Creative writing is a specialized field, and formal study can help writers build a stronger portfolio, learn workshop practices, and understand the publishing landscape.
One of the primary goals of creative writing is to inspire new ways of thinking and develop original ideas, plots, voices, and characters. The practice of creative writing can also strengthen self-expression, communication, editing, and critical reading skills.
Courses in creative writing may help students develop this ability in a focused academic setting. Australian history and literature also play an important role in the field. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are among the oldest surviving cultures in the world, with long traditions of storytelling, songlines, art, and oral knowledge.
Australian authors have introduced readers to distinctive places, histories, and voices through creative writing. Henry Savery’s Quintus Servinton: A Tale Founded upon Incidents of Real Occurrence, printed in Hobart in 1830–31, is widely regarded as the first novel written and published in Australia.
Top Schools Offering Creative Writing in Australia
1. Deakin University
Our #1 recommendation is Deakin University, which offers a Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature for students who want to strengthen their writing, literary, editing, and research skills.
The course gives students the opportunity to explore creative writing, professional writing, editing, publishing, and literary study. Students can build advanced writing skills while developing a stronger understanding of writing practices and the contemporary publishing environment.
The Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature is a one-year full-time course, or part-time equivalent, and is structured around eight credit points. Deakin currently lists the course as available online, with a Burwood campus intake listed for 2027.
Deakin lists the 2026 estimated tuition fee for a one-year full-fee-paying place at AUD 27,800. Fees can vary by study load, unit selection, and student status, so students should check the official course page and their offer letter before applying.
Students can also review Deakin’s scholarship options. The Deakin Student Support Scholarship is aimed at eligible domestic students, while international students should check current international scholarship options such as the Deakin International Scholarship and Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship.
2. Macquire University
Macquarie University is a major Sydney university and is currently ranked 126th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Its Business School, rather than the creative writing program specifically, is accredited by AACSB.
Macquarie offers creative writing study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate students can study Creative Writing as an 80-credit-point major within the Bachelor of Arts, which is normally completed in three years of full-time study.
Students majoring in Creative Writing gain both academic and practical experience. They study creative and critical approaches to writing, develop a portfolio, and explore areas such as literature, editing, publishing, and digital writing.
Macquarie also offers a Master of Creative Writing. The master’s program can be completed in one year full-time or the equivalent part-time, with study options listed as on campus and off campus. The program helps students develop work across forms such as poetry, short fiction, novels, creative nonfiction, and related writing practices.
International tuition fees at Macquarie vary by course, year, and unit selection. The Australian Government’s Study Australia course listing currently shows total tuition of AUD 45,000 for Macquarie’s Master of Creative Writing, while Macquarie’s own fees information notes that tuition is reviewed yearly and should be checked against the official course page and offer letter.
Macquarie offers several scholarship options for international students. One of the main options is the Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, which is awarded to eligible international students based on academic merit and provides up to AUD 10,000 toward tuition fees.
3. Murdoch University
Murdoch University is a member of the Innovative Research Universities network. It offers an undergraduate English and Creative Writing major for students interested in literature, storytelling, creative practice, and critical analysis.
The English and Creative Writing major gives students the chance to deepen their understanding of literature and writing techniques. Students can study creative and critical writing while building skills that are useful in publishing, communications, journalism, arts administration, and related fields.
Murdoch lists this as a major rather than a stand-alone degree, so students apply through a related course such as the Bachelor of Arts or a combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts pathway. Study mode, availability, and unit choices may vary by student type and intake.
Because the major is completed as part of a broader degree, the final tuition cost depends on the course and units selected. Students should use Murdoch’s official course and fee information and confirm the amount in their offer letter before enrolling.
Murdoch also offers scholarship options for international students. For example, the International Welcome Scholarship 2026 provides a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students from listed countries who meet the scholarship conditions.
4. Griffith University
Since 1975, Griffith University has focused on teaching and research with an emphasis on social, environmental, and industry needs. Griffith states that it ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide according to major global ranking systems.
Through the Graduate Certificate in Creative and Professional Writing, students can develop practical writing skills for creative and professional contexts. The course is designed for students who want to improve their craft, strengthen their critical thinking, and gain a postgraduate qualification in writing.
The program is listed as an online graduate certificate, and the current indicative fee is AUD 13,750. Students should check Griffith’s official course page for the latest intake, availability, and fee information before applying.
Griffith’s writing-related study options can support students who want to explore creative practice, professional communication, publishing, and other writing-focused careers.
5. Adelaide University
Adelaide University offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Creative Writing. This program is designed to help students develop creative, critical, and professional writing skills while studying literary forms such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, and other genres.
Students majoring in Creative Writing can build knowledge of literary history, writing techniques, and social and cultural contexts. The degree also includes opportunities to develop a portfolio, study complementary areas, and complete work-integrated learning components.
The current Bachelor of Arts is listed as a three-year full-time, on-campus program at Adelaide City Campus. Adelaide University lists the 2026 indicative annual tuition fee for international students at AUD 43,400.
Students should review current Adelaide University scholarship options and eligibility criteria before applying. International scholarships can change by intake and student profile, so applicants should confirm the latest scholarship conditions directly with the university.
Australia has several strong creative writing and writing-related programs for international students. By comparing course structure, tuition, delivery mode, scholarships, and career goals, students can decide which Australian university is the best fit for their creative writing studies.
You can also visit the Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students pages for more articles about studying in Australia!
