The International Writers Workshop 2027 (IWW) is a fully funded four-week literary residency organised by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), taking place from 26 February to 25 March 2027 in Hong Kong. Open to published writers from around the world currently residing outside Hong Kong with a command of English or Chinese, the residency covers return airfare, accommodation, and a daily stipend. The program concludes with the IWW Literary Festival under the theme “Inheritance.” No application fee is required. The deadline is 14 August 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Literary Residency |
| Organising Body | International Writers’ Workshop (IWW), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) |
| Mode | Offline (Residential at HKBU, Hong Kong) |
| Duration | 4 Weeks |
| Program Dates | 26 February – 25 March 2027 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 August 2026 |
About the Program
The International Writers Workshop 2027 is administered by the International Writers’ Workshop at Hong Kong Baptist University — a distinguished literary residency program founded in 2004 that has hosted more than 150 writers from over 60 countries across its history. The 2027 edition invites writers from across the globe to Hong Kong for four weeks of dedicated creative work, peer exchange, and cultural immersion, culminating in the IWW Literary Festival organised around the annual theme of “Inheritance.” Consequently, selected writers gain dedicated time and institutional support to develop their own writing while engaging with a diverse international cohort of literary peers in one of Asia’s most culturally dynamic cities. Furthermore, applicants are encouraged — though not required — to connect their creative work with the festival theme of “Inheritance,” ensuring that the residency remains open to writers across all genres, traditions, and creative trajectories regardless of thematic alignment.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to writers from all countries worldwide
- Must currently reside outside Hong Kong at the time of application
- Must demonstrate a command of English or Chinese — Mandarin or Cantonese — for effective participation
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must have at least one published book at the time of application
- Must be able to attend the welcome ceremony during the first week of the residency
- Must be available for the full four-week program from 26 February to 25 March 2027
- No application fee is required at any stage
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Airfare | Round-trip air tickets to and from Hong Kong fully covered |
| Accommodation | Provided for the full four-week residency duration |
| Daily Stipend | Provided throughout the residency period |
| Creative Time | Dedicated time and space to work independently on writing projects |
| Peer Exchange | Cross-cultural literary dialogue with international writers in residence |
| IWW Literary Festival | Participation in the IWW Literary Festival concluding the residency |
| HKBU Resources | Access to Hong Kong Baptist University academic and creative facilities |
Topics / Themes Covered
- The 2027 IWW Residency Theme: Inheritance — writers are encouraged, but not required, to connect their creative work with this theme
- Independent creative writing across all genres including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and literary translation
- Peer-to-peer literary exchange and cross-cultural creative dialogue
- Literary festival participation — public presentation of work at the IWW Literary Festival
Selection Process
- All application materials compiled into a single PDF file and submitted by email to iww@hkbu.edu.hk before 14 August 2026
- Evaluation based on the quality of the writing sample, artist’s statement, CV, and referee contacts
- Selection conducted by the IWW team at HKBU; a track record of at least one published book is required
- No application fee is required at any stage of the process
How to Apply
- Visit the official International Writers Workshop 2027 Hong Kong application page at HKBU’s IWW website for full application details and guidelines.
- Prepare your Artist’s Statement of one page articulating your creative practice and, if relevant, your work’s connection to the theme of “Inheritance.”
- Select a writing sample of 12 to 15 pages representative of your current or recent creative work.
- Compile your CV or resume including details of your published work, with at least one published book listed.
- Provide referee contact information within your application package.
- Compile all materials into a single PDF file and submit by email to iww@hkbu.edu.hk before the 14 August 2026 deadline.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Required Documents
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist’s Statement | 1 page describing the applicant’s creative practice and optional thematic connection to “Inheritance” |
| Writing Sample | 12 to 15 pages of representative creative work |
| CV or Resume | Full record of published work, including at least one published book |
| Referees’ Contact Information | Contact details of referees provided within the application package |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Residency Start | 26 February 2027 |
| Residency End | 25 March 2027 |
| IWW Literary Festival | During or at the conclusion of the residency (25 March 2027) |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Application PDF | Click Here |
| Application Email | iww@hkbu.edu.hk |
| Official Website | https://iww.hkbu.edu.hk |
Contact
Submit all application materials as a single PDF to iww@hkbu.edu.hk before 14 August 2026. Refer to the official IWW website at iww.hkbu.edu.hk for all programme-related queries, eligibility clarifications, and application guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the International Writers Workshop 2027 Hong Kong?
Published writers from any country currently residing outside Hong Kong with at least one published book and a working command of English or Chinese – Mandarin or Cantonese – are eligible to apply.
What does the International Writers Workshop 2027 Hong Kong cover financially?
The residency provides return airfare to Hong Kong, accommodation for the full four-week period, and a daily stipend to cover living expenses throughout the program.
Is the writing sample required to address the theme of “Inheritance”?
No – applicants are encouraged but explicitly not required to connect their writing sample or creative work to the 2027 theme of “Inheritance”; writers working across all genres and thematic directions are welcome to apply.
How should applications be submitted for the International Writers Workshop 2027?
All required documents must be compiled into a single PDF file and sent by email to iww@hkbu.edu.hk before the 14 August 2026 deadline; no postal or online portal submission is used.
Is there an application fee for the International Writers Workshop 2027 Hong Kong?
No – the International Writers Workshop 2027 Hong Kong requires no application fee, and all core residency expenses including airfare, accommodation, and a daily stipend are fully covered by HKBU’s International Writers’ Workshop.