Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award 2027 gives writers a funded place at the Iceland Writers Retreat in Reykjavík in April 2027. A full award covers the retreat package, four nights of accommodation in Reykjavík, and a round-trip flight from a major international airport. Partial awards cover the retreat package only.
It is for writers aged 18 and over, at any level, who cannot afford to attend on their own. .
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | Iceland (Reykjavík) |
| Organiser | Iceland Writers Retreat, a non-profit |
| Event | Writers retreat starting 14 April 2027 |
| Full award covers | Retreat package (5 classes, 1 day trip), 4 nights in Reykjavík, round-trip airfare |
| Partial award covers | Retreat package only |
| Who can apply | Writers aged 18 and over, any level, with financial need |
| Application fee | US$10 |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026. See the Deadline section. |
What is the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award?
The Iceland Writers Retreat is a yearly gathering of writers in Reykjavík with small classes led by published authors. Past participants raise money each year so writers from around the world who could not otherwise come can attend. That fund is the Alumni Award.
What the award covers
- Full award: the standard retreat package of five classes and one day trip, four nights of accommodation in Reykjavík, and a round-trip flight from a major international airport
- Partial award: the standard retreat package only, without flights or accommodation
The award does not cover airport transfers, travel insurance, visas, or meals outside the programme. The organisers will provide visa support letters.
Who can apply
- Writers aged 18 or older by 14 April 2027
- All backgrounds and levels of writing experience
- Writing interests that fit the 2027 faculty: literary fiction, non-fiction, or memoir
- Writers with real financial need
Past retreat participants and family members of the judges cannot apply.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, US$10, with no exceptions. Applications cannot be changed after you submit.
Required documents
- A statement of impact
- A creative writing sample of up to 1,000 words (fiction, non-fiction, or memoir)
- Two references, attached as PDFs
- An acknowledgment of financial need
How to write your statement of impact
Say why this retreat and this faculty matter to you, and how you will share your experience afterwards. Be honest about your financial need. To qualify for full funding, you must show you cannot afford the flight and accommodation yourself.
How to apply, step by step
- Read the award details on the Iceland Writers Retreat scholarships page.
- Choose full or partial funding, whichever fits your situation.
- Prepare your statement, writing sample, and two references.
- Apply through the Award Force platform and pay the US$10 fee.
Selection process
A team of past participants reviews applications, and the founding directors pick the winners, based on writing potential and financial need. Recipients are chosen by late November 2026.
Deadline
15 October 2026, 11:59 PM GMT.
Full awards get far more applications than partial ones, so choose the category that truly fits you. Confirm the date on the official page before you submit.
Have a question?
Drop your question in the comments and we will help. Tell us your country and your field and we will point you in the right direction.
Related reading
More opportunities to explore on the site:
- WCSJ Travel Fellowship 2027
- Salzburg Global Seminar Internship 2027
- Global Leadership Challenge 2026/27
Follow us so you never miss an opportunity
We post opportunities like this one every week.
Apply now
