We answer these questions:

• How do I enrol for a writing course?
• Are my details kept private?
• What payment methods do you offer?

How do I enrol for a writing course?

Once you have chosen a course and are ready to start, the next step is to apply for that course. We have a simple but comprehensive application form that you need to complete.

The application form is there for a number of reasons. It enables us to gauge your suitability for the course. We either approve it or we contact you and make alternative suggestions. Either way, we have a screening process for all potential students. It also provides us with your details, which are added to our student database once you have completed the registration process.

There are several places on our site where you can reach the application page. Either by clicking on the "Register Here" button on our home page or anywhere that you see a "register here" link on our site. Once you click the link you go to a form. It is a standard form that needs certain fields to be completed as well as a 200-word motivation. When you have filled it in you just click on the "Validate Application" button and it is sent to us.

There is no obligation to pay for the course even though you have applied. Once we receive your application we go through our approval process. This is usually quite simple but if we need input from a tutor we will liaise with them. If your application is accepted you will receive notification, and an invoice. If you are happy with your choice and wish to start your course you complete the enrolment process by paying the invoice. The moment we receive proof of payment, either by fax or email or a reference in our bank account, your course will start. You receive the first module and your tutor will make contact with you.

Should your application not be approved we will always contact you and offer alternatives or a valid reason as to why your application was not approved.

A complete enrolment (proof of payment has been sent) means that you become a registered student, your course starts and you have access to our student centre.

Your invoice is valid for the year running from October to October and you can pay and start at any time. Please note that we assess our course fees each October.

Are my details kept private?

At no point are your details given to any third party. Only SA Writers' College and your tutor will ever know your details.

What payment methods do you offer?

There are four options:

• Internet Banking/ Electronic transfer: A majority of our students pay via Internet banking/EFT. The great thing about this is that you can email us the receipt of payment and start your course straight away.
• Direct Deposit: You can also go to your bank and do the transaction over the counter and then fax us the proof of payment.
• PayPal: If you have a PayPal account you can make payment to our PayPal account. If you are from outside of South Africa you can also pay with a credit card via PayPal. See link on our home page under "Courses" menu tab on the right.
• Credit Card: If you would like to pay by credit card and you reside in South Africa, then we also have a secure online credit card payment option that you may use. Please note that additional vendor fees may apply. See link on our home page under "Courses" menu tab on the right.

All of these details along with our account details are on the invoice you will receive once your application is approved.

We do offer a split payment option whereby we require a 50% deposit to start a course, with the balance due at the end of the next month. For courses that are 12 months or longer we offer a 50/25/25 split.

Please note that you cannot make a split payment when using a credit card. We prefer to keep our course fees as accessible as we can. Offering longer terms would increase those fees as our administrative time as well as bank charges would increase.