15 Creative Writing Summer Programs in Australia for High School Students

If you are a high schooler looking for a way to get started with original writing, creative writing summer programs in Australia for high school students can be a great way to spend your summer. The hardest part of creating original work usually is not finding ideas; it is learning how to shape them into stories that someone else wants to keep reading. That’s where a program like this can make a real difference.

For a few weeks, writing will stop being something you need to do solely on your own. You may spend the summer discussing drafts with peers, working through detailed feedback and revisions, and you get to experiment with different forms of writing. Slowly, you will begin to understand not just how to write, but how writers think.

What kind of creative writing summer programs for high school students are available in Australia?

Australia can be an interesting place to explore creative writing because there isn’t a single model for learning it. In the country, you may spend your summer at a university, experiencing workshops that mirror undergraduate classes or exploring writing at festivals, libraries, community organizations, or dedicated writing studios. 

Certain programs introduce the foundations of storytelling through fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, and a few others explore editing, publishing, essay writing, or specific genres. You may engage in conversation, feedback, and regular writing practice to build practical skills. The early experience can help you develop your craft while getting a taste of university-level learning.

To help you get started with your search, we have come up with a list of 15 creative writing summer programs in Australia for high school students. Here you will find a range of opportunities that align with your interests, whether you are hoping to finish a story you have been working on for months, discover new genres, or simply write more than you ever have before.

For adjacent opportunities, consider the online writing program.

Key takeaways

• Bond University’s Learn for Credit Creative Writing course costs AUD 99 and can count toward both a Bond University subject and points toward the Queensland Certificate of Education if paired with other Bond courses.
• Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Sydney Summer School takes place at the University of Sydney with classes of seven to 10 students, open to students worldwide aged 13 to 18.
• The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Creative Writing Excellence Program is completely free and culminates in students’ writing being published in an anthology presented at a graduation ceremony.
• The University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program lets students enroll as actual university students in Creative Writing: Introduction, earning 10 units of credit toward most undergraduate degrees at Newcastle.
• Story Factory’s After-School Programs and School Programs are both completely free, giving students access to volunteer tutors and the chance to have work published or professionally recorded.
• The University of Queensland’s Effective Thinking and Writing course is free but restricted to students from specific equity backgrounds, offering one adjustment to a student’s UQ entrance rank upon completion.
• Writing NSW’s Art of Poetry course costs AUD 690 and requires students to be at least 18 years old, making it one of the only programs in this list not designed specifically for high schoolers.
• Program costs for creative writing programs in Australia range from free options like Story Factory and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s CWEP to AUD 690 for Writing NSW’s Art of Poetry course.

15 Creative Writing Summer Programs in Australia for High School Students

1. Bond University Learn for Credit: Creative Writing 

Location: Online or Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland
Cost: AUD 99
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 29-30 | September 28-29 + online modules (~12 hours)
Application deadline: June 22nd (June session) | September 21st (September session)
Eligibility: High school students in Years 11 and 12; international students may be eligible 

This course lets you build your creative writing skills through six online modules covering topics like narrative structure, showing versus telling, plotting, and self-editing, taught by a journalist and author as well as a short on-campus experience. You will attend a two-day, in-person workshop on the Bond University campus, where you will critique and improve your own writing through close analysis of a published short story and a guided writing exercise built around a prompt. 

You can choose to attend just the in-person workshop, or complete the full course, including online modules, additional readings, and assessment, for around 25 total hours of learning. If you complete this course along with four other Bond “Learn for Credit” experiences, you may be able to apply for credit toward a 10cp Bond University subject and earn two points toward your Queensland Certificate of Education.

Why it stands out: Your participation will count toward both university credit and your Queensland Certificate of Education if paired with other Bond courses, making it a practical academic payoff beyond the workshop experience.

2. Immerse Education’s Sydney Creative Writing Summer School

Location: University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Program dates: Vary by session; two-week sessions in January and July
Application deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18, from around the world

Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Sydney Summer School, part of the broader Academic Insights program, offers students the opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes taught by academic experts at the University of Sydney. You will attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with your tutor, as well as undertake tours to local attractions. You will participate in writing exercises and workshops to explore genres, including poetry and fiction. 

In the advanced track designed for 16 – 18-year-olds, you will work on storytelling techniques, editing, and character development. At the end of the program, you will receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It pairs you with university-level tutors in focused groups, helping you deepen subject knowledge and gain rigorous academic mentorship.

3. University of Sydney CCE’s Years 10-12 Course: Essay Writing

Location: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
Cost: AUD 440
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8-20 students per class
Program dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: Open enrollment with rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students worldwide in years 10-12, ages ~15-18

The Essay Writing course offered by the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education is designed for students in Years 10 to 12 who are interested in strengthening the skills needed for essays across a range of school subjects. 

