NZ Writers' College –
Online Writing Courses FAQ
We know that choosing a course and a place of study are big decisions. Here is a complete guide to common questions about our certified online writing courses in New Zealand.
About NZ Writers' College
What is NZ Writers' College and how long has it been running?
NZ Writers’ College is New Zealand’s leading online writing school, training writers since 2008. What started as two people and a single freelance journalism course has grown into a thriving global college with 22 tutors, 35 specialised writing courses and thousands of successful graduates. We are part of The Writers’ College family of schools, which also includes UK Writers’ College and SA Writers’ College. Across all three schools, we have trained over 10,000 writers over the past 20 years.
Is NZ Writers' College the best online writing school in New Zealand?
NZ Writers’ College is widely recognised as New Zealand’s most established and trusted online writing school. We have been training Kiwi writers since 2008 (and since 2005 worldwide), longer than any comparable institution in the country. Our tutors are award-winning writers and journalists, our courses are internationally benchmarked and our graduates have been published in major New Zealand and international magazines, won literary awards and published novels with leading publishers. We let our students’ results speak for themselves. You can read their stories on our Student Success Stories page.
Is NZ Writers' College accredited?
To keep our fees affordable and accessible to New Zealand writers, NZ Writers’ College is not registered with NZQA. However, our courses are professionally developed, certified and have been trusted by thousands of Kiwi’s students since 2008. Every graduate receives a certificate of completion from NZ Writers’ College, which is recognised within the New Zealand writing and publishing industry. Many of our graduate students have gone on to work professionally as writers, journalists, editors and authors.
Can I study with NZ Writers' College if I live outside New Zealand?
Absolutely. Because all our courses are delivered entirely online, you can study from anywhere in the world, whether you’re based in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin or as far afield as the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore or Canada. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a passion for writing. We warmly welcome Kiwi writers living abroad as well as writers from any other country who wish to study with us.
Our Courses
What writing courses does NZ Writers' College offer?
NZ Writers’ College offers 35 specialised online writing courses across four main faculties: Journalism, Creative Writing, Business and Grammar and Specialist Writing. Our journalism courses include Freelance Journalism for Magazines and Webzines, Travel Writing and Writing Articles for Websites and Blogs. Our creative writing courses cover the short story, novel writing, romance, science fiction and fantasy, scriptwriting, poetry, memoir and children’s book writing. Our specialist courses include Copywriting, Copy-editing and Proofreading, Writing SEO and GEO Content for Websites, Write with AI and Press Release and Media Writing. We also offer self-guided Writing Intensives for writers who want a shorter, focused challenge. View all writing courses here.
What is the best online creative writing course in New Zealand?
Our most popular course for beginner and intermediate writers is the Basics of Creative Writing Course. It is a comprehensive introduction to fiction writing, tutored one-to-one by an award-winning writer who provides detailed, line-by-line feedback on every assignment. By the end of the course, you will have polished short fiction and a strong foundation in the craft of writing. We also offer advanced creative writing courses, short story courses and novel writing courses for writers at every stage of their journey.
Do you offer courses for beginner writers in New Zealand?
Yes! NZ Writers’ College warmly welcomes complete beginners. Many of our most successful graduates had never written seriously before enrolling. Our courses are designed to teach you from the ground up, building your confidence and skill with every assignment. The Basics of Creative Writing Course and the Grammar Skills Course (designed for English as a second language) are ideal starting points for new writers.
Do you offer courses for intermediate and advanced writers?
Yes. At NZ Writers’ College, we train writers at every level, beginner, intermediate and advanced. If you already have writing experience and want to deepen your craft, sharpen a specific skill or complete a manuscript under expert guidance, we have advanced courses across all our faculties, from the Advanced Creative Writing Course and the Advanced Novel Writing Course to the Advanced Freelance Journalism Course and the Advanced Scriptwriting Course.
How Our Courses Work
How does an online writing course at NZ Writers' College work?
Our courses work similarly to a traditional correspondence course, but entirely online. Once you enrol, you receive access to your course materials, which are divided into modules. You work through each module at your own pace, completing writing assignments and submitting them by email to your personal tutor. Your tutor reads your work carefully and returns detailed, line-by-line written feedback within three to five working days. There are no set class times, no video lectures to watch and no peers marking your work. Just you, your writing and your tutor.
