Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship 2026 (Up to £18,000 Grant)

Applications are now open for the Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship 2026, an annual programme that supports talented African writers by providing the financial freedom to complete the first draft of a new book. The scholarship is designed for writers who find it difficult to balance creative writing with the demands of earning a living, enabling them to focus on producing high-quality literary work.

Established by the Miles Morland Foundation, the scholarship is open to writers working in the English language who were born in Africa or whose parents were both born in Africa. Successful applicants receive a grant of £18,000, paid monthly over 12 months, while selected non-fiction writers may receive extended funding for up to 18 months if additional research time is required.

About the Scholarship

The Miles Morland Foundation established the Writing Scholarship to encourage African literature by helping emerging and established writers dedicate time to completing a full-length book. Rather than funding academic or scientific research, the programme focuses on literary excellence and supports writers producing adult fiction or non-fiction.

Successful scholars are expected to spend their scholarship period writing a completely new book. During the award year, scholars submit at least 10,000 new words each month until they complete the first draft or their scholarship period ends.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A grant of £18,000 paid in monthly instalments over 12 months.
• Up to 18 months of funding for selected non-fiction writers who require additional research time.
• The opportunity to focus full-time on writing a new book.
• Mentorship opportunities from established authors or publishers after completing the manuscript.
• International recognition as a Miles Morland Foundation Scholar.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Write in the English language.
• Be born in Africa, or have both parents born in Africa (subject to the Foundation's eligibility rules).
• Submit an excerpt from a previously published work that has been offered for sale.
• Propose a completely new full-length book.
• Apply with either a fiction or non-fiction proposal.

There are no age restrictions for applicants. Poetry, plays, film scripts, children's books, academic writing, political or religious works, and short story collections are not eligible.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• A signed declaration confirming that AI was not used in preparing the submission or book proposal.
• A published writing sample of 2,000–5,000 words.
• Proof that the submitted work has been published and offered for sale.
• A 400–1,000-word proposal describing the new book.
• Proof of African birth or parental birth.
• A 200–300-word biography.
• Information on how you heard about the scholarship.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official Miles Morland Foundation application portal.
2. Carefully review the entry requirements and FAQs.
3. Prepare all required documents.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Upload the required supporting documents.
6. Submit the application before the deadline.

Applicants should ensure every required document is included, as incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

Applications are judged primarily on literary merit. The judging panel evaluates:

• Quality of the published writing sample.
• Originality and strength of the proposed book.
• Overall writing ability.
• Potential to produce an outstanding literary work.

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit a sample chapter from their proposed book before the final selection.