You will learn how to plan and structure essays, build evidence-based arguments, and write with a clear, formal style aligned with NESA standards. The schedule will include writing practice and sessions focused on individual feedback from the instructor. The course will additionally offer insight into past exam questions, marking guidelines, and high-scoring responses.

Why it stands out: Along with improving your essay writing, you will receive individual feedback and learn how NESA examiners assess essays, helping you prepare for assignments and exams.

4. University of the Sunshine Coast’s Creative Writing Excellence Program (CWEP)

Location: Various sites in Queensland, Australia
Cost: Free; funded by UniSC and the Australian Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Vary by school
Application deadline: Varies by school
Eligibility: Students in Years 7-11 in Australia

CWEP is a widening-participation program designed to introduce students to creative writing while giving them a taste of university life. Delivered by USC creative writing academics, the program will cover the fundamentals of narrative writing alongside analytical and grammar skills that you can apply across your broader schoolwork. 

At the end of the program, your writing will be published in an anthology, which will be presented to you at a graduation ceremony and also placed in your school library. The experience can prepare you for university-level education and advanced writing.

Why it stands out: You will practice writing and contribute to a published anthology of your work, earning a tangible, shareable writing credit at the end.

5. University of Queensland’s Effective Thinking and Writing (WRIT1999)

Location: University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, Brisbane, Queensland
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: January 11-15
Application deadline: November 29th
Eligibility: Students who are in Year 11 and meet at least one of the following criteria: enrolled in a Queensland school at or below a 1000 ICSEA score, educationally or financially disadvantaged as affirmed by their school principal, an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student enrolled in any Queensland school, or a participant in UQ’s Young Achievers Program; students must also hold a minimum average grade of B across at least four subjects and no less than a C in Year 11 English, and be based in Queensland, Australia

Offered through UQ’s Enhanced Studies Program, this writing course is designed to help students from specific equity backgrounds strengthen their academic skills ahead of Year 12 and improve their access to university. Over five days, you will build skills in gathering and evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, and presenting your findings effectively.

If you complete the course successfully, you will be eligible for one adjustment to your UQ entrance rank through the university’s Subject Incentive Scheme. You may also later be able to apply completed coursework toward credit if you enroll in a relevant UQ degree. The experience can prepare you for formal writing and argumentation.

Why it stands out: You get to improve writing skills and boost your university entrance rank upon completion while learning on the University of Queensland campus.

6. University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program – Creative Writing: Introduction (ENGL1201)

Location: University of Newcastle (NUspace campus), Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Cost: AUD 450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: 15-week courses (specific weekly schedule TBA; the broader program typically runs from February to May)
Application deadline: Not specified; the next application window opens in September
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high performance in their studies and meet at least one citizenship/residency requirement (Australian citizen, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or dual Australian/New Zealand citizen)

As one of the most credit-focused creative writing summer programs in Australia for high school students, the High Performing Students Program lets you take an actual first-year University of Newcastle unit while still in high school, earning credit toward a future degree if you complete it successfully. In Creative Writing: Introduction, you will read and discuss novels, poetry, and plays to examine how writers construct their stories, while also getting hands-on practice writing your own creative work.

As a participant, you will be formally enrolled as a university student, gaining access to academic learning support, wellbeing resources, the university’s careers service, and campus libraries throughout the course. Successful completion of ENGL1201 will count as 10 units of unspecified credit toward most undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle.

Why it stands out: It lets you enroll as an actual university student in a real course, offering a credit that counts toward a future Newcastle degree.

7. Story Factory After-School Programs

Location: Multiple locations across New South Wales (NSW)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies based on program type; typically up to 20 students/session
Program dates: Varying by program type; typically, once a week during a school term
Application deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Students in years 3-12 in Australia; grade level varies by program, with many options open to high school students. Some programs may be open to eligible schools

The Story Factory runs a range of after-school programs that are free creative writing workshops for school-age students. Each workshop will explore a different form of writing, with options ranging from speculative fiction and poetry to collaborative storytelling. 

You will spend a few weeks or months developing your writing based on feedback offered by Story Factory facilitators. You may learn how to build characters for fictional pieces, engage in world-building, craft poetry, or complete original pieces, depending on the session you choose. Certain programs also let you contribute to a published book or professionally recorded project.

Why it stands out: You get to choose from various free workshops and explore new writing styles and create work that can be published or professionally recorded.