What makes NZ Writers' College different from other online writing courses?
The defining difference at NZ Writers’ College is our one-to-one tutoring model. Every student is assigned a personal tutor, a working award-winning writer, who reads every word of every assignment and provides detailed, individual feedback tailored to your writing. We do not offer generic responses, peer reviews or automated marking. We believe in the traditional writing apprenticeship: working closely with a master of the craft as your writing develops, line by line. This level of personal attention is rare in online education and is what our students consistently tell us they value most.
Who are the tutors at NZ Writers' College?
Our tutors are not just teachers. They are working writers and editors who are leaders in their specific fields. Every course at NZ Writers’ College is designed and tutored by a professional with real-world experience and, in most cases, multiple writing awards to their name. You can meet the full team on our Meet Our Tutors page.
How long does a writing course take to complete?
Course duration varies depending on the course. Most of our standard courses can be completed in four to twelve months and our more in-depth courses (such as the Write a Novel Course or the Advanced Short Story Writing Course) are designed to be completed over up to 24 months. You work at your own pace within the allocated time frame and extensions are available if needed. Shorter self-guided Writing Intensives can be completed in five to fourteen days. Full details are listed on each individual course page.
What time commitment is required each week?
There is no fixed number of hours per week. Our courses are designed to fit around your life, whether you’re a working professional, a full-time parent or a student with other commitments. Most students find that setting aside a few hours per week is sufficient to progress steadily through their course. You work at your own pace and your tutor will gently check in if they haven’t heard from you in a while.
What do I need to study at NZ Writers' College?
Very little! You need a computer, tablet or laptop, a reliable internet connection and a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You do not need any special software and you do not need to travel to a campus or attend classes at fixed times. Our courses are designed to be fully accessible to New Zealand writers wherever you are in the country, whether you’re in a major city or a rural area with reliable internet access.
Will my writing stay private?
Yes. Your writing assignments are only seen by your personal tutor and, occasionally, by an external moderator for quality assurance purposes. Any intellectual property you produce during a course with NZ Writers’ College remains entirely your own. The college and its tutors have no claim whatsoever to any manuscript, article, script or other material you write during your studies. With your explicit permission only, selected excerpts may be featured in our student showcase.
Fees and Payment
How much do NZ Writers' College courses cost?
Course fees vary depending on the length and level of the course. Our short self-guided Writing Intensives are the most affordable option. Our standard tutored courses range from shorter introductory programmes to longer, in-depth advanced courses. Full fees are listed on each individual course page. We believe quality writing education should be within reach of Kiwi writers and we work hard to keep our fees fair and competitive.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes. We understand that paying for a course is a significant decision and we offer flexible payment options. For shorter courses (six to twelve months), you can pay a 50% deposit at the start and the balance at the end of the following month. For our 24-month courses, fees can be paid in three instalments: 50%, then 25%, then 25%. In some circumstances, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements. Just get in touch with our admin team at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz. There are no additional charges for using a split payment option.
What is your refund policy?
If you are not completely satisfied within the first seven days of starting your course, you may transfer to a different course or request a full refund. If you request a refund after seven days but before 30 days, a 5% administrative fee plus any bank and tutor fees already incurred will be deducted. We do not offer refunds after 30 days on the course.
Enrolment and Getting Started
How do I enrol at NZ Writers' College?
Enrolment is simple. Visit the course page of the course you’d like to study and complete the enrolment form at the bottom of the page, or click the Enrol button at the top of any page on our website. We will email you a welcome letter and invoice within one working day. If you are not sure which course to choose, contact us at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz or call us on (+64) 09 550 4635 and we’ll help you find the right fit.
What qualifications do I need to enrol?
Writing is one of the few fields where you do not need a degree or diploma to get published or build a successful career. To study at NZ Writers’ College, all you need is a reasonable level of written English and reliable internet access. We assess your writing briefly in the application form to make sure you’ll be comfortable with the course content. If we feel a different course might suit you better, we will always let you know before you commit.
Can I start a course at any time of the year?
Yes. You can enrol and start a course at any time. There are no fixed intake dates. Once your enrolment is confirmed, you can begin as soon as you’re ready. This flexibility is one of the great advantages of studying with NZ Writers’ College.
