The Morland African Writing Scholarships remain one of the most prestigious awards available to writers from the continent. Since its inception, the programme has played a vital role in supporting African voices, enabling authors to focus on their craft without the distraction of financial constraints.
Over the years, the Miles Morland Foundation (MMF) has built a reputation for nurturing creativity, offering a platform for writers whose works continue to shape African literature on the global stage. The scholarships have provided opportunities for authors across genres to complete manuscripts that may otherwise have remained unfinished.
For the 2025 edition, the foundation reaffirms its mission to strengthen storytelling by granting selected writers the resources and freedom to produce the first draft of a book. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate originality, depth of thought, and a strong commitment to African narratives.
Grant Details
- Each scholar will be awarded £18,000, paid in monthly instalments over 12 months.
- Non-fiction writers whose projects demand extensive research may qualify for an extended grant of up to 18 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to writers born in Africa, or to applicants with both parents born in Africa.
- All submissions must be in English.
Requirements
- Submission Excerpt:
- A 2,000–5,000-word extract from a published and commercially available work written in English.
- Applicants must provide evidence of publication and sales.
- Supporting Documents:
- A scanned copy of an official document confirming the applicant’s or parents’ African birth.
- A 400–1,000-word outline of the proposed new book.
- A 200–300-word biography.
- A brief explanation of how the applicant learned about the scholarship.
- Writing Obligation:
- Recipients are expected to submit a minimum of 10,000 new words each month until the draft is completed.
- If the manuscript is finished ahead of schedule, monthly payments will continue during the editing period.
How to Apply
- Applications should be submitted via the official online portal
- Full details are available at: Morland African Writing Scholarships
Additional Notes
- The Miles Morland Foundation is committed to advancing African literature and amplifying the continent’s voices.
- Applicants must ensure all required materials are submitted no later than 22 September 2025.
APPLY FOR THE MORLAND WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
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