UBC’s Creative Writing graduate program offers an intensive, diverse and collaborative environment for crafting literary excellence.

Set in the stunning landscape of the Pacific Northwest, our literary cross-training approach offers opportunities in a broad range of genres including fiction, poetry, screenplay, podcasting and graphic novel.


What’s distinctive about UBC Creative Writing?

Our creative writing MFA is Canada’s oldest and most respected. We offer an unprecedented 12 genres of study as well as multiple funding and enrichment opportunities. Study in beautiful Vancouver or online from anywhere.

Fiction • Poetry • Nonfiction • Screenwriting • TV Writing • Podcasting • Children & Young Adult • Playwriting • Graphic Novel • Translation • Song Lyrics • New Media

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I was excited to join UBC’s School of Creative Writing because of its recognition of the broad range of genres and media in which creative writing can happen, and the amazing talent of creators who teach it here.

Nalo Hopkinson
Professor and Award-Winning Speculative Fiction Author

Why choose UBC?

Study with our faculty of internationally renowned, award-winning authors in a student-focused program that blends the best of traditional workshop and leading edge pedagogy.

  • Work with award-winning faculty
  • Low international tuition rates
  • Entrance and continuing scholarships
  • Flexible, part-time low residency MFA awarding the same degree
  • TA in undergraduate writing courses
  • Teach in local high schools
  • Edit and manage one of Canada’s oldest literary magazines, PRISM international
  • Participate in the Brave New Play Rites theatre festival
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When we have a sense of who you want to be as a writer then it’s the job of the workshop to help you get there, to explore the possibilities of your own work and take it to the next level.

Alix Ohlin
Professor and 2019 Scotiabank Giller Prize finalist

A track record of success

Graduates of our MFA program have achieved success in publishing, filmmaking, theatre, podcasting, television, and many other fields. In addition to producing and publishing original work, graduates are qualified to teach creative writing at the college and university level. 

  • Jordan Abel, winner of $65,000 Griffin Poetry Prize
  • Paulette Bourgeois, author of bestselling Franklin series        
  • Eden Robinson, author of Son of a Trickster
  • Marcus Youssef, winner of $100,000 Simonovitch prize for playwriting 
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I notice lots of conversations, laughter and students connecting with each other. There’s a strong sense of community here and students take risks with their writing because they’re in a supportive environment.

Sarah Leavitt
Assistant Professor and 2010 Writers’ Trust Non-Fiction Prize finalist

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