MFA in Writing in Canada at UVic Canada

Program Overview for MFA in Writing in Canada:

Master your imagination. We are one of only three programs in Canada that offer MFA writing. Our courses emphasize how to write and how to teach writing. You will focus on perfecting your own type of work. We also encourage you to explore new formats, such as graphic novels or interactive media. 

You will work with international journal writers in a supportive environment. When he leaves our plan, he will get a beautiful job. We hope that the skills you master when you graduate will allow you to find a job as a writer or teacher. 

You will work closely with our experienced teachers, who will respect and nurture your creative voice. In our workshop courses, you will receive helpful reviews and positive comments. You will also learn to teach creative writing and encourage the creativity of others. If you are interested in publishing, you can do an internship in a literary magazine or British Columbia. 

You can specialize in one of five types: fiction, creative non-fiction, scriptwriting, screenwriting, and poetry. We usually accept only one applicant per gender per year.

Find a supervisor

All graduate students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. You don't need to confirm a supervisor before applying.

The eligibility for MFA in Writing in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

The MFA program focuses on five genres: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting.

An undergraduate degree in any discipline and from an accredited college or university in BC and from accredited post-secondary institutions from outside the province. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and a cumulative GPA of B.

There will be only one admission point: September of each year. We will accept only those prepared to commit to full-time studies in their first year's fall and spring semesters. Applicants will submit a portfolio consisting of samples of writing in the genre they wish to study. One of the following will be required: 10-15 pages of poetry; 20-30 pages of playwriting, screenwriting, fiction, or creative nonfiction. Professional experience, screenings, and publications will also be taken into account. These should be summarized in one to three pages.

Applicants must also submit a 400-word statement of purpose, including a description of the manuscript to be worked on and the specific area of expertise to be explored.

In addition to the letters of assessment required for admittance to Graduate Studies, the Department of Writing will require two letters of reference which will include the following: an assessment of the student’s academic standing, talent as a writer, critical ability, capacity for doing self-directed work, and teaching potential.

These are the test eligibilities for the MFA in Writing to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for MFA in Writing in Canada.

Contact the graduate secretary at writing@uvic.ca or 250-721-7306.

Graduate students registered in full-time programs are automatically considered for a fellowship. This is based on a qualifying GPA.

Individual award amounts may vary depending on the program.

UVic Fellowship Awards

• Up to $17,500 per year (masters)
• Up to $20,000 per year (Ph.D.)

UVic Graduate Awards

• Up to $10,000 per year (masters and PhD)

Eligibility

• The minimum requirement for funding consideration is an A- average on the last two years of coursework
• Domestic and international students are considered equally for funding
• Full-time registration (3.0 units) for UVic Fellowship holders and at least part-time registration (1.5 units) for UVic Graduate Award holders
• Full-time registration for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is 1.5 units

Every year we employ many graduate students to assist with teaching, research, and lab instruction.

• Their academic units hire teaching assistants (TAs) to assist with teaching and grading courses. These are unionized, hourly positions.
• Faculty members hire research assistants (RAs) to help with their research. These roles are sometimes called scientific assistants or laboratory instructors. RA salaries come from faculty members’ research grants. Because of this, RA hours, salary, and other details are worked out between you and the faculty member.

Work-study

The work-study program offers part-time jobs on campus that fit your course schedule.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Co-operative Education Program (co-op)

UVic is home to the largest graduate co-op program in Canada. You can add a co-op to your master’s or doctoral studies for work experience in your field of study.

Bursaries

We offer non-repayable bursaries based on financial needs.

To be eligible for a bursary, you must be:

• Already receiving the maximum government student loans available to you
• In full-time status as determined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In good academic standing