Iowa Young Writers' Studio - 6-Week Online Creative Writing Course
University of Iowa writing certificate
University of Iowa's six-week online creative writing course for high school students in grades 9-12, led by faculty connected to the world-renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Mode
Online
Fee
$475
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Six weeks
Time needed
3 to 4 hours a week for 6 weeks
Eligibility
Open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 from any country. Admission is competitive and requires a writing sample and statement of purpose.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, or the equivalent, and demonstrate a serious commitment to creative writing.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
University of Iowa Letter of Completion
Certificate from Iowa Young Writers Studio, recognised in university applications
Opens doors to
Provides a significant advantage for admissions to English, creative writing, and humanities programs at leading universities.
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 15 Sept 2026
- Registration closed
- 4 Nov 2026
- Dates
- 17 Jan 2027 to 27 Feb 2027
Online · University of Iowa Online Learning Platform
How to apply
- 1Sign up on Submittable using student's name and email
- 2Complete the online application form
- 3Upload a signed parental permission form
Rules and guidelines
- All submitted work must be original and adhere to academic integrity standards.
- Participants are expected to actively engage in online discussions and provide constructive feedback.
- Meet weekly deadlines for assignments and discussions.
- Maintain respectful and collaborative behavior in all online interactions.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Computer or laptop with word processing software
- Access to Submittable platform
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Programme fee of USD 475 for the six-week session. Need-based financial assistance, including full and partial tuition grants, is available for accepted students.
About this opportunity
The Iowa Young Writers' Studio Six-Week Online Programme is a prestigious creative writing course offered by the University of Iowa, home to one of the world's most celebrated literary education programmes. Running for six weeks from mid-June through late July, the programme is designed for high school students in grades 9 through 12 who are seriously committed to developing their craft in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, or creative nonfiction.
Participants are placed in small workshop groups led by experienced University of Iowa instructors, where they share original writing and receive detailed craft feedback throughout the course. The curriculum emphasises close reading of published works, intensive writing practice, and the craft elements that distinguish strong literary writing. Students benefit from the mentorship of instructors connected to the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop, considered one of the finest graduate creative writing programmes in the world. The six-week format allows participants to develop a substantial body of work while building lasting skills in revision, voice, and narrative structure.
Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate from the University of Iowa's Iowa Young Writers' Studio, a credential recognised by university admissions officers as evidence of serious literary engagement. The programme fee is USD 475, making it among the most accessible internationally recognised creative writing programmes for high school students. Admission is competitive, with applicants required to submit a writing sample and a personal statement demonstrating their engagement with literature and creative writing.
The programme has helped launch the careers of published authors and has served as a significant credential for students pursuing English, creative writing, and humanities at leading universities worldwide.
What your child will do
- Workshop groups
- Sharing original writing
- Receiving craft feedback
- Close reading of published works
- Intensive writing practice
Course details
Trainers
Experienced University of Iowa instructors connected to the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The curriculum emphasizes close reading of published works, intensive writing practice, and the craft elements that distinguish strong literary writing. Students engage in small workshop groups, sharing original writing and receiving detailed feedback. Key aspects covered include detail, image, voice, point of view, character, story, plot, setting, drafting, and and revision.
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary learning outcomes students can expect from this six-week online creative writing course?
Students can expect to significantly enhance their craft in chosen genres like fiction or poetry, develop a substantial portfolio of polished work, and gain critical skills in literary analysis, revision, and peer feedback. The course aims to foster a deeper understanding of narrative structure, voice, and character development.
How much time commitment is typically required each week for successful completion of the course, given its asynchronous format?
Participants should anticipate dedicating approximately 3-4 hours per week to course activities. This includes engaging with writing assignments, reading assigned materials, providing constructive critiques to classmates, and actively participating in online discussions. While flexible, weekly deadlines must be met.
Are there any specific prerequisite skills or prior writing experience necessary for students to thrive in this program?
While a passionate interest in writing is key, formal advanced writing experience is not strictly required. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills in English and demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to learning. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is also a prerequisite.
What is the value of the University of Iowa certificate received upon successful completion of the course?
The University of Iowa certificate serves as a recognized credential by university admissions officers, particularly for students applying to English, creative writing, and humanities programs. It signifies serious literary engagement and a commitment to developing advanced writing skills under the guidance of a prestigious institution.
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