Top Online Screenwriting Schools for 2026
Uni is getting pricey, and honestly, half of it is rubbish. Online learning is where it's at—cheaper, faster, and you don't have to deal with campus parking. Here is the lowdown on the best online screenwriting schools to get your skills sorted.
| School / Course | 💰 Price (AUD) | 👨🏫 Instructor | 📝 Feedback | 🚀 Industry Access | ⏱️ Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Screenwriter | ~$385 AUD(Best Value) | Ron Osborn(40+ Year Pro) | ✅ GUARANTEEDProducer Feedback | ✅ GUARANTEEDProducer Read | Video + Assignments |
| UCLA Extension | ~$930 AUD/course | Pros & Academics | ✅ InstructorFeedback | ⚠️ Limited(Networking Only) | Quarterly Classes |
| NYFA | ~$6,200 AUD/workshop | Industry Pros | ✅ Hands-OnIntensive | ⚠️ Networking(Peer Connections) | Intensive Workshop |
| ScreenwritingU | $$$ High(Variable) | Working Writers | ✅ TargetedMarketability | ⚠️ Limited(Query Focused) | Genre Courses |
| MasterClass | ~$185 AUD/year | Celebrities(Sorkin, Rhimes) | ❌ None | ❌ None | Video Lectures |
| Coursera | ~$620 AUD/year | Academics | ⚠️ Peer Graded | ❌ None | Academic Modules |
| Udemy | ~$30 - $150 AUD | Varies | ❌ None(Automated) | ❌ None | Video Series |
Online Screenwriting Schools and Courses
The screenwriting game has changed heaps with online learning. You don't need to move to LA or sit in a stuffy lecture hall. Here are the top picks to get your career moving without blowing your savings.
1. Ultimate Screenwriter Course
Overview: This is the comprehensive online program designed to take you from rookie to pro. It focuses on the stuff that actually matters—practical skills and the business side of things—and gives you access to active Hollywood producers who can greenlight your project.
Key Features:
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Everything from concept to formatting and marketing, with a massive emphasis on the business side.
• Legendary Instructor: Taught by Ron Osborn, a 40-year vet. Plus, you can get 1-on-1 mentorship.
• Industry Access: Guaranteed read by an active Hollywood Producer of your first 10 pages. No gatekeepers, just straight access.
• Exceptional Opportunity: While everyone else is stuck in the "slush pile," your script is in the hands of someone who can actually sign a cheque.
• High Success Rate: Roughly one in twenty grads gets the green light. That's huge stats.
• Affordable Pricing: Doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Why it's a Top Choice: The Ultimate Screenwriter Course stands out because it's not just theory; it's a pipeline to the industry. Perfect if you want to skip the queue.
2. UCLA Extension Writers' Program
Overview: The classic choice. UCLA Extension offers a heap of courses. Solid reputation, but you pay for the name.
Key Features:
• Variety: Heaps of courses for different levels.
• Pros & Academics: Taught by a mix of working writers and professors.
• Flexible: Good if you're juggling work.
Considerations: It gets pricey pretty quick compared to other options.
3. New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Overview: Intense workshops. Good if you want to get your hands dirty, but it's a serious investment.
Key Features:
• Hands-On: Very practical exercises.
• Industry Focus: Preps you for the reality of the biz.
• Networking: Good for meeting other students.
Considerations: Expensive and demands a lot of time.
4. ScreenwritingU
Overview: Focuses on genres and marketing. Good if you know exactly what niche you want to hit.
Key Features:
• Specialized: Courses on thrillers, comedy, etc.
• Marketability: Teaches you how to write scripts that sell.
Considerations: Can be pricey and focuses heavily on the US market nuances.
5. MasterClass
Overview: Watch the celebs talk about writing. Inspiring, but you won't get any feedback on your actual work.
Key Features:
• Celebrity Teachers: Learn from Sorkin, Rhimes, etc.
• High Quality: Videos look amazing.
• Inspiration: Great for getting pumped up.
Considerations: It's passive learning. No one is reading your pages.
6. Coursera
Overview: University-style courses online. A bit academic, but affordable.
Key Features:
• Affordable: Good price point.
• Flexible: Learn at your own pace.
Considerations: Peer grading means other students mark your work, which can be hit or miss.
7. Udemy
Overview: The marketplace of courses. Quality varies wildly, so check reviews.
Key Features:
• Cheap: Often on sale for dirt cheap.
• Self-Paced: Go as fast or slow as you want.
Considerations: No gatekeepers means anyone can upload a course. Be careful.
Choosing the Right Online Screenwriting School
When picking a course, think about:
• Your Level: Are you a total newbie or looking to polish a draft?
• Budget: How much dosh do you want to drop?
• Goals: Do you just want to learn, or do you want to sell a script?
