Find answers to common questions about the Athena Writing Fellowship
The Athena Writing Fellowship is a comprehensive 12-week online programme designed to nurture emerging writers from Africa and the diaspora. We provide structured learning, mentorship, and community support to help writers develop their craft and build sustainable writing careers.
The fellowship is open to anyone interested in developing creative, communication, or storytelling skills — regardless of background, age, or nationality. You don’t have to be a writer or of African descent to apply. Whether you’re a beginner, a professional, or simply curious to explore your potential, this programme welcomes you.
Our fellowship stands out for its flexibility and personalisation. You can choose your own track — writing, communication, or creative entrepreneurship — and learn at your own pace. Unlike many rigid writing programmes, ours brings together global trainers with experience in culturally relevant mentorship and practical skill-building. We don’t just teach creativity — we help you build the confidence and structure to turn your passion into a sustainable path forward.
Applicants complete an online form and submit a short personal statement along with a sample of creative work (it can be writing or any form of creative expression). We ask these questions so we can assess your level and meet you where you are with our custom curriculum — ensuring every participant receives guidance that matches their current stage and goals. No formal qualifications are required; we look for curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to grow.
Applications close on October 28th, 2025, at 11:59 PM. We encourage early applications as we review submissions on a rolling basis. Late applications will not be accepted.
We typically receive 3-4 applications for every available spot. Selection is based on writing potential, commitment to the programme, and alignment with our mission. We look for diverse voices and stories that reflect the richness of our experiences.
Absolutely! We welcome writers at all stages of their journey. Many of our most successful fellows were unpublished when they joined. We're more interested in your potential, dedication, and unique voice than your publication history.
Plan to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to the fellowship. This includes attending live sessions (2 hours/week), completing assignments, reading materials, participating in peer reviews, and working on your capstone project. The time investment is significant but manageable alongside other commitments.
We offer a mix of both. Weekly workshops and mentorship sessions are live to encourage interaction and community building. However, all sessions are recorded and available for 30 days, so you can catch up if you miss a live session due to time zone differences or other commitments.
Fellows join our alumni network, which provides ongoing support, networking opportunities, and access to publishing connections. We also offer advanced workshops, mentorship matching, and opportunities to mentor future cohorts. Many fellows continue collaborating on projects long after graduation.
Yes, fellows who successfully complete the programme receive a digital certificate of completion and a hard copy which can be processed and delivered to you for a fee. More importantly, you'll have a capstone project of polished work, industry connections, and the skills needed to advance your writing career.
We accept bank transfers and payements through paystack. We also offer instalment plans to make the programme more accessible. Payment is processed securely through our encrypted payment system.
Yes! We offer merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, and diversity scholarships. Up to 30% of each cohort receives some form of financial assistance. Scholarship applications are reviewed separately from programme applications. You will have access to the scholarship application form after paying the programme application fee. Apply Here
We offer a full refund if you withdraw within the first week of the programme. We understand that circumstances change and work with fellows on a case-by-case basis when needed.
You'll need a computer or tablet with reliable internet connection, a web browser, and basic word processing software. We use google meet for live sessions system. No special software purchases required.
We schedule sessions to accommodate major African time zones and UK time zones. All live sessions are recorded, and we provide asynchronous discussion forums for ongoing engagement. Our mentors are also distributed across time zones.
We provide technical support throughout the programme. Our team can help with platform access, troubleshooting, and alternative solutions if you experience connectivity issues. We also have a peer support system where fellows help each other.
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