Creative writing is a good course for students who like to write stories, poems, or books. Many students want to study creative writing abroad to learn new things, meet different people, and improve their English writing skills. When you study in another country, you get new ideas and see how writers from other places think and work. This can help you become a better writer.
There are many countries to study creative writing at a good price. Some countries offer cheap or free education, and many programs are taught in English. Students can choose from bachelor’s or master’s degrees in creative writing or English literature. These courses teach you how to write better, how to edit, and how to share your ideas.
Some of the best places to study creative writing are Australia, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Spain, and Hungary. These countries have good universities, low tuition fees, and affordable living costs. Studying creative writing helps students learn writing techniques they require for any creative endeavor, whether it is novels or TV screenplays.
The article includes some of the best countries to study creative writing along with popular universities and courses.
Many students choose creative writing courses in countries that offer good education at a low price. Here are the top study destinations and what they offer in terms of programs, language, and lifestyle.
Germany
Germany is a great place for students because public universities are tuition-free. Many courses are in English, so international students can apply easily. Universities like Tübingen and Hamburg have good literature and writing programs.
Mexico has a strong literary culture and many students like to study there for its low fees and cultural life. UNAM is one of the top universities and has a special creative writing program. Most courses are in Spanish.
University
Course
UNAM – National Autonomous University of Mexico
Creative Writing Degree
Universidad Iberoamericana
B.A. in Literature
Tecnológico de Monterrey
B.A. in Humanities
Universidad Veracruzana
Literature and Language Program
UDLAP – Universidad de las Américas Puebla
Literary Studies and Writing
Czech Republic
Czech Republic is a good option for students looking for cheap tuition and budget-friendly life in Europe. Universities like Charles University in Prague offer English-taught literature courses that include creative writing topics.
University
Course
Charles University
M.A. in Anglophone Literature
Masaryk University
B.A. in English Literature
Palacký University Olomouc
M.A. in Creative Writing
University of Ostrava
M.A. in English Literature
University of South Bohemia
B.A. in English and American Studies
Malaysia
Malaysia is becoming a good study spot for international students. The fees are not too high and many courses are in English. Universities like Nottingham Malaysia and Monash Malaysia offer writing and literature degrees.
University
Course
University of Nottingham Malaysia
B.A. in English and Literature
Monash University Malaysia
B.A. in Writing
Taylor’s University
B.A. in Creative Writing and Publishing
Sunway University
B.A. in English and Writing
UCSI University
B.A. in English Language and Communication
Poland
Poland is a good place in Europe to study creative writing at a lower cost. Many programs are in English, and students can study in cities like Warsaw and Kraków. The courses include writing, literature and English language.
University
Course
University of Warsaw
M.A. in English Studies
Jagiellonian University
M.A. in Comparative Literature
Adam Mickiewicz University
B.A. in English Philology
University of Wrocław
B.A. in Philology
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University
M.A. in English with Writing Modules
Spain
Spain is known for its art and culture, and students can study literature and creative writing in English or Spanish. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have many top universities. Fees are not too high but living costs depend on the city.
University
Course
Complutense University of Madrid
Literary Studies Program
University of Barcelona
M.A. in Literary Creation
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Master in Comparative Literature
Pompeu Fabra University
M.A. in Literary Studies
University of Salamanca
Spanish Language & Literature with Writing Seminars
Hungary
Hungary is a cheap and student-friendly country in Europe. You can find good English programs in literature and some schools also include writing classes. Budapest is the most popular city for international students.
University
Course
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
M.A. in English Studies
University of Szeged
B.A. in English and American Studies
Pázmány Péter Catholic University
M.A. in Literary and Cultural Studies
Central European University
M.A. in Culture and Heritage
Károli Gáspár University
B.A. in English Studies
Australia
Australia is known for its pleasant temperatures and year-round sun, and it welcomes many international students yearly. Some of the best universities are:
Below is the average tuition fee and living cost for each country. These numbers are general and can change depending on the course and location.
