Higher Certificate in Creative Writing Course Requirements at Open Window
Open Window Institute · Film Arts
The Higher Certificate in Creative Writing is a higher Certificate offered by Open Window for 2027 learners, taking 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Higher Certificate in Creative Writing at Open Window
- National Senior Certificate with at least a Higher Certificate pass
- Alternatives: NC(V) with a Higher Certificate pass, the old Senior Certificate (without endorsement), or the amended Senior Certificate with a Higher Certificate pass
- International applicants need a SAQA evaluation showing equivalence to the NSC at NQF level 4
- Recognition of Prior Learning is considered for a limited number of applicants
About this course
The Higher Certificate in Creative Writing is one of Open Window's newest qualifications, added to its higher certificate line-up for 2026. It is aimed at people who want to develop their writing for creative and commercial settings, such as fiction, scripts, and content for brands and media.
Like the other higher certificates, the year combines core focus subjects with production essentials and process tools, so you learn both the craft of writing and how to deliver work professionally. Check with a student advisor which campuses offer this programme.
The qualification is registered at NQF level 5 with 120 credits (SAQA ID 125014). It can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, using Open Window's hybrid and virtually-mediated model, where core subjects are streamed live from Centurion. Classes run Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:00 and Friday 08:00 to 15:00. Students who finish a higher certificate can apply to continue into a related Open Window degree, and a mid-year pathway allows some students to move straight into degree second year.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Higher Certificate in Creative Writing
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Higher Certificate in Creative Writing doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Content Writer. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Open Window. Ask Open Window directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Open Window’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Open Window and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Book a session with an Open Window student advisor, submit certified copies of your ID and school results, and pay the R1 750 non-refundable application fee. Complete the application form, wait for academic vetting and your acceptance letter, then pay the R12 000 registration fee and register online. The main intake is in January, and some higher certificates also have a mid-year (July) cohort.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Open Window Institute’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Open Window Institute.
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.openwindow.co.za/higher-certificates/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Open Window Institute before applying.