Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Creativity

Overview

Gain foundational hands-on experience for employment or further studies in the creative industries. This programme provides an introduction to creative thinking, preparing you for further tertiary study and giving you transferable skills necessary across many industries.

What will I study

You'll be given opportunities to develop strategies in problem solving, idea generation, and visual and oral communication. You'll also be introduced to a variety of creative media and tools to explore solutions to real-world problems.

Pathway

This programme is intended as a pathway to higher level study.

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $3,590 - $4,045 per year
• International Fee: $13,000 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• 10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits
• If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Selection Criteria

• A selection process will occur based on application information.
• Where applications exceed places available, you may be waitlisted. The waitlist order will be based on the selection criteria above.

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Pathways in Creative Thinking (CRTV401) - 15 credits
• Creative Innovations Investigation (CRTV402) - 15 credits
• Apply Creative Practice (CRTV403) - 15 credits
• Group Project-Creative Solutions (CRTV404) - 15 credits

Career opportunities

• This programme is intended as a pathway to higher level study.

Study pathways

• This qualification provides a pathway to higher level diploma or degree-level study in creative subjects.

Recommended school subjects

• Design
• Photography
• Art
• Graphics
• English

Programme details

• Type: Certificate
• Code: NZ2869
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Please enquire
• Credits: 60
• Level: 4
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised before enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2869-STRU

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.