The Swedish Writers’ Union - The Swedish Writers’ Union Radio Scholarship

The Swedish Writers' Union Radio Scholarship

You will receive a share of a total pot of 90,000 SEK (about 8,000 EUR), which is divided amongst several recipients each round. A committee appointed by the Swedish Writers’ Union decides how much each person receives, so the amounts vary. The money comes from Copyswede, which collects fees from radio stations when these fees cannot be paid directly to individual authors. This is a one-off payment, not a monthly allowance.

Who can apply

• What you do: You are a freelance literary writer. This includes authors of fiction and non-fiction, authors of children’s and young adult books, translators, cultural journalists and journalists.
• Radio link: Your own texts or radio drama contributions have been broadcast on Swedish Radio (P1, P2, P3 or P4). Please specify the relevant programme in your application.
• Membership: You do not need to be a member of the Swedish Writers’ Union.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• What does not count: Plays and anything else you have created whilst employed. Only freelance work counts.

How to apply

You apply online through the Writers' Union members' pages, or on paper using a form from the union's office. The application window falls in September or early October each year. State which radio programme you are citing.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very narrowly defined: you must be a freelance writer whose own work has actually been broadcast on Swedish Radio, which excludes most writers. The fixed grant amount is divided amongst several recipients; so if you clearly meet the requirement regarding broadcast on Swedish Radio, your chances are quite good. Make a note of exactly which programme your work was broadcast on, as this will be checked by the committee.