2027 Robert Burns Fellowship

Job Description

Applications are invited for the 2027 Robert Burns Fellowship– Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier creative writers residency

Supporting imaginative New Zealand writing since 1958

Applications are invited for the Fellowship year 2027 from creative writers normally resident in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Robert Burns Fellowship is the country’s most valuable, prestigious, and longest-running literary residency. Each year, it offers a writer the rare opportunity to focus full‑time on their creative work—within the vibrant arts community of Ōtepoti Dunedin and the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.

The Fellowship supports writers who have demonstrated commitment to their craft and will benefit from dedicated time and space to write. It supports writers working in a range of genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, biography, creative non-fiction, and literary criticism.

Residency in Ōtepoti during the Fellowship period is expected — this city has a way of shaping the work.

What the Fellowship offers

• A 12‑month, full‑time position (February 2027 – January 2028).
• A stipend equivalent to a University Lecturer’s salary.
• A dedicated writing office on campus within the English and Linguistics Programme.
• Access to the University Library and wider University community.

Who can apply

Writers normally resident in New Zealand.
A degree or formal qualification is not required. But a serious commitment to the craft needs to be demonstrated through published work or its equivalent.
Early‑ and mid‑career writers are encouraged to apply.

What to include

Applications must include:
• Covering letter including short biography.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Details of published work.
• A 500-word outline of work contemplated.
• Samples of work (500 words maximum). PDF or Word files are preferred.
• Two referee reports, from referees well placed to comment on your writing experience (view the template HERE).

How to apply

Applications quoting reference number 2600409 will close on Monday, 1 June 2026.

For further information about the Fellowship and previous recipients, please see below for attached Conditions of Award.

Additional Information

Contact: Arts Fellowship Administrator

Contact: Recruitment Team Tel: 64 3 479 8275

Position details: Conditions of Award

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Otago Arts Fellowships

Location: About Dunedin