diff --git a/mod/quiz/export.php b/mod/quiz/export.php
index 3cf2ba0edde..32116e2836d 100644
--- a/mod/quiz/export.php
+++ b/mod/quiz/export.php
@@ -21,6 +21,9 @@
         error("Only the teacher can export quiz questions!");
     }
 
+    // ensure the files area exists for this course
+    make_upload_directory( "$course->id" );
+
     $strexportquestions = get_string("exportquestions", "quiz");
     $strquestions = get_string("questions", "quiz");
 
diff --git a/mod/quiz/import.php b/mod/quiz/import.php
index 9d8a9c936b5..22275b22ff3 100644
--- a/mod/quiz/import.php
+++ b/mod/quiz/import.php
@@ -21,6 +21,10 @@
         error("Only the teacher can import quiz questions!");
     }
 
+    
+    // ensure the files area exists for this course
+    make_upload_directory( "$course->id" );
+
     $strimportquestions = get_string("importquestions", "quiz");
     $strquestions = get_string("questions", "quiz");