Deadline: September 19, 2025
Are you an African writer with a compelling book idea? The Morland African Writing Scholarships 2025 are now open for applications! This prestigious scholarship offers selected writers a chance to receive £18,000 to complete a full-length manuscript over 12 months. If you’ve published work before and dream of writing your first book, this could be your breakthrough moment.
What is the Morland African Writing Scholarships 2025?
The Morland African Writing Scholarships 2025 are awarded annually by the Miles Morland Foundation to four outstanding African writers. The programme supports writers working on their first book of fiction or non-fiction in English, with monthly stipends to give them the time and resources to write.
Each fiction scholar receives £18,000 paid over 12 months. Non-fiction writers can also apply for extended support (up to 18 months) depending on the scope of their project.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | July 1, 2025 |
| Application deadline | September 19, 2025 |
| Shortlisted applicants notified | Late October 2025 |
| Final scholars announced | November 2025 |
| Writing period begins | Any time between Jan–Jun 2026 |
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be born in Africa or have both parents born in Africa
- Submit a proposal for a first full-length book (minimum 80,000 words)
- Be writing in English
- Have a previously published excerpt (2,000–5,000 words) with proof of publication and sales
- Submit all required documents within the deadline
What You Need to Submit
Applicants must submit the following:
- Published writing sample (2,000–5,000 words)
- Book proposal (400–1,000 words)
- A short bio (200–300 words)
- Proof of African heritage (such as birth certificates or parents’ documentation)
- Optional: Mention where you heard about the scholarship
If shortlisted, candidates will need to submit a sample chapter (3,000–4,000 words) within ~15 days for the final selection.
Scholarship Conditions
Scholars are expected to:
- Submit 10,000 new words every month during the scholarship period
- Focus exclusively on completing their manuscript during the funded year
- Optionally repay 20% of any future book or film earnings as a “debt of honour” (not a legal obligation)
Meet the Judges
The judging panel for 2025 includes renowned literary figures, with Goretti Kyomuhendo (founder of the African Writers’ Trust) joining the team. She replaces Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, who served for six years. The judges will shortlist and select scholars based on quality, originality, and viability of the proposed manuscript.
How to Apply
Ready to start your journey as a Morland Scholar? Here’s what to do:
🔗 Click here to apply
🔗 Read more about the programme
Why You Should Apply
The Morland African Writing Scholarships have launched the careers of many top African writers. It’s one of the most sought-after fellowships on the continent. With financial support and literary credibility, scholars are empowered to bring their book projects to life without financial constraints.
Need help with your application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review support.
