The Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Alum Bursary
Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Alum Bursary
Applications are now open
We know how life-changing the right support can be at the right moment in a writing journey. That’s why we’re honoured to introduce the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Alum Bursary — a fully funded course place made possible by generous donations from our alums.
Former participants of the programme have come together to create this bursary with a shared belief: that talented writers deserve access to exceptional teaching, mentorship, and creative community, regardless of financial constraints.
If cost has been the barrier between you and this programme, we warmly encourage you to apply.
This bursary offers one writer a full place on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme, including all teaching, materials, and support. It’s an invitation to take your novel seriously, to develop it with confidence and clarity, and to join a community that understands what it takes to write a book.
Three runners-up will also be given a free annual membership to Jericho Writers, where they have unlimited access to the video courses and resources we have to offer.
If you’re able to fund your place on the course yourself, even with some stretching or planning, we ask that you don’t apply for the bursary. Our bursary places are limited and are intended for writers who genuinely wouldn’t be able to take part in the course without financial support.
The Jericho Writers Team will select the shortlist, and our alums who have donated to the bursary will decide on the winner and runners-up. The winner, runners-up, and shortlist will be announced on 2 March 2026.
Learn more about our signature novel writing courses
Explore our expertly designed programmes that guide writers at every level, from beginners to intermediate authors, in turning their ideas into fully polished, publishable novels. With step-by-step instruction, personalised feedback, and a supportive writing community, our courses help you develop your story, strengthen your writing skills, and complete a manuscript ready for publication.
Various Tutors
Ultimate Novel Writing Programme
£5500
Payment options available
Our most intensive course programme will help you write a publishable novel in one year. Suitable for beginner and intermediate writers.
12 months
6+ hours per week
Online
Various Tutors
Jericho Writers’ Novel Writing Course
£3500
Payment options available
Write your novel over the course of 8-months side-by-side with your personal tutor and course mates. Suitable for beginner and intermediate writers.
8 months
6+ hours per week
Online
Eligibility criteria
To apply for a bursary place on this course, you must:
- Have completed at least the first 10,000 words of a novel that you intend to develop during the course. Drafts can range from a first attempt to a later version.
- Be able to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the Ultimate Novel Writing Course from April 2026 to February 2027. If you cannot commit during this period, please consider applying for the bursary next year.
- Be happy to share your experience of the course by contributing a monthly blog post for the Jericho Writers community.
- Not have been previously traditionally published or represented by a literary agent.
- Be an under-represented writer.
Due to the nature of the course, we regret that we are unable to accept submissions of poetry, short story collections, children’s fiction, or screenplays.
We define an under-represented writer as someone who meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Comes from a low household income.
- Identifies as Black, Asian, or from another minority group.
- Has a disability.
- Is a primary carer.
- Is an ex-offender.
- Other circumstances that may contribute to under-representation.
Applications are now open
Deadline for applications: Midnight (GMT) Sunday 15 February 2026
Course start date: Wednesday 1 April 2026
Frequently asked
questions
How will I find out if my bursary application has been successful?
Bursary applicants will receive notification via email by Monday 2 March 2026. For the winner and runners up, this email will confirm the successful bursary and what it covers, and details on how to get started. If you aren’t successful, we encourage you to check out our Bursaries page for future opportunities.
Do I need to be a Premium Member to apply for the bursary?
No, you do not need to be a Premium Member to apply for this bursary. All writers are welcome to apply, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria set out above.
What is the deadline for bursary applications?
The deadline for the UNWP Alum Bursary is 23.59 GMT on Sunday 15 February 2026. Bursary applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.
Is the bursary only available to UK writers?
No, anyone can apply for the Jericho Writers Bursary. However, the bursary does not cover personal costs such as equipment or internet access for the online course, nor does it cover travel or accommodation expenses for attending any in-person events associated with the course. These costs must be met by the individual. We ask that if you apply for the bursary, you are able to commit fully to participating in the course.
Am I eligible for the bursary?
The Jericho Writers Bursary is open to writers who meet all of the following criteria:
- You have completed at least the first 10,000 words of a novel that you intend to develop during the course. Submissions can be in any genre and for any age group, and drafts can range from first attempts to later versions.
- You can dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the Ultimate Novel Writing Course from April 2026 to February 2027. If you cannot commit during this period, please consider applying next year.
- You have not been previously traditionally published or represented by a literary agent.
- You are an under-represented writer.
We define an under-represented writer as someone who meets one or more of the following:
- Comes from a low household income
- Identifies as Black, Asian, or from another minority group
- Has a disability
- Is a primary carer
- Is an ex-offender
- Other circumstances that may contribute to under-representation
If you are able to fund your place on the course yourself — even with some careful planning or stretching — we ask that you do not apply for the bursary. Places are limited and intended for writers who genuinely would not be able to take part without financial support. By only applying when support is truly needed, you help ensure the bursary can make a meaningful difference to someone else.
I have already applied for another bursary and/or competition – am I still eligible?
Yes, you can still apply for the bursary even if you have applied for other bursaries or competitions. However, please consider whether you genuinely need financial support for this course.
Can I get my first choice of tutor on the course?
We cannot guarantee that the winner of the bursary will be assigned their first-choice tutor. Tutor allocations are based on availability and the number of students in each group, and we aim to balance group sizes fairly.
If you have a preferred tutor, you are welcome to indicate your choice on your application, and we will do our best to accommodate it. However, all students will receive high-quality guidance from experienced tutors, and your learning experience will not be affected if you are assigned a different tutor.
If working with a specific tutor is very important to you and the course is financially within your reach, we recommend applying for the course outside of the bursary. This is the only way to guarantee placement with your preferred tutor.