What if I choose the wrong course?
Before you enrol, we are happy to help you choose. If you are unsure, email us or give us a call and we’ll discuss your goals and recommend the most suitable course. If you do start a course and find it’s not the right fit, we can transfer you to a different course early in the process (within the first module). Get in touch as soon as possible and we will find the best solution for you.
Can I study at NZ Writers’ College if I live in a rural area?
The beauty of NZ Writers’ College is that we are a fully online institution. This means your location is never a barrier to your professional development. We actively encourage writers from smaller towns and rural areas to share their unique stories.
We serve writers across every corner of New Zealand’s landscapes.
Results and Outcomes
Will a writing course help me get published in New Zealand?
It absolutely can. Many NZ Writers’ College graduates have gone on to publish novels, short story collections, children’s books, magazine articles, travel pieces and memoirs. Our journalism graduates have been published in ‘NZ Herald’, ‘Getaway’, ‘Capital’, ‘New Zealand Mountain Biker’, ‘The Climber’, ‘Spoke’, ‘Employment Today’, among others. Our fiction graduates have been published with major New Zealand publishers and have won prestigious New Zealand literary awards. Our courses are designed not just to improve your writing, but to produce polished, publication-ready work. View our Student Success Stories.
Can I earn money from writing after completing a course?
Yes. Many of our graduates earn an income from writing, whether as freelance journalists contributing to New Zealand and international publications, as copywriters for New Zealand agencies and businesses or as copy-editors and proofreaders. Each course includes practical guidance on the New Zealand writing industry, including how to pitch to local editors, how to price your work, how to approach local publishers and how to manage your writing career professionally.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion of your course requirements, you will receive an NZ Writers’ College certificate. Requirements vary by course and are detailed on each course page. Your certificate is recognised within the New Zealand writing and publishing industry.
Can I sell the work I produce during my course?
Yes, and we encourage it. Any article, short story, novel manuscript, script or other work you produce during your studies belongs entirely to you. You are free to submit it for publication, enter it in competitions or sell it during or after your course. Your tutor will guide you on how to approach the market for your specific genre.
How does NZ Writers' College compare to doing an MA in Creative Writing at university?
They’re different pathways, so the best fit depends on your goals, budget and stage of life.
Auckland, AUT, Victoria/IIML and Massey University follow a similar model: competitive entry, a manuscript-in-progress and existing portfolio of work, in-person workshops with peer reviews, and a formal academic qualification at the end. Fees are upwards of $10,000 per annum.
For an MA in creative writing, for instance, students are expected to attend weekly classes, workshops and seminars, submitting drafts for group discussion and giving feedback to other writers in their cohort.
NZ Writers’ College works differently. There are no entry portfolios, no fixed intakes and no classroom attendance requirements. You can start at any time and study around a job or family life. Instead of a workshop cohort, you get one-to-one, line-by-line feedback from a single professional tutor on every assignment, and our courses run from a few months to up to 24 months depending on the subject, at a fraction of university tuition cost.
Our writing courses focus on building a body of work, whether that’s a novel manuscript, a portfolio of articles or a collection of short stories or poems.
The New Zealand Writing Industry
Is there a market for writers in New Zealand?
Yes, though it looks a little different depending on whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction.
Fiction
New Zealand has a genuinely active fiction publishing scene for a country of its size. International houses with a strong local presence (Penguin Random House and HarperCollins) connect New Zealand authors to international markets. Authors are supported by initiatives like the New Zealand Book Council and the NZ Society of Authors. New Zealand also boasts a multitude of well-established independent and university presses, like Huia, Kōrero and Victoria University Press.
Literary fiction, in particular, is well served by these smaller presses, which are often more accessible to debut authors than the international houses. Beyond traditional publishing, self-publishing and digital platforms have also grown as a route to readers, alongside the traditional path.
It’s a small market by global standards, but NZ has a track record of producing internationally recognised novelists, poets and short story writers, strong literary journals and writing competitions, and active support from Creative New Zealand for residencies and grants.
