It can be challenging for emerging writers to write while earning a living. To support them, the Miles Morland Foundation (MMF) annually awards a limited number of Morland Writing Scholarships, designed to give each Scholar time to produce the first draft of a completed book. The Scholarships are open to anyone writing in English who was born in Africa, or whose parents were both born in Africa.
Grant
Each Scholar receives £18,000, paid monthly over twelve months. Non-fiction writers who require additional research time may, at the Foundation’s discretion, receive an extended grant over up to 18 months.
Scholar’s Undertaking
- Submit 10,000 new words each month to the Foundation.
- Donate 20% of any subsequent earnings from the book written during the Scholarship period (including film rights, serialisations, or other revenues). This is considered a debt of honour, not legally binding.
Qualifications
- Submit a 2,000–5,000 word excerpt of work in English that has been published and offered for sale.
- The work will be judged purely on literary merit; academic, scientific, religious, or political works do not qualify.
Scholarship Requirement
The only condition is to write. Scholars must submit at least 10,000 new words monthly until the book or Scholarship term is complete.
If the first draft is finished early, payments continue while editing and refining.
Proposed Work
Submit a 400–1,000 word description of the proposed book, which must be full-length (80,000+ words), new, and in English.
Collaborative works or short story collections are not accepted.
Shortlisted candidates provide a 3,000–4,000 word sample chapter within 15 days. Notification of shortlisting occurs end of October.
Biography
Submit 200–300 words about yourself and your background. Further details may be requested for shortlisted candidates.
Fiction or Non-Fiction
Both fiction and non-fiction proposals are welcome. Non-fiction writers may receive up to 18 months at the Foundation’s discretion.
Starting Time
Scholars may begin between January and June following the award. Monthly submissions and payments begin at that time.
Accepted Works
Full-length adult fiction or non-fiction only. Poetry, plays, film scripts, children’s books, and short story collections do not qualify.
Mentoring
- Monthly submissions are not reviewed or commented on.
- Scholars may be mentored by an established author or publisher, usually after the Scholarship ends. The Foundation may cover mentorship costs. Scholars must secure their own agents and publishers.
Residency
This is not residential; Scholars may choose their own living arrangements.
Important Dates
Applications open 1st July 2025 and close 22nd September 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
FAQs & Enquiries
Visit the FAQs for further information.
Direct enquiries to scholarships@milesmorlandfoundation.com.
To apply, click the blue box on the website: ‘Morland Writing Scholarship Application’.
For full details, visit milesmorlandfoundation.com.
