The Robert Burns Fellowship

One of New Zealand's most storied literary fellowships, the Robert Burns Fellowship has been nurturing writers at the University of Otago since 1959. Established to encourage and promote imaginative New Zealand literature, it's been held by some of the country's greatest writers — from Janet Frame and James K. Baxter to Witi Ihimaera and Hone Tuwhare.

The Fellowship is open to writers of poetry, drama, fiction, autobiography, biography, essays, and literary criticism who are normally resident in New Zealand (or NZ writers currently living overseas). No university degree or other formal qualification is required. While candidates of comparable merit who are under 40 at the time of selection are given preference, there is no strict age limit. The Fellowship is not normally awarded to full-time university teachers.

Fellows live and work in Dunedin during the University year, with workspace provided within the English and Linguistics Programme. You may be asked to contribute a limited amount of lecturing or seminar work (no more than one semester) and/or deliver up to six public lectures — but your own writing always comes first.

The 2027 Fellowship is valued at $97,377 NZD, covering salary (paid fortnightly), plus approved travel and removal expenses. Return airfares for the Fellow, partner, and dependent children are provided for NZ-based applicants. The Fellowship is normally held for one year, with the possibility of extension for a further year (maximum two years continuously, and no more than four years total across a lifetime).

Fellows have access to the University Library and other staff facilities, and the University Accommodation Service can help with finding a place to live in Dunedin. The Fellow is expected to take up the position by 1 February in the year following selection.