Non-fiction
Non-fiction and journalism have a broader, more accessible market, particularly for freelancers. New Zealand’s magazine and newspaper landscape, from NZME/NZ Herald-affiliated titles to lifestyle, travel and specialist magazines, regularly commissions freelance features, and editors are generally open to well-targeted pitches from new writers. As one freelance journalism tutor puts it, breaking in comes down to a good, well-aimed pitch to the right editor, which means researching the outlet and its audience rather than sending generic ideas to multiple publications at once. Non-fiction book publishing is also strong. Allen & Unwin is a trusted name in New Zealand’s publishing industry, especially for non-fiction, academic works and thought-provoking titles, and independent presses regularly publish memoir, narrative non-fiction and cultural history alongside the bigger houses.
For working writers, non-fiction tends to offer a faster and more reliable route to paid income than fiction, through freelance journalism, copywriting, business writing, ghostwriting or content writing for New Zealand businesses, even if it comes with less of the prestige attached to a published novel.
In short, both markets exist and both are realistic to break into, but they reward different skills and different expectations. Fiction rewards craft and persistence and has a smaller number of publishing outcomes, while non-fiction offers more frequent opportunities for writers willing to pitch consistently and deliver high quality writing.
Are there writing competitions I can enter in New Zealand?
Yes! NZ Writers’ College keeps an updated list of writing competitions for New Zealanders and we run our own annual Short Story Writing Competition, which is open to beginner New Zealand writers. Many of our students and graduates have been shortlisted or won prizes in new Zealand and international writing competitions. Entering competitions is one of the best ways to build your profile as a Kiwi writer.
Do you offer courses for New Zealand business writers and corporate teams?
Yes. NZ Writers’ College offers corporate writing training for New Zealand organisations, government departments and businesses of all sizes. We have trained writers from a wide range of New Zealand companies and institutions, and have even had well-known MPs sign up for a course!
Whether your team needs to sharpen their business writing, improve their report writing or develop their copywriting skills, we can tailor a programme to suit your needs. Contact us at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz to discuss your requirements.
AI and the Future of Writing
Does NZ Writers' College offer a course on writing with AI?
Yes. We offer a dedicated Write with AI Course that teaches Kiwi writers how to use artificial intelligence as a creative and professional tool without losing what makes their writing unique. The course covers how to prompt AI effectively, how to use it for research, brainstorming, overcoming writer’s block and refining drafts, while keeping your own voice and creative instincts firmly in control. It is practical, relevant and designed for writers who want to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Will AI replace New Zealand writers?
No. AI can generate words, but it cannot replicate your lived experience, your emotional truth or your distinctly New Zealand voice. The writers who will thrive in the age of AI are those with strong craft skills, a unique voice and the ability to tell stories that feel genuinely human, which is precisely what we develop at NZ Writers’ College. Investing in your writing skills now is one of the most future-proof decisions you can make.
Can AI help me become a better writer?
Used thoughtfully, yes. AI can help writers brainstorm ideas, break through creative blocks, research more efficiently and polish drafts, freeing up more time and energy for the creative work that only you can do. At NZ Writers’ College, our Write with AI Course teaches you how to work with AI in a way that enhances your craft rather than replacing it, helping you find the balance between smart tool use and authentic, original storytelling.
Extras and Community
Can I buy a writing course as a gift for a New Zealand writer?
What a wonderful idea! NZ Writers’ College offers gift vouchers redeemable against any of our 35 writing courses. Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day or simply to encourage someone you love to pursue their writing dream, a writing course is a gift that can change someone’s life. Visit our Gift Voucher page to purchase one today.
Is there a writing community I can join as an NZ Writers' College student?
Yes. As a student, you are warmly welcomed into our Facebook community, where you can connect with fellow writers, share your progress and draw inspiration from others on the same journey. You will also receive our free monthly newsletter, packed with writing tips, competition announcements and industry news relevant to New Zealand writers. We also publish writing circles in New Zealand on our website, so you can connect with writers in your area.
Do NZ Writers' College students get any additional benefits?
Yes. In addition to your one-to-one tutor relationship, NZ Writers’ College students enjoy lifetime access to future updates of their course materials, access to our resource library of 500+ writing articles on our blog and the opportunity for top graduates to join our Writers and Editors for Hire service, a real-world opportunity to earn money from your writing. We also keep you up to date with NZ and international writing competitions throughout the year.