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Next Intake: Opens this coming September
Deadline for Applications: November 30 for the following September
Deadline for reference letters: December 31
Completion Time: 20 months / 5 terms (full-time resident students only)
Contact Person: Elena Stalwick, Graduate Secretary, 250-721-7306, writing@uvic.ca

• One-on-one mentorship from award-winning writers in a Department of Writing that has offered one of Canada's top creative writing programs since 1966.
• A small "boutique" MFA that accepts only one student in each genre, or five per year.
• Our graduate program is one of only three in Canada offering an MFA in writing, rather than an MA in English with a creative-writing option.
• Our graduate students have a chance to gain hands-on experience in classroom teaching through paid teaching assistantships in creative writing rather than in English literature.
• The program is designed so teaching will be one of the skills our graduates acquire to prepare them for the job market. As far as we know, no other Canadian institution presently includes an emphasis on the teaching of writing as well as the writing itself.

• To provide one-on-one mentorship to creative writers who have a proven talent and passion for one or more of five genres—creative nonfiction, fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, poetry, as well as hybrid forms—as they develop a significant body of work.
• To help students develop an editor's objective eye, a professional writer's understanding of craft and industry standards, and the skills of a writing teacher.
• To create MFA graduates ready to publish and to be candidates for teaching jobs at the post-secondary level.
• To connect students to a community of writers and creators in a supportive environment.

We select candidates with a strong portfolio of writing in the genre of their choice, and those whose letter of intent speaks to an engaging future project. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum cumulative GPA of B is generally required. We emphasize that applicants should focus on creating a strong writing portfolio and letter of intent to be considered for admission.

You do not need a supervisor to apply. Applications will be reviewed by faculty members once all have been received. No decisions are made until that time.

All eligible incoming MFAs receive a generous entrance fellowship and are eligible for further scholarships and awards over the two-year program. Students will be given advance notice of upcoming scholarships and awards along with information on how to apply. Canadians and permanent residents may apply for scholarships and research scholarships.

Please see here for UVic’s tuition calculator.

International applicants should consult with the International Programs and Student Supports Office, where qualified advisors can answer questions regarding visas, work permits, settlement, immigration, and other matters specific to international students. Please see here for contact details, and do check with them before applying.  

Successful applicants to the MFA in writing should have an undergraduate bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from a postsecondary institution recognized by UVic. See How to Apply for application details.

The Department of Writing offers workshops and seminars in five genres in which our faculty members specialize. Hybrid forms, such as interactive narrative, are welcome.

• Poetry (Shane Book, Gregory Scofield)
• Fiction (Lee Henderson, Wayde Compton)
• Creative nonfiction (David Leach, Deborah Campbell, Danielle Geller)
• Playwriting (Kevin Kerr)
• Screenwriting (Mo Bradley, Kathryn Mockler)

The MFA is a two-year program in which students will be required to complete six courses (1.5 units each) as well as a major writing project (9 units). There are five mandatory courses and one elective. Typically, you will take three courses in each of the first two terms of study and complete the major writing portfolio during the next three terms. Transfer credits will not be accepted and mandatory courses may not be substituted.

Students will attend weekly three-hour seminars and workshops. With some exceptions, courses are held on campus in-person and attendance is mandatory.

UVic classifies courses according to units rather than credits. One course is 1.5 units, which is equivalent to a 3-credit course.

Over the five (5) full terms of the program, students must remain enrolled in a minimum of 3.0 units per term. Please be aware that not all courses have the same unit allocation (e.g. 1.5 units; 3.0 units; 9.0 units).

No. Our MFA is a two-year full-time program with a residency requirement of at least one year. Once students have completed the required courses, they may opt to work on their major project remotely.

UVic is home to the largest graduate co-op program in Canada. Students can add a co-op to their MFA for work experience in their field of study. Co-op students often find permanent positions with their former co-op employers after graduation. Those who opt to register for co-op will complete two four-month work terms, extending their program duration to seven (7) consecutive four-month terms rather than the usual five. 

To find out more about Co-op, see here.

Course assignments will be evaluated following the regular Department of Writing marking grid (that is, from A+ to F). The major writing project and oral exam will be evaluated as a pass or fail. There is be no candidacy exam.

The department does not have the capacity to allow successful applicants to defer acceptance into the program. Declining acceptance into the program will not hinder a subsequent application, however, the department will not guarantee a position in the program, as quality of applications differs from year to year.