Creative writing can spark a person’s imagination and help them develop fresh concepts, scenarios, and characters. It gives writers room to experiment with language and create vivid images with their words.
As students develop this skill, they can improve how they express themselves and communicate with others. They can also explore different perspectives and expand their creative abilities.
Structured creative writing courses can help students refine their work, receive feedback, and develop their voice. New Zealand has a rich literary tradition that can provide a strong setting for this type of study.
Over time, New Zealand writers have gained national and international recognition. The country’s literary history includes figures such as Katherine Mansfield, Frank Sargeson, Jacquie Sturm, Janet Frame, and Ngaio Marsh.
This makes New Zealand an appealing place to study creative writing. To learn more about creative writing study options in New Zealand, especially for international students, review the schools below.
Top Schools Offering Creative Writing in New Zealand
1. Auckland University of Technology
AUT traces its roots to Auckland Technical School, which was established in 1895, and gained university status in 2000. AUT is ranked in the 501–600 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
AUT offers a Creative Writing major within its Bachelor of Arts. Students explore style and genre, consider the expectations of readers, editors, and publishers, and develop their skills in a setting that provides challenge, critique, and support.
The Bachelor of Arts is designed as a three-year degree. The Creative Writing major includes courses that allow students to develop a portfolio and produce work ranging from reflective pieces to sustained literary or multimedia projects. The degree also includes workplace experience in the final year.
2. Massey University
Another option is Massey University. Massey offers a Bachelor of Arts specialization in Creative Writing, a Master of Creative Writing, and PhD study options in creative writing.
The Bachelor of Arts takes three years of full-time study and requires 360 credits. The Creative Writing specialization is listed as a distance and online study option. Students can develop original work in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scripts for stage and screen.
Massey’s creative writing lecturers are award-winning writers with publishing experience in New Zealand and overseas. They teach from first-hand experience of moving work from an initial idea toward publication or performance.
For 2026, Massey estimates international tuition for a Bachelor of Arts at NZ$34,220–NZ$42,300 for one year of full-time study, or 120 credits. Actual tuition depends on the courses selected. International students should review Massey’s current scholarship listings to identify awards that match their circumstances.
3. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is ranked 240th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and states that it remains in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
The university’s International Institute of Modern Letters offers undergraduate creative writing workshops that can count toward an undergraduate degree or be taken independently. The workshops allow students to develop their imaginative capacity and literary skills in a supportive environment.
At the postgraduate level, the one-year full-time Master of Arts in Creative Writing enables students to complete a book-length manuscript or a full-length script. Workshops and close supervision are designed to help students become stronger readers and writers.
The PhD in Creative Writing combines creative and critical research. Candidates must be registered for at least 36 months of full-time study, or the equivalent, before submitting their work.
Fees vary by course and study level. For 2026, the university estimates international tuition for the one-year Master of Arts focusing on Creative Writing at approximately NZ$38,350 for the full program. Student services fees are charged separately. Students should check the university’s current fee information for undergraduate and doctoral study.
4. University of Waikato
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University of Waikato is ranked in the 401–500 band globally and third equal in New Zealand.
At Waikato, Creative Writing is available as a minor rather than as a standalone bachelor’s major. The minor can be taken alongside a selected major in many undergraduate degrees. Students must complete at least 60 points, including WRITE203 and WRITE300.
The Creative Writing minor is designed to build confidence in storytelling, imaginative writing, and creative nonfiction while helping students write across a range of genres. Students interested in a broader writing-intensive pathway can also explore Writing Studies as a Bachelor of Arts major.
For a Bachelor of Arts, Waikato lists indicative international tuition of NZ$32,440–NZ$42,230 per year. The university notes that tuition amounts are approximate and may change.
5. University of Canterbury
Lastly, the University of Canterbury offers a Master of Writing for domestic and international students. The 180-point degree can be completed in 12–18 months of full-time study or up to three years of part-time study.
The program develops advanced writing and textual-analysis skills for professional, academic, creative, and technical contexts. Students study, produce, and are assessed on professional, technical, fiction, and nonfiction writing.
Applicants should have achieved at least a B grade point average in 300-level courses in an undergraduate degree with a strong written component. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. For IELTS Academic, the requirement is an overall score of 6.5 with no individual score below 6.5. Preference is given to applicants with a score of 7 or higher.
For international students, the 2026 Special Programme Fee is NZ$51,000 for the 180-point degree. A student services levy is charged separately.
FAQs: Creative Writing in New Zealand
Which Creative Writing Schools Offer Scholarships for International Students?
Several New Zealand universities list scholarships for eligible international students. Because award values, eligible programs, and intake rules can change, applicants should review each university’s current scholarship information before applying.
Auckland University of Technology currently lists AUT International Scholarships for students from North Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, as well as faculty-specific awards. Scholarship values, eligible programs, and intake conditions vary, so applicants should check the current terms before applying.
New Zealand is home to several educational institutions where students can pursue creative writing studies. After reviewing these options, prospective students should compare program structures, tuition fees, delivery modes, and scholarship requirements before deciding where to apply.
We hope this article on creative writing schools in New Zealand was informative. Also, check out our Study in New Zealand and Available Programs for International Students pages for more information!
