School of Tourism and Hospitality

Entry Requirements

For the Diploma Programs in Tourism and Hospitality

Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

1. Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate (PSSC)/Tonga Form 6 Certificate (TFSC) with a total of 14 or less in 4 subjects and with a minimum of 4 in English, and 3 in
2. Mathematics, for entry into the Diploma in Information Technology Level 5.
3. South Pacific Form 7 Certificate (SPFSC) pass (B average or better)/Tonga National
4. Form 7 Certificate (TNFSC) or successful completion certificate in Tourism & Hospitality Studies.

Applicants who meet these criteria may be granted entry into the first year of the Diploma programme.

1. Applicants working in a field (not less than 5 years) relevant to their chosen programme may be granted entry into the first year of the Certificate or Diploma programme pending their assessment on appropriate activities pertaining to their chosen programme.
2. Applicants with a Diploma in Education (Secondary) from the TIOE taking Information Technology or Tourism Studies as their major may be granted entry into the Diploma in the Tourism Management or Diploma in Information Technology programme
3. Applicants with passes in relevant courses from the University of the South Pacific (USP) or similar institutions may be granted cross crediting points. Entry level will depend on results of cross crediting.

For the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Level 1

1. Must be a citizen of Tonga.
2. Completed Certificate in Tourism Level 1 or;
3. Completed Year 11 or Form 5 with 50% in English and Tongan studies with sound local knowledge or;
4. Attempted secondary education with at least two years’ work experience in a field related to Tourism and Hospitality
5. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for mature students and current employees who have:

• Completed secondary education with five or more years of experience in a related field to Tourism and Hospitality.
• Completed Primary education with at least fifteen years of experience in a related field plus a strong interest to pursue Tourism studies.

The RPL process considers relevant skills, knowledge and experience gained through a combination of:

• Work experience (paid job)
• Life experience (non-paid job/ community involvement)
• Previous informal and/ or formal training

1. Students must provide evidence of their skills, experience, and /or studies.
2. Must be age 17 by the beginning of the semester or older.
3. Eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds include persons living with a disability.

For the Certificate in Tourism (Customer Service) Level 2 & Certificate in Tourism (Tour Guiding) Level 2

1. Completed Certificate in Tourism Level 1
2. Completed Year 11 or Form 5 with 50% in English and Tongan studies with sound local knowledge.
3. Attempted secondary education with at least two years of work experience in a field related to Tourism and Hospitality.
4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for mature students and current employees who have:

• Completed secondary education with at least five years of experience in a related field to Tourism and Hospitality.
• Completed Primary education with at least fifteen years of experience in a related field plus a strong interest to pursue Tourism studies.

The RPL process considers all relevant skills, knowledge, and experience developed through a combination of:

• Work experience (paid job)
• Life experience (non-paid job/ community involvement)
• Previous informal and/ or formal training.

1. Students must provide evidence of their skills, experience, and/or studies.
2. Must be age 17 by the beginning of the semester or older.
3. Eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds include persons living with a disability.

Entry Requirements for the National Certificate in Front Office Manangement

All of the Criteria below.

1. Successfully completed National Certificate in Customer Service Level 3 or equivalent;

OR a Pass with a Grade 3 or better in Tourism at Tonga National Form Seven Certifciate;

OR at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in front office supervision rtole or management in travel, tourism or hospitality;

2. Pass in both Form 5 English and Tongan Studies or equivalent; and
3. Must be age 18 or older.

Entry Requirements for the Natiol National Certificate in Customer Service Level 3

All of the criteria below:

1. Age: Must be age 16 or older.
2. Communication skills (English): Either successful completion of Year 11 English or minimum of 4.5 IELTS (or equivalent);
3. Relevant previous experience: Either successful completion of Year 11 compulsory education or a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in travel, tourism or hospitality;
4. Cultural knowledge (Tonga): Either successful completion of Year 11 Tongan Studies, or relevant cultural knowledge or experience that clearly demonstrate adequate cultural competence (of Tongan society) as approved by the relevant authority (such as Course coordinator, Registrar, or Head of School).

Entry Requirements for the National Certificate in Tour Guiding

All of the Criteria below.

1. Age: must be age 16 or older, and
2. Communication skills (English): Either a pass grade in Year 11 English or minimum of 4.5 IELTS (or equivalent);

Relevant previous experience: Either completion of a TNQAB-accredited Level 2 qualification in a field relevant to Tour guide, or minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in travel, tourism or hospitality.