8. Story Factory’s School Programs

Location: Various schools or Story Factory Centre at Redfern/Bedwill/Parramatta, NSW
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: As decided by the school
Program dates: Varying based on length requested by the school; one-off workshop run for two hours and term-long workshop run for eight weeks
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in years 7-12 in Australia (applications need to be submitted by schools); eligible schools typically have an ICSEA below 1000, and/or a considerable number of students who are indigenous/from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Story Factory runs a series of creative writing workshops for students through various schools, providing opportunities to refine writing skills and creativity. Based on your school’s preference, you can attend two-hour workshops each week during the term. During each session, you will practice writing and receive individual guidance from volunteer tutors. 

You may build a character in a short story, develop short pieces based on the workshop theme, write poems, or explore essay writing, depending on the session focus and your grade level. The experience can help you explore different writing styles, skills, and genres.

Why it stands out: It lets students explore multiple forms of creative writing and develop original pieces in a collaborative environment. 

9. State Library of NSW’s Creative Writing Adventures

Location: Sydney, NSW
Cost: AUD 200 for groups up to 15 | AUD 360 for groups of 16-30 students | No fees for students from Australian schools with an ICSEA value of less than 1000 or special schools as defined by ACARA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Set by the school; sessions run for 1.5 hours Monday – Friday
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Kindergarten through secondary school students; applications must be submitted by schools

The State Library of NSW’s Creative Writing Adventures is a 90-minute workshop that uses the Library’s collections to inspire your writing. You will spend the session exploring reading rooms and galleries at the venue. You will also complete guided writing activities based on what you discover during the workshop. 

You will learn about language rules and explore how to express your ideas creatively, fine-tune your text, and develop pieces for different audiences. By the end of the session, your work will be compiled into a digital collection that you can revisit and share with your class.

Why it stands out: You will use historic collections and library spaces as writing prompts, turning a library visit into a hands-on creative writing experience.

10. Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary School Days

Location: The Concourse, Chatswood, NSW; Sydney Town Hall, Sydney, NSW
Cost: AUD 29 | Free tickets for schools with ICSEA < 1,000 attending Sydney Town Hall (tentative, based on previous years) 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: May 25-26 (tentative)
Application deadline: Not specified; early booking recommended for free tickets
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (primarily for Years 7-10 but open to all secondary students)

The Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary School Days brings high school students together for a day of talks led by Australia’s leading authors. Across five sessions, you will hear writers discuss their books, creative process, and the ideas behind their work while exploring different perspectives on literature. 

The lineup may include authors across genres like mystery, thriller, fantasy, and romance, depending on the festival’s plans. The event is designed to inspire your own writing and introduce you to contemporary Australian voices.

Why it stands out: You will hear directly from published authors and learn how they develop ideas, shape stories, and approach the writing process.

11. University of Sydney Centre for Continuing Education’s Creative Writing Course

Location: University of Sydney CCE Building, Sydney, NSW (online option available)
Cost: AUD 480 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8-20 students per class
Program dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: Open enrollment with rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Open to all and designed for both beginners and experienced writers

The University of Sydney Centre for Continuing Education’s Creative Writing Course is designed to help you explore fundamentals of writing and build skills in developing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. 

You will practice developing your voice, characterization, structure, sentence craft, editing, and place through weekly writing exercises and readings. An experienced writer will lead the workshops. You will receive regular feedback from both the instructor and your peers to help you refine your work.

Why it stands out: It focuses on the craft of writing, helping you develop your own voice while receiving consistent feedback on your work.

12. Sydney Writers’ Festival Student Sessions

Location: Carriageworks, Eveleigh, NSW (tentative; details for the next cycle TBA)
Cost: AUD 10/session (up to three sessions); free for schools with ICSEA < 1,000 (tentative, based on previous years)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: May 20th (tentative)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to all students | Recommended for Years 11 and 12

Designed for students in Years 11 and 12, the Sydney Writers’ Festival Student Sessions are one-day events designed to help explore the craft of writing through discussions with authors, editors, and literary experts. You can attend one, two, or three 45-minute sessions throughout the day. 

You can choose from two tracks: The Craft of Writing, which focuses on short fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry, and the Spotlight Series, which focuses on critical response, studying Shakespeare, and the editing process from manuscript to published book. Each session will be structured as a panel discussion featuring practicing editors, authors, critics, and academics, moderated by experienced secondary school educators to ensure the conversations connect to students’ educational experience.

Why it stands out: You get to tailor your own program by choosing sessions that support your English studies, creative writing, or Extension English Major Work.

13. The Writing Workshop Sessions

Location: Live online via Zoom
Cost: AUD 420
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 22nd – September 23rd
Application deadline: Open till spots fill
Eligibility: Students in years 10-12; international students are welcome to apply

The Writing Workshop’s Wednesday Evening Creative Writing Group is a 10-week online program for students in Years 10 to 12 who want to develop their creative writing. You will meet once a week to experiment with imaginative writing. 

In the process, you will build confidence in creating original pieces and refining your ideas. The experience can help you learn how to apply theory to original creative work and use feedback to improve your writing while working in a supportive group setting.

