AK Travels Limited

Applications are open for the International Writers Workshop 2027 in Hong Kong. This fully funded writers’ residency is officially known as the 2027 Writers-in-Residence Programme of the International Writers’ Workshop (IWW) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).

The programme invites international writers to spend four weeks in Hong Kong as writers-in-residence. Selected writers will participate in literary activities, public events, discussions, and the annual IWW Literary Festival.

The 2027 edition will run from 26 February 2027 to 25 March 2027 and will culminate in the IWW Literary Festival with the theme “Inheritance.”

Summary

• Programme Name: International Writers’ Workshop 2027 Writers-in-Residence Programme
• Host Institution: Hong Kong Baptist University
• Host Unit: International Writers’ Workshop
• Host Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Host Location: Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Writers’ Residency
• Eligible Applicants: International writers residing outside Hong Kong
• Residency Duration: 4 weeks
• Programme Dates: 26 February 2027 to 25 March 2027
• Festival Theme: Inheritance
• Funding Coverage: Roundtrip economy airfare, campus accommodation, and per diem
• Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
• Application Mode: Email submission
• Official Email: iww@hkbu.edu.hk
• Official Website: https://iww.hkbu.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2027-IWW-WR-Call-for-Application.pdf

About the International Writers’ Workshop 2027

The International Writers’ Workshop (IWW) at Hong Kong Baptist University is a respected literary programme that brings together writers from different parts of the world for creative exchange, public engagement, and literary collaboration.

Founded in 2004, the IWW has hosted more than 150 writers from over 60 countries. Through its Writers-in-Residence Programme, selected writers are invited to Hong Kong to engage with the university community, local literary audiences, and fellow writers.

The 2027 Writers-in-Residence Programme will focus on the theme “Inheritance.” Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how their creative work connects with this theme, although it is not compulsory for their work to directly address it.

Programme Benefits

The International Writers Workshop 2027 is fully funded for selected writers.

The programme provides:

• Roundtrip economy class airfare
• Accommodation on HKBU’s campus for 4 weeks
• A per diem during the residency period
• Opportunity to participate in the IWW Literary Festival
• Opportunity to engage with writers, students, academics, and literary audiences
• Exposure to Hong Kong’s literary and cultural environment
• International networking with other writers-in-residence
• Public reading and literary discussion opportunities
• Time and space to focus on creative work

Residency Theme: Inheritance

The theme for the 2027 IWW Literary Festival is “Inheritance.”

This theme may be explored in different creative and intellectual ways, including:

• Family history
• Cultural memory
• Language and identity
• Migration and belonging
• Tradition and change
• Literary influence
• Generational experience
• Personal and collective memory
• Historical responsibility
• The passing down of stories, values, trauma, or knowledge

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to explain how their work relates to the theme of inheritance.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the International Writers Workshop 2027, applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Have at least one published literary book with a press
• Note that self-published books are not eligible
• Currently reside outside Hong Kong
• Have a functional command of English or Chinese
• For Chinese, applicants may use Mandarin or Cantonese
• Be available to attend the full residency programme in Hong Kong
• Be willing to participate in required literary events and activities
• Submit a complete application before the deadline

Who Should Apply?

This programme is suitable for established and emerging literary writers who already have at least one published book with a recognised press.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Fiction writers
• Poets
• Creative non-fiction writers
• Essayists
• Playwrights
• Literary translators
• Writers working across literary forms
• Writers interested in international literary exchange
• Writers whose work engages with culture, memory, language, identity, history, or inheritance

Applicants should ensure that their literary background and published work meet the official eligibility requirements before applying.

Residency Programme Requirements

Selected writers-in-residence are expected to participate actively in the programme.

Programme requirements may include:

• Attending the full four-week residency in Hong Kong
• Participating in the IWW Literary Festival
• Taking part in literary readings and discussions
• Engaging with HKBU students, faculty, and the wider literary community
• Participating in public or academic literary events
• Being available for programme activities arranged by IWW
• Contributing meaningfully to the theme and spirit of the residency

Applicants should apply only if they are available for the full residency period from 26 February 2027 to 25 March 2027.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the required materials before submitting their application.

The application materials may include:

• Completed application form
• Updated CV or literary résumé
• List of published works
• Proof of at least one published literary book with a press
• Writing sample
• Personal statement or motivation statement
• Statement explaining interest in the residency
• Statement on how the applicant’s work may connect to the theme “Inheritance,” if applicable
• Passport or identification details, if requested
• Any other supporting document required in the official call

Applicants should carefully read the official PDF call for the exact application requirements and document format before submitting.

How to Apply for International Writers Workshop 2027

Interested applicants should apply by following the official application instructions provided by the International Writers’ Workshop at HKBU.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official International Writers’ Workshop 2027 call for applications.
2. Read the full PDF application guidelines carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
4. Prepare all required application materials.
5. Ensure that your published book was released by a press and is not self-published.
6. Prepare your CV, writing sample, and supporting documents.
7. Complete the application form if provided in the official call.
8. Combine or arrange your documents according to the official instructions.
9. Submit your application by email to the official IWW email address.
10. Submit your application before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the International Writers Workshop 2027 is:

14 August 2026

Applicants are advised to submit their application early and avoid waiting until the final day.

Contact Information

For enquiries, applicants may contact the International Writers’ Workshop at Hong Kong Baptist University through the official email address:

iww@hkbu.edu.hk

Important Notes for Applicants

• The programme is fully funded.
• The residency will take place in Hong Kong.
• The host institution is Hong Kong Baptist University.
• The programme will run from 26 February 2027 to 25 March 2027.
• The 2027 festival theme is “Inheritance.”
• Applicants must currently reside outside Hong Kong.
• Applicants must have at least one published literary book with a press.
• Self-published books are not eligible.
• Applicants must have a functional command of English or Chinese.
• Selected writers must be available for the full residency period.
• Applications must be submitted before 14 August 2026.
• Applicants should follow only the official application instructions from HKBU IWW.

Official Application Link

Applicants should visit the official International Writers’ Workshop 2027 call for applications for complete details and application instructions:

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The International Writers Workshop 2027 in Hong Kong is a valuable fully funded opportunity for writers who want to develop their literary practice, connect with international writers, and participate in a respected literary residency at Hong Kong Baptist University.

At AK Travels LTD, we advise interested writers to prepare early, especially because the programme requires evidence of at least one published literary book with a press. Applicants should also ensure that their writing sample, CV, and motivation statement are strong, clear, and professionally presented.

Since this is a competitive international residency, applicants should carefully follow the official application instructions and submit a complete application before the deadline.