Switching to ITC: Your FAQs Answered
Thinking about switching to ITC? Here are some of the most common questions we hear!
Note about Fees Free: The Government has confirmed that final-year Fees Free will finish at the end of December 2026. Learners who complete an eligible provider-based qualification or work-based programme in 2026 will remain able to apply for their final-year Fees Free entitlement within 12 months of completion, up to 31 December 2027.
Sometimes we chat with students who are already studying at a tertiary level, but want to learn more about how we do things at ITC.
These students might already be studying travel and tourism, or they might be enrolled in a completely different course. They might be local and keen to join us on campus, or they might live elsewhere in Aotearoa and want to try our distance learning option with Study From Home.
Whatever the case, we’re always here to answer your questions – and perhaps even to welcome you to our ITC whanau!
Here are some of the most common questions we hear, and how we answer them.
Can I switch from a different provider to ITC?
The short answer is technically, yes. The long answer is that the exact process and technicalities with any Fees Free coverage will change depending on your circumstances.
Generally speaking, you can transfer between qualifications. So finish one qualification with them, then come to us for the next one.
The one thing that will be true for everyone is that we will need a completed academic transcript from your old university or Polytech. This will let us know what qualification you’ve completed so far.
Can I switch from a different provider mid-course?
Generally, we do not recommend switching mid-course.
If you’ve been studying a different qualification completely (for example, Early Childhood Education), but want to switch to Travel and Tourism instead, you can technically take this step. Keep in mind however, you will still need to pay off your student loan that you took out for the original course, and you will lose your Fees Free eligibility. Plus, if you didn’t pass more than 50% of the original course content, you will not be eligible for a student allowance during your ITC studies until you’ve completed 50% of a course with us.
If you are studying a Level 3 Travel and Tourism course elsewhere, you cannot transfer to the same Level 3 course at ITC mid-way through. Instead, we recommend finishing one qualification (for example, Level 3), then coming to us for the next level (such as Level 4).
Am I still eligible for Fees Free study in 2026 if I transfer to ITC?
If you finish your first qualification elsewhere, you will still be able to apply for that Fees Free refund with IRD like normal.
But for any further study with us, you will need to apply for a student loan to cover the course costs, then pay it back later, once you are working.
If you drop out of your old provider mid-course, you will not be able to get your Fees Free refund for that course. You can only get Fees Free if you complete your first course.
What’s the biggest difference between ITC and other providers?
One of the most important parts of studying with ITC – and one of the many reasons why students sometimes switch to ITC – is our employment support.
We have dedicated staff who are there purely to help our students and graduates find work in the industry. They help with everything from preparing a CV and cover letter, to practicing for interviews, to finding great opportunities in the industry.
And the best part is, it’s not just for while you’re studying at ITC. Our employment consultants will happily continue to help you even years after you’ve graduated!
Any other questions?
If you feel like you’re not studying the right industry, or if you’re unhappy where you are, remember that it’s always possible to make a move.
Our team is always here and happy to talk you through the process, and offer advice on how to make it as streamlined as possible for you – and on how to avoid paying more fees than you need to!
Contact us here with any questions about switching to ITC!
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