The Robert Burns Fellowship 2027 at University of Otago

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

15 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Creative Writing, Fiction Writing, Poetry, Drama Writing, Biography Writing, Creative Non-fiction, Literary Criticism

Industry

Research Services

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 Sunday, 14 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 Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email Location: About Dunedin

Responsibilities

The fellow will focus full-time on their creative writing work within the arts community of Dunedin and the University of Otago. They are expected to reside in the city to allow the environment to shape their literary output.