Charles Wallace Fellowship

Since 1994, the University of Stirling has worked with the Charles Wallace India Trust to offer a Writer’s Fellowship. Through the generosity of the Trust, we are able to welcome an Indian writer to the UK and provide them with an opportunity to spend time at Stirling, devoting themselves to their own writing and contributing to the life of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Centre of Postcolonial Studies.

Applications for the Fellowship are accepted from 31 August with a final deadline of 30 September.

Who is the fellowship for?

The fellowship is awarded by the University of Stirling and the Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) to an individual who:

  • can explain how the experience of an international Fellowship may benefit their career development
  • is proficient in English language skills
  • holds a PhD in the relevant field, AND/OR can demonstrate a proven track record and show a willingness to work collaboratively
  • is Indian (and domiciled in India)
  • is under 45 years old when the grant offer is signed
  • has not received any other CWIT grant in the last 5 years

What is its value?

The Charles Wallace India Trust currently pays £1,400 a month to the writer to cover all accommodation, living and local travel costs.

International return fares are also covered. Office space and a networked computer will be provided for the duration of the fellowship.

The Fellowship is for up to three months.

How to apply

Applications will be invited from 31 August to a deadline of 30 September each year, and should be addressed to Dr Gemma Robinson at the address below.

The selection process normally takes two months. 

The Fellowship will begin normally in the February of the following year (exact date to be confirmed). The successful applicant will be based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Division of Literature and Languages at the University of Stirling and the Postcolonial Studies Research Group.

Submitting your application

Your application should include:

  • a CV
  • a statement of about two pages describing what you wish to achieve during your stay at Stirling and how this will benefit your work on your return to India
  • two references from referees who know your work well (these can be included in the application or sent separately)
  • examples of your creative writing (which will not be returned)

Applicants may submit their applications either by post to the address below, or electronically by email to cwfellowship@stir.ac.uk. Please mark your application clearly with 'Charles Wallace Fellowship in Creative Writing'.

Dr Gemma Robinson
Charles Wallace Fellowship in Creative Writing
Literature and Languages 
University of Stirling
Stirling FK9 4LA
Scotland, UK

Telephone: +44 (0)1786 467494
Fax: +44 (0)1786 466210
General enquiries: cwfellowship@stir.ac.uk

The annual deadline for applications is 30 September.

Frequently asked questions

How do you define ‘creative writing’?

We take a wide view of creative writing and will consider applications from writers working, for example, on poetry, prose (fiction and non-fiction), graphic writing, drama and film scripts.

How much work should I include in the writing sample?

We do not have a strict policy on the length of the writing sample, so we accept writing samples of varying sizes. For example, some applicants may have already published a novel or collection of short stories or poems, and could submit this. Other applicants may be developing a first substantial work, and instead could send a portfolio. In the latter case applicants should make a careful selection, rather than sending us all his/her published/written work.

Will my work be returned?

No, unfortunately work cannot be returned to applicants.

At what stage in my career can I apply for the fellowship?

We ask for applicants to be under 45 years of age and have a PhD AND/OR a proven track record. This often means that fellows are at an early or mid-stage in their career. The fellowships have been awarded to writers who are at an early stage in their writing careers and have not yet published a substantial body of work, but many successful candidates already have a strong publication record (having published a collection of poetry or short stories, novel, or work in multiple literary journals, for example).

Can I apply for more than one creative writing fellowship in the same year?

Yes, and please state clearly in your application the names of the other institutions to which you are applying, and your order of priority. You might also note that the personal statement requires you to describe ‘what you wish to achieve during your stay at Stirling’. Applicants should therefore consider the benefits of spending their fellowship at Stirling.

Will you acknowledge receipt of my application?

Yes.

Can you provide feedback on my application?

Due to the large number of applications, regrettably we are not able to offer feedback on submitted applications.

How does the selection process work?

The selection committee is made up from the University of Stirling's creative writing staff and colleagues from the Postcolonial Studies research group. The selection process usually takes approximately 2 months. We will contact the successful applicant by email or post if email is not available.

How is the fellowship award administered?

The fellowship award is administered in Stirling. Accommodation costs are normally first deducted from the stipend and then the remainder is divided into an allowance for living expenses. The Charles Wallace India Trust’s contribution to your return air fare is paid in Pounds sterling once you are in the UK.

I was not successful in a previous application. Can I apply again?

Yes, we accept reapplications.