Why it stands out: It offers a flexible, weekly format, giving you time to write, receive feedback, and develop your creativity over an entire school term.

14. Sydney Community College’s Creative Writing Course: Fairy Tales and Lore

Location: Sydney Community College Rozelle Campus, NSW
Cost: AUD 279 (tentative)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 11-25 (based on previous cycle; next cycle dates TBA)
Application deadline: Open till full
Eligibility: Local students and adults over 16

This short course at Sydney Community College is a writing class designed to help you sharpen creativity with a focus on writing fairy tales. You will begin the program by examining the origins of fairy tales and exploring the link between nature and fairy tales on a walking tour of Callan Park. 

The modules will cover various fairy tale themes and characters, and let you build unique characters for your own fairy tale. You will receive feedback from peers to edit your work. In the process, you will develop writing habits, skills, and your own storytelling techniques.

Why it stands out: You get to practice fiction writing techniques through peer feedback, outdoor exploration, and classroom sessions, all within two weeks.

15. Writing NSW’s The Art of Poetry Course

Location: Writing NSW, Lilyfield, NSW
Cost: AUD 690; discounted pricing available for members
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, up to 20 students/course
Program dates: February 24th – March 31st (six Tuesdays)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Local students who are at least 18 years old

Writing NSW’s Art of Poetry with Judith Beveridge is a six-week course designed to introduce learners to the craft of writing poetry. You will study the work of established poets through readings, lectures, and workshop discussions. 

The course will also cover different poetic forms and let you explore how imagery, metaphor, rhythm, lineation, and sound shape a poem. You will additionally receive feedback on your own writing and develop the critical skills needed to read and refine poetry.

Why it stands out: You will study poetry led by a poet while developing both your writing skills and your understanding of how poems are crafted.

Frequently asked questions: Creative writing summer programs in Australia for high school students

Are creative writing summer programs in Australia open to international students?

Most are, including Bond University’s Learn for Credit course, Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Sydney Summer School, and the University of Sydney CCE’s writing courses. A few programs have residency or citizenship requirements, like the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program, which requires Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. Immerse Education is explicitly open globally to students aged 13 to 18.

How much do creative writing programs in Australia cost?

Costs vary considerably by format and institution. Free options include the University of the Sunshine Coast’s CWEP, Story Factory’s programs, and the University of Queensland’s Effective Thinking and Writing course. Mid-range programs include the University of Sydney CCE’s courses at AUD 440 to 480, while Writing NSW’s Art of Poetry course costs AUD 690. Financial aid and fee waivers are available for several programs, including those tied to ICSEA-based school eligibility.

Do creative writing programs in Australia award academic credit?

Some do, though it varies. The University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program awards 10 units of credit toward most undergraduate degrees, and Bond University’s course can count toward a future Bond subject when paired with other Learn for Credit experiences. The University of Queensland’s course can adjust your entrance rank rather than award direct credit. Most others, including Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Sydney Summer School, provide a certificate of completion rather than formal credit.

What is the difference between a university-hosted course and a community program like Story Factory?

University-hosted courses, like the University of Sydney CCE’s Creative Writing Course or the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program, place you in a formal academic setting with structured assessment and sometimes credit. Community programs, like Story Factory’s After-School and School Programs, instead operate through volunteer tutors in a more informal, ongoing workshop format, often free of charge. If you want university-level rigor and potential credit, a university-hosted course offers that; if you want accessible, ongoing practice, a community program provides ongoing support.

How selective are creative writing programs in Australia?

Selectivity varies by program type. The University of Queensland’s Effective Thinking and Writing course requires meeting specific equity and academic criteria, while most other programs, including Immerse Education and the University of Sydney CCE courses, use open or rolling enrollment. Regardless of selectivity, meeting specific eligibility details, like minimum age for Writing NSW’s course or ICSEA thresholds for fee waivers, matters as much as writing ability.

Is Immerse Education a good option for exploring creative writing in Australia?

Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Sydney Summer School is a strong choice if you want university-level mentorship at the University of Sydney without needing Australian residency. The two week program places you in small groups of seven to 10 students, working on storytelling techniques, editing, and character development in the advanced track for 16 to 18 year olds. You’ll receive written feedback and a certificate of completion, giving you concrete material for future applications regardless of where you live.

Your Creative Writing Program Was Just The First Draft

Choosing among these creative writing summer programs in Australia for high school students gives you real workshop experience in storytelling, feedback, and revision.

Once the program ends, you can turn that draft work into a clearer sense of your academic and creative direction.

The writing skills, confidence, and critique experience you built become a strong foundation for stronger university applications ahead.

Keep building on what you started this summer by exploring our University Preparation blogs for guidance on your next steps.