Why Study/Key Benefits

The New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) at Crown Institute of Studies is designed for students who want to develop business, communication and workplace-management skills for the tourism and travel industry.

Key benefits include:

• A broad overview of New Zealand's tourism industry and its regional destinations.

• Knowledge of tourism operations, commercial aviation, finance, budgeting and business systems.

• Understanding of trends in international tourism and changing visitor expectations.

• Development of communication, workplace management and professional conduct skills.

• 60 hours of real-world experience in a tourism or travel organisation.

• Educational visits, including a listed visit to Hobbiton and other industry visits.

• Face-to-face classroom learning with elements of blended online learning.

• An opportunity to apply for the Disney Cultural Exchange Programme after completing the course; participation or selection is not guaranteed.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Crown lists eight modules:

1. Effective Communication in Travel and Tourism

2. New Zealand Tourism Sector, Region by Region

3. Trends in the International Tourism Environment

4. Tourism Venture Improvements

5. Finance and Budgeting

6. Commercial Aviation

7. Workplace Management and Personal Work Ethics

8. Business Systems Development

Disciplines/Specialisations

The diploma is a general Tourism and Travel qualification rather than a programme with separately advertised specialisations.

Its main subject areas are:

• Tourism operations and destination knowledge.

• Travel and tourism communication.

• International tourism trends.

• Commercial aviation.

• Tourism business development and improvement.

• Finance and budgeting.

• Workplace supervision, management and professional ethics.

• Business systems and operational processes.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 5 qualification with 120 credits.

• 40-week course.

• 30 hours of scheduled learning per week.

• Face-to-face classroom delivery with blended online learning.

• 60 hours of real-world experience in a tourism and travel organisation.

• Eight modules covering tourism, business systems, finance, commercial aviation and workplace management.

• Educational visits, including Hobbiton and industry visits.

• Written assessments, presentations and practical role plays.

• Opportunity to explore further study at degree level, including the pathway Crown identifies to Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Career Outcomes

NZQA indicates that graduates of the Level 5 diploma may be prepared for senior positions in the tourism and travel industry. Potential roles listed by NZQA include:

• Tourism operations adviser.

• Business development coordinator.

• Trade development adviser.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

Important points for applicants in 2026–2027:

• Crown currently lists a February 2027 intake running from 2 February to 17 December 2027.

• The published 2027 transport-support offer is restricted to New Zealand citizens and residents.

• The advertised 2027 scholarship has a 23 October 2026 closing date and is also restricted by citizenship/residency and New Zealand secondary-school criteria.

• The diploma includes 60 hours of real-world tourism and travel experience. Students should confirm how the placement is organised and whether they must source their own placement.

• The qualification has 120 credits and is listed by NZQA as current. NZQA's 2025 review introduced a new version of qualification 2206; students should ask Crown which approved version will appear on their enrolment and final award documentation.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time diploma in New Zealand will generally need to meet the requirements for a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment.

• Offer of place: Obtain an offer from an approved education provider and meet the provider's admission requirements.

• Tuition fees: Show that you have paid the required tuition fees, can pay them, or qualify for an exemption. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence covering one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Living expenses: For tertiary study lasting one year or more, the published requirement is NZD $20,000 per year. For study lasting less than one year, it is NZD $1,667 per month.

• Outward travel: Provide a ticket out of New Zealand or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one. This is additional to the required living-cost funds.

• Insurance: Hold acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period required by the visa and education provider.

• Health and character: Meet applicable health and character requirements. Medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates may be required depending on individual circumstances.

• Genuine study purpose: Demonstrate a genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least three months before planned travel.

• Visa cost and processing: The official visa page lists a cost from NZD $850 and states that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks. These figures can change and are not a guarantee for an individual application.

• Work rights: Eligible students may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week while studying and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions granted on their visa. Students must check their actual eVisa conditions.

• Attendance and progress: Students must attend their course and make satisfactory academic progress.