Creative Writing Courses in Canada: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility

Always wanted to be a writer? Creative Writing courses in Canada are designed to help you use language creatively and to reveal and reimagine the world in new and dynamic ways. As a creative writing student in Canada, you can be part of some of the best writing departments in the world, where you can appreciate the art of writing as well as develop your craft. From poetry to prose, memoirs to screenplays, there are a variety of courses available in Canada for all types of writers looking to expand their horizons. Canada has a reputation for featuring among the best countries for studying creative arts, including writing. 

Creative writing programs are offered in various capacities such as minors with other courses including Film production, Theatre, Literature, etc. Many screenwriting programs are offered exclusively in film schools. Creative writing programs are offered with specializations in fiction, poetry, songwriting, playwriting, screenwriting, narrative non-fiction, etc.  

In this article, we’ll specifically discuss the best bachelor’s and master’s programs in creative writing in Canada, including the best universities, fees, eligibility, and more. 

Overview of Creative Writing Courses in Canada

Why Study Creative Writing in Canada 

High-Quality Education: Canadian universities are some of the best in the world and have highly reputed creative writing departments. These departments are known for providing highly creative and innovative programs that will help you hone your writing skills, as well as push the boundaries of the craft.  

Diversity of courses: Canadian universities offer a wide range of creative writing courses, catering to different interests and writing styles. From poetry to playwriting, screenwriting to fiction,  you can explore various genres and find your unique writing voice.

Access to literary events: Canada has a thriving literary scene, with numerous literary events and festivals taking place throughout the year. As a creative writing student, you’ll have access to established writers, publishers, and agents, as well as showcase your work to a wide and appreciative audience. 

Career opportunities: The writing industry in Canada is growing, and there are many career opportunities for skilled writers. By studying creative writing in Canada, you’ll be exposed to the writing industry, giving you a head start in pursuing a career in writing, publishing, or editing.

Top Creative Writing Courses in Canada 

Admission Requirements for Creative Writing Programs in Canada

Admission requirements vary depending on the institution and the level of study. However, there aren’t usually any rigorous admission requirements for creative writing programs besides basic requirements and having an impressive work profile. Here are some of the common admission requirements for creative writing programs.   

Bachelor’s

• Higher Secondary school completion certificate with a good academic background.
• English language proficiency score (IELTS – 6.5. TOEFL iBT – 90)
• Writing samples and portfolio 
• Academic Transcripts 
• Letters of Reference 
• Statement of Purpose   

Master’s 

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a good academic record. 
• English language proficiency score (IELTS – 6.5. TOEFL iBT – 90)
• Writing samples and portfolio 
• Academic Transcripts 
• Letters of Reference 
• Statement of Purpose 

Cost of Studying Creative Writing Courses in Canada 

The tuition fees for creative writing programs in Canada vary depending on many factors such as the type of institution, degree type, level of study, etc. Especially considering, many universities offer creative writing courses as minors, or as a delayed entry option.  However, on average, the tuition fees for a year ranges from 20000 CAD to 40,000 CAD for the bachelor-level programs. For master’s programs, the tuition fees range from 15000 to 25000 CAD.  

For international students, there are many options for scholarships (including high-reward scholarships), grants, and other forms of financial aid to help cover the costs. Many students also opt for part-time jobs while studying in Canada. There are many popular part-time jobs available easily for international students. 

The cost of living in Canada typically ranges from 15,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD, depending on the accommodation type, city of residence, lifestyle, etc. 

Here are some of the most common monthly expenses in Canada, to give you an estimate of the living costs in the country:

Career pathways for creative writing graduates in Canada

A Creative writing degree gives you the freedom to be expressive with your writing, which is an essential skill in this age of the information economy. Many creative writing graduates go on to have successful careers in writing for novels, films, television, etc. Many others find employability in different fields such as writing, journalism, advertising, etc. 

Here are some of the most common career pathways taken by creative writing graduates, along with their average salary, according to Glassdoor: 

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a wide range of creative writing courses in Canada, that cater to writers of all levels and interests. From programs offered as full-time majors to others offered as combined majors and minor degrees, there are ample opportunities for creative writing students to hone their craft and connect with like-minded individuals. Many of these programs also offer the chance to work with established authors and industry professionals and forward your writing ambitions. 

Whether you’re looking to explore the art of writing or improve your writing style to write professionally, Canada offers just the right mix of programs to meet all your needs. For more information about creative writing in Canada, book a free call with our admission experts.