Iowa Young Writers' Studio Online Courses

The Iowa Young Writers' Studio Online Courses are six-week creative writing classes from the University of Iowa for high school students in grades 9 through 12. The courses are fully online and asynchronous, so students work on their own schedule but must meet weekly deadlines. Expect about three to four hours of work each week, including writing assignments, assigned reading, giving feedback on classmates' work, and online discussions. Instructors are graduates of the Iowa Writers' Workshop or other University of Iowa graduate writing programs. Sessions run twice a year, in winter and summer, and there are no fall courses. The Winter 2027 session runs January 17 to February 27, 2027, with nine courses on offer. Admission depends more on enthusiasm and commitment than on writing ability. Each course costs $475, and need-based full and partial scholarships are available. Courses do not carry college credit, but students who pass receive a Letter of Completion.

Applicants must be enrolled in high school, read and write English, and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; incoming 9th graders may apply only for summer courses. International students are welcome. To apply online, students submit a 300-500 word statement of purpose, a 250-500 word teacher statement of support, a signed parent/guardian permission form, and a transcript. Applying is free. Winter 2027 applications close October 31, 2026, and decisions arrive by November 30, 2026.