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FAQs

Q. What are the advantages of doing a correspondence course?
A. Correspondence courses are very flexible. You decide when and where you study. You don’t have to take time off work, or travel to classes. You schedule your studies when it is convenient and you set your own timetable for completing assignments. Above all, you never miss a lesson.

Q. Do I meet my tutor?
A. Not normally. Communication with your tutor will be by post/fax/email. However we do have a Student Discussion Board online where you can ask questions, post messages, participate in polls and communicate with your tutor. We also have a Chat-To-Your-Tutor day every three months. Students are invited to phone their tutor at any time during this day, 8am to 6pm, and discuss their course on a one-to-one basis.

Q. Can I contact other students?
A. You may communicate with other students via our online Student Discussion Board, but due to the Privacy Act we are unable to give out individual student details. However, once you graduate we offer an optional networking service with other graduates who have authorised us to help interested parties contact each other. Graduates of our courses are also happy to offer testimonials and encouragement to prospective students who wish to discuss the courses with them.

Q. What is NZIBS status with NZQA?
A. The Institute is registered as a Private Training establishment with New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the Education Act 1989 and subsequent amendments. Some NZIBS courses stand outside the NZQA accredited/approved selection of training courses. Under present government guidelines only our Freelance Journalism course matches the criteria for WINZ grants or student loans. However, we offer extended time payment options to help students get started. Please ask the Registrar for details.

Q. Can I cross-credit your course with any other training courses?
A. Our courses are not presented as separate ‘units’. That is why they are a complete training programme and are not able to be cross-credited. All our courses are designed to teach students to operate as freelancers in their chosen field. Our courses are recognised as an industry qualification and our certificates/diplomas are double-badged with Australia.

Q. What extra costs are there with my course?
A. Your course fee includes your tutorials, textbook(s), all tutor services, folders and freepost envelopes for returning your assignments. You will need to supply your own stationery. (A stationery starter pack is included, but refills are your care.) Freelance Photography and Freelance Travel Writing courses have film purchase and developing costs for which the student is responsible.

Q. How much time should I spend on my course?
A. We recommend a regular study period of 3-4-5 hours per week. Aim to send in an assignment at least once a month.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. Student fees cover one year of tuition. Students requiring longer must request an extension from the Registrar. Normally study time can be extended at no extra cost to the student. An extension period is assessed based on how far a student has progressed with their studies. Our aim is to see you graduate.

Q. Can I take a break from the course?
A. Yes. We accept reasonable requests for delays, postponements, or pauses in course studies. (Note: If you are paying your course fees by time payment plan, these payments must continue to be paid while your studies are 'on hold'.) However, we encourage you to work steadily and not leave everything until the last moment.

Q. What happens if I can’t finish my course?
A. We encourage all students to finish their course and we give every assistance to complete your training. We can put your course ‘on hold’ for a period agreed by you and the Registrar. We will hold your course open until you resume your studies, but your course must be completed within two years. That's twice as long as you are offered elsewhere. At university, your year's study ends on 31 December.

Q. Can I switch courses?
A. If your circumstances have altered and your chosen course no longer meets your needs, in some cases we can transfer you to another of our courses. There is a minimum $100 course-change administration fee. This covers supplying tutorials, plus any difference in course fees. Discuss your situation with the Registrar.

Q. What if I show no skill or aptitude?
A. All skills are learnable; the key factors are aptitude, attitude and enthusiasm. During the first 28 days of your course both student and tutor must be satisfied that you have sufficient aptitude and attitude to succeed. If you do not, you may withdraw from the course during these 28 days and receive a 90% refund. After this time we both commit our full energies to helping you progress to graduation.

Q. Can I cancel my course?
A. Prior to your course commencement date, you may contact the Institute in writing and withdraw your enrolment application. You will be entitled to a full refund. Once your course has commenced, you have 28 days to examine the course materials. If you decide not to proceed with the course for any reason, you must return the course materials, with written notification to the Institute for a 90% refund on your course fees paid. After 28 days there are no refunds. The Institute cannot accept responsibility for any changes in the student’s personal circumstances or work commitments once the course has commenced. However, we can hold your course open for you to complete it within two years. Cancellations are governed by the conditions set out on the course enrolment form. Please read these carefully as it fully explains your contract with the Institute.

Q. Can I enrol for more than one course at a time?
A. Yes. As an encouragement we offer 20% off the second course fee. This discount also applies to members of the same family enrolling in courses with our Institute at the same time. We recommend you think about your workload before you undertake two courses at once as both should be completed within two years.

Q. Do you help me find work?
A. The Institute will help you to find or create work for yourself as a Freelancer. However, we do not approach employers or publishers for you and we are not a job agency. As a student you will receive our Jobs, Events & Competitions newsletter regularly, which has a comprehensive listing of jobs and opportunities for graduates as well as competitions and markets for your work.

Q. What happens after I graduate?
A. As a graduate you may join our Graduates Club and continue to receive our newsletters and other supporting services.

Q. Are there exams to sit?
A. No. All courses are based on internal assessment. Your final assignment is an ‘open book’ Review Questionnaire to check the completeness of your progress through the course. If your tutor assesses you are not yet up to graduation standard, they will work with you, at no extra cost to further improve your skills until we are satisfied you are at graduate standard. Once you graduate you will receive a Certificate or Diploma to hang on your wall and add to your CV. Our Institute is affiliated with colleges in Australia. NZIBS certificates/
diplomas are recognised in both countries.

Q. If I have more questions, can I discuss them with you before I enrol?
A. Yes. We welcome your inquiries and want you to feel confident you have chosen the course that best meets your needs. Please phone the Registrar or Principal during office hours 9am-6pm Monday to Friday on 0800 80 1994, or email: registrar@nzibs.co.nz

Q. What should I expect once I have sent in my enrolment application?
A. Upon receipt of your enrolment form and fees payment, we will confirm your acceptance on the course in writing, giving details of your personal tutor and a copy of our Student Handbook. On the start date you have chosen, your first package will arrive by courier. This will include your first tutorial(s), prepaid envelopes, assignment cover sheets, question sheets, and a stationery starter pack, all presented in a smart folder. Further tutorials will follow by mail every fortnight or month (depending on the payment plan you select).