Are you a writer looking for dedicated time, inspiration, and financial support to develop your next literary project? The Fully Funded Writers Residency 2027 in Switzerland offers an excellent opportunity for writers, poets, fiction authors, creative nonfiction writers, and translators from around the world to spend time creating in a peaceful Swiss environment.
The residency provides selected writers with accommodation, travel support, and financial assistance, allowing them to focus on their writing projects without worrying about many living expenses.
Opportunity Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Program Type: Fully Funded Writers Residency
- Year: 2027
- Location: Montricher, Switzerland
- Host Organization: Fondation Jan Michalski for Writing and Literature
- Duration: 2 weeks to 3 months
- Eligible Applicants: International writers and translators
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
About the Writers Residency
The Fondation Jan Michalski Writers Residency is designed to support literary creation by giving writers a quiet place to work, research, and develop new projects. The residency welcomes writers at different career stages, including emerging and established authors.
Selected residents stay in individual cabins located near the Swiss Jura Mountains. The environment provides writers with access to nature, a research library, and a creative community where they can focus on their literary work.
Financial Benefits
The residency is considered fully funded because selected participants receive important financial support, including:
- Free accommodation in a private writers’ cabin
- Travel costs covered by the foundation
- Weekly allowance of CHF 400 for local transportation and personal expenses
- Breakfast and communal lunches
- Access to the foundation’s library and facilities
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to:
- Fiction writers
- Poets
- Creative nonfiction writers
- Literary translators
- Writers working on new literary projects
- International applicants from different countries
Applicants are evaluated based on the quality of their writing project, motivation, and submitted materials. Beginners can also apply if they demonstrate a strong writing project.
Required Application Documents
Applicants usually need to prepare:
- Writer’s biography or CV
- Description of the writing project
- Writing samples
- Motivation explaining why the residency is important for their work
Applicants should carefully prepare their materials before submission because incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Deadline
The application period for the 2027 residency opens on 2 June 2026 and closes on:
31 August 2026 (5 PM Swiss time)
Selected candidates will be announced in December 2026, with the first residents arriving in January 2027.
Why Apply for a Writers Residency in Switzerland?
Switzerland offers a unique environment for creative professionals. A writers residency provides valuable time away from daily responsibilities, allowing authors to research, write, and connect with other creative people.
For writers who have an important project but need time and support to complete it, this residency can be an excellent opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official Fondation Jan Michalski residency website, review the requirements, and submit their application before the deadline.
Final Words
The Fully Funded Writers Residency 2027 in Switzerland is a valuable opportunity for writers seeking international experience, financial support, and a peaceful environment to develop their creative work. If you are passionate about writing and have a strong literary project, this residency could help you take your work to the next level.
Start preparing your application early and make sure your writing samples represent your best work.
How to Apply for the Fully Funded Writers Residency 2027 in Switzerland
Applications for the Fondation Jan Michalski Writers Residency 2027 are submitted online through the official application form. The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM Swiss time.
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Applicants must submit their application through the official online application system of the Fondation Jan Michalski.
Apply for the Writers Residency 2027
Do not send your application by email unless the foundation specifically requests additional information.
Step 2: Choose Your Project Type
Applicants can select the type of project they are applying with, including:
- Writing
- Nature writing
- Translation
You can apply as an individual or as part of a collaborative project. For collaborative projects, only one application should be submitted for the project.
Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information
The application form asks for information such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Languages spoken
- Working language(s)
- Personal website, if available
- Short biography
The biography has a maximum of 500 characters and should be written in the third person.
Step 4: Add Your Professional Background
Applicants may also provide information about their:
- Education
- Publications
- Awards
- Professional memberships
- Previous residency experience
If you are a beginner and do not have publications or awards, you can still apply. The foundation states that beginners are eligible, and their applications are assessed based on the quality of their project and the motivation shown in their application.
Step 5: Describe Your Writing Project
You will need to provide information about your proposed project, including:
- Title of your project
- Project summary — maximum 500 characters
- Detailed project description — maximum 4,000 characters
- An explanation of how the residency would support your work and what you hope to accomplish — maximum 4,000 characters
Take your time with this section. Clearly explain:
- What you plan to write or translate
- Why the project is important
- What stage the project is currently in
- What you hope to complete during the residency
- Why a dedicated writing residency would help your project
Step 6: Upload Your Writing Samples
Applicants can upload up to two PDF documents, with a maximum of 5 MB. The requested materials include:
- An excerpt from your current work, if available — maximum 10 pages
- An excerpt from previous work, if available — maximum 10 pages
Writing samples may be submitted in any language.
Step 7: Select Your Preferred Residency Length
Applicants can request one of the following residency periods:
- 2 weeks
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 3 months
You will also be asked about your preferred season for the residency. The requested period is not guaranteed, and the foundation may offer another period depending on availability.
Step 8: Provide Visa and Special Requirements Information
The application form asks whether you need a visa to stay in Switzerland. You can also provide information about special requirements during your stay.
Step 9: Review Your Application Carefully
Before submitting your application:
- Check that all required fields are complete.
- Make sure your documents are correctly attached.
- Review your email address and personal information.
- Check your project description for mistakes.
- Confirm that you have uploaded all documents you want the selection committee to consider.
According to the foundation, applications and documents cannot be modified or added after submission, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Step 10: Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 residency application is:
31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM Swiss time.
The selected candidates are expected to be announced in December 2026, and the first group of residents is scheduled to arrive in mid-January 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Writers Residency 2027 open to international applicants?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions, meaning writers and translators from around the world can apply.
2. Is there an age limit?
No. The Fondation Jan Michalski states that there are no age restrictions for applicants.
3. Can beginners apply?
Yes. Beginners are eligible to apply. Their applications are evaluated based on the literary quality of their project and the motivation presented in their application.
4. Do I need to be a published author?
No. Published work may strengthen an application, but the program also accepts applications from beginners and emerging writers.
5. What types of writers can apply?
The residency is primarily intended for writers and translators. Projects in other disciplines may also be considered if literature or writing is at the center of the project.
6. Can I apply with a collaborative project?
Yes. Collaborative projects are accepted. The residency can support pairs working together, but applicants should follow the instructions in the online form and submit one application for the joint project.
7. How long can the residency last?
Residencies can last from 2 weeks to 3 months. Available options include 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months.
8. Are travel expenses covered?
Yes. The foundation states that residents’ travel costs between their home address and the residency are covered.
9. Do selected writers receive financial support?
Yes. Residents receive a weekly allowance of CHF 400. The foundation also provides accommodation, breakfast, and lunch during the residency.
10. Do I need to pay an application fee?
The official application information does not list an application fee. Applicants should always use the official application website and be cautious of unofficial websites requesting payment.
11. Can I submit more than one application?
No. Candidates are allowed to submit only one application per year.
12. Can former residents apply again?
No. According to the residency rules, former residents are not eligible to reapply.
13. Can I change my application after submitting it?
No. The foundation states that submitted applications cannot be modified and additional documents cannot be added after submission.
14. What language should I use for the application?
The application can be prepared in English or French. However, excerpts from your current or previous work may be submitted in any language.
15. Do I need a visa for Switzerland?
This depends on your nationality and immigration status. The application form asks applicants whether they require a visa for their stay in Switzerland. Applicants should check the official Swiss immigration requirements relevant to their nationality.
16. When will the results be announced?
Selected candidates for the 2027 residency are expected to be notified in December 2026.
Important Notice
Applicants should always verify the latest requirements, deadline, and application instructions on the official Fondation Jan Michalski website before applying.
Official Fondation Jan Michalski Residency Information
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM Swiss Time