The Kapnick Fellowship at the University of Virginia ($47,000)
The Kapnick Fellowship in Creative Writing at the University of Virginia (UVA)
The Kapnick Fellowship in Creative Writing at the University of Virginia is a prestigious post-MFA/PhD Research Associate position designed to support emerging poets while they teach and write within one of the top creative writing programs in the United States.
This nine-month, fully funded residential fellowship begins in Fall 2026 and is open exclusively to poetry writers this year.
About the Kapnick Fellowship
The Kapnick Fellow joins UVA’s vibrant literary community in Charlottesville, Virginia, teaching undergraduate workshops while developing their own creative work. The position offers:
- Salary: $47,000
- Benefits: Full UVA benefits package
- Teaching Load: 2 courses in Fall, 1 in Spring
- Format: On-site, non-renewable, 9-month term
Two of the three courses will be multi-genre introductions to creative writing, while the third course will be designed by the fellow.
Eligibility Requirements for the Kapnick Fellowship
Minimum Qualifications:
- MFA or PhD in Creative Writing completed between January 2021 and August 1, 2026
- Prior teaching experience
- A record of publication
- No full-length book published or under contract
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest in areas such as creative nonfiction, speculative fiction, screenwriting, young adult, graphic novels, multimedia, or literary translation
What You’ll Need to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- A CV highlighting publications and teaching experience
- A cover letter discussing teaching philosophy
- Contact information for two references (at least one teaching-focused)
- A creative writing sample (maximum 15 pages)
- A statement describing two innovative undergraduate courses you would love to teach
Longlisted candidates will later be asked to submit recommendation letters.
If you need help crafting your application materials, especially your teaching statement, these examples of strong statements of purpose can guide you:
Statement of Purpose examples for writers
You may also find other creative writing job opportunities here:
Creative writing jobs and fellowships
Deadline
All applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on February 27, 2026.
Search for Requisition Number R0079218 on the UVA jobs portal.
Why Apply?
This fellowship offers:
- Time, space, and funding to write
- Teaching experience at a leading university
- Professional development within a respected literary community
For emerging poets seeking both academic and creative growth, the Kapnick Fellowship is a rare and valuable opportunity.
