Learning creative writing is important for individuals who want to develop their artistic expression and storytelling skills. It gives aspiring writers a platform to practice their craft, explore their creativity, and learn a range of storytelling techniques.
Canada is a strong destination for studying creative writing because it has a rich literary culture, a diverse cultural setting, well-known writers, and universities with established writing programs and courses.
This article introduces some of the best creative writing schools in Canada, helping students interested in writing find the right place to learn and grow their talents.
Top Schools Offering Creative Writing in Canada
1. University of British Columbia
The School of Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia offers undergraduate options such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts major and a BA minor in Creative Writing, as well as MFA options at the graduate level. Students can study across a wide range of genres and learn from published, award-winning writers.
In addition to its creative writing courses, UBC offers writing support through its Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication, where UBC Vancouver students can access writing consultations, workshops, seminars, and resources. UBC Creative Writing also connects students with literary events and visiting writers, including programming connected with the Vancouver Writers Fest.
2. Concordia University
Another university that students interested in creative writing may want to consider is Concordia University. Concordia’s Department of English offers undergraduate Creative Writing options, including a BA major, minor, and honors program. At the graduate level, its MA in English includes a Creative Writing option centered on workshops, literary study, and a creative thesis.
Concordia is also well known for its urban setting. Its Sir George Williams Campus is located in the core of downtown Montreal, with access to public transportation, cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. This gives students opportunities to experience the city as part of their broader university life.
3. University of Toronto
If you are considering UBC and Concordia University, you may also want to learn more about the University of Toronto. UofT offers undergraduate Creative Writing programs at the major and minor levels, and its Department of English offers an MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing.
The MA in English in the Field of Creative Writing usually takes 18 to 24 months to complete. It includes graduate English coursework, creative writing workshops, and a supervised writing project completed under the direction of a mentor. The program can also lead to further doctoral study in English, making it a good option for students who want to combine creative practice with advanced literary research.
4. University of Victoria
The next institution on our list is the University of Victoria (UVic), which was established in 1963. UVic is located in Victoria, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, offering students access to a coastal city with both natural beauty and urban amenities.
UVic’s Department of Writing offers a writing major that can lead to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts, depending on the non-program courses selected. At the graduate level, the university offers an MFA in Writing, a full-time program that provides mentorship and workshops in areas such as fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, poetry, interactive narratives, and blended forms. UVic also highlights notable writing alumni such as Eden Robinson, who earned a BFA in Writing from the university.
UVic offers scholarships, awards, bursaries, and other financial aid options through Student Awards and Financial Aid. Students interested in the MFA should also review the Department of Writing’s graduate financial assistance information, as eligible MFA students may receive graduate fellowship support and may be considered for other scholarships and awards.
5. University of Guelph
Last but certainly not least, the University of Guelph offers a Creative Writing major at the undergraduate level and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at the graduate level. The undergraduate program allows students to study fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction, while the MFA includes workshops, plenary courses, and mentorship opportunities.
The University of Guelph’s MFA in Creative Writing is a University of Guelph degree program physically located at the University of Guelph-Humber campus in Toronto. In addition to its creative writing programs, Guelph offers campus recreation opportunities through its athletics and fitness facilities, including fitness programming, swimming facilities, fields, and arena access.
FAQs: Creative Writing Studies in Canada
Which Creative Writing Schools in Canada Offer scholarships for International Students?
Several Canadian universities, including those listed above, offer scholarships or awards that may be available to international students. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and application procedures vary by university, level of study, citizenship status, and year of entry, so students should always check each university’s official scholarships and awards page before applying.
One major example is the University of British Columbia (UBC), which offers the International Scholars Program for exceptional prospective international undergraduate students. This program includes the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which recognizes students with strong academic achievement, leadership skills, school or community involvement, and demonstrated financial need.
In Canada’s creative writing landscape, these five schools offer useful starting points for students who want structured workshops, mentorship, and exposure to literary communities. Through their programs and workshops, they help new writers develop craft, confidence, and a stronger understanding of the writing life.
We hope this article has been informative. If you are interested, check out the Study in Canada and Available Courses for International Students!