Country
Tuition Fees (Yearly)
Monthly Living Cost
Germany
Mostly free
€850–1,200 (INR 84,150–1,18,800)
Mexico
US$1,000–5,000 (INR 86,500–4,32,500)
US$500–800 (INR 43,250–69,200)
Czech Republic
€1,000–4,000 (INR 99,000–3,96,000)
€400–700 (INR 39,600–69,300)
Malaysia
MYR 20,000–35,000 (INR 4,06,000–7,10,500)
MYR 1,500–2,500 (INR 30,450–50,750)
Poland
€2,000–4,000 (INR 1,98,000–3,96,000)
€400–800 (INR 39,600–79,200)
Spain
€1,800–4,500 (INR 1,78,200–4,45,500)
€600–1,000 (INR 59,400–99,000)
Hungary
€1,500–4,000 (INR 1,48,500–3,96,000)
€500–800 (INR 49,500–79,200)
Australia
AUD 33,000–40,000 (INR 18,48,000–22,40,000)
AUD 2,500–5,500 (INR 1,40,000–3,08,000)
Exchange Rates Used:
1 EUR = INR 99.00
1 USD = INR 86.50
1 MYR = INR 20.30
1 AUD = INR 56.00
Creative Writing: Course Curriculum, Duration
In addition to helping students hone their writing abilities, creative writing programs give students the chance to explore their creative side.
Although course content varies by university and degree type (bachelor’s or master’s), for a broad understanding, it includes modules on contemporary creative writing, poetry, English in the world, editing: theory and practice, reading English, and other subjects.
The course length might vary from one year to three years, depending on the degree.
Studying creative writing abroad helps you learn new ideas, improve your English, and grow as a writer. Countries like India, Germany, and Poland offer affordable and good quality education. Always check the latest details from the university, plan your budget, and start your application early.
If you need help picking the right country or university, or want tips for your creative writing application, talk to upGrad experts. They can guide you step by step to start your creative writing journey abroad.
FAQs
What are the best countries to study creative writing abroad?
Some of the best countries to study creative writing abroad are Australia, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Spain, and Hungary. These places have good schools, famous writers, and a big writing culture.
Which universities are best for creative writing?
There are many great universities for creative writing. Some popular ones are University of East Anglia in UK, Iowa Writers’ Workshop in USA, UBC in Canada, and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. They have strong programs and help students become better writers.
How can studying abroad help my writing?
When you study abroad, you see new cultures, meet new people, and get new ideas. This helps you grow as a writer. You learn to write from different views and your creative writing becomes richer and interesting.
Can I study creative writing in countries where English is not the main language?
Yes, you can. Many schools in Europe, like in Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden, offer creative writing courses in English. So you don’t need to know the local language to study there.
What kind of creative writing programs can I find abroad?
You can find different types like Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, short summer courses, or even writing workshops. Some are more academic, some are more focused on writing stories or poems.
How much does it cost to study creative writing abroad?
The cost to study creative writing abroad depends on the country and school. In UK and Europe it might be around $15,000 to $30,000 a year. In USA it can go up to $60,000. Also, think about living costs, books, and travel.
Are there any scholarships for creative writing students?
Yes, there are scholarships for studying creative writing abroad. You can apply for scholarships from the university or big programs like Fulbright, Chevening, or Erasmus. Some are for good grades, others for financial need.
What’s the difference between MA and MFA in creative writing?
MA in creative writing is more about reading and studying literature, along with writing. MFA in creative writing is more about just writing and is often called a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest degree in the field.
Can I work while studying creative writing abroad?
Yes, in many countries like UK, Canada, or Australia, students can work part-time while studying. Mostly it's up to 20 hours a week. You can also try internships in writing or publishing.
What jobs can I get after studying creative writing abroad?
After finishing your creative writing degree, you can work as a writer, editor, content creator, teacher, or even in film and TV. Some people also become freelancers or write books.
What will I write during the program?
Most creative writing programs abroad include fiction, poetry, non-fiction, screenwriting, or playwriting. Some even let you focus on genres like fantasy, sci-fi, or memoir.
How can I build my writing portfolio while studying abroad?
You can join writing clubs, send work to campus magazines, go to literary events, or even do writing internships. All this helps you make a strong writing portfolio for future jobs.
What fun or cultural things will help my writing abroad?
Living in a new country gives you new stories. You can visit famous literary places, meet people from around the world, and learn about different ways of telling stories. These things will inspire your creative writing a lot.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2810 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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