
Check your writing sample, references and application responses carefully before submitting. The application cannot be edited after submission.
Step 9: Wait for the Results
The organisers expect to announce the award recipients in late November 2026. Monitor your email and the official website for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Iceland Writers Retreat Award 2027 fully funded?
Full awards cover the standard retreat fee, four nights of accommodation and return airfare from a major international airport. Partial awards cover the standard retreat fee only.
2. Can applicants from Ghana apply?
Yes. The award is open to applicants from all countries, including Ghana, provided they meet the age, writing and financial-need requirements.
3. Do I need to be a published writer?
No. Applicants of all writing experience levels are welcome. The quality and potential of your writing matter more than professional status.
4. Is there an application fee?
Yes. Applicants must pay a US$10 application fee. The official website states that there are no exceptions to this fee.
5. What should the writing sample contain?
The sample must be prose in literary fiction, nonfiction or memoir and must not exceed 1,000 words.
6. How many reference letters are required?
Two references are required. They must be attached to the application as PDFs and should be written by people familiar with your writing. Family members are not eligible to provide references.
7. Does full funding cover the visa and travel insurance?
No. Visa fees and travel insurance are not covered. The organisers can provide supporting documentation for visa applications but do not arrange or issue visas.
8. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
9. When will the retreat take place?
The 2027 Iceland Writers Retreat will run from 14–18 April 2027 in Reykjavík, Iceland.
10. Can previous retreat participants apply for the Alumni Award?
No. Previous Iceland Writers Retreat participants are not eligible for this award. Family members of the judges are also excluded.
Final Thoughts
The Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award 2027 is an opportunity for writers to develop their craft, learn from established authors and experience Iceland’s literary culture.
With full and partial funding options, the award welcomes writers from different countries and experience levels who demonstrate creative potential and financial need.
If you are interested, prepare your writing sample and references early, review the official requirements and submit a complete application before the deadline.
Official application information:
https://icelandwritersretreat.com/scholarships/
Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT
Retreat dates: 14–18 April 2027
