I enrolled in a diploma at a private training establishment because of a particular specialisation. After I paid, they cancelled the specialisation and said I must take a more general course. Do I have any rights to a refund or an alternative?
Yes, you should have rights. Providers must comply with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, which requires accurate information and fair contracts, and their obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 also apply to services provided to students. Where a provider materially changes a course after you have paid, it should offer a refund or a suitable alternative. Ask in writing for a refund of fees on the basis that the course is materially different from what was advertised and contracted, and keep marketing materials. If the provider refuses, complain to the provider first, then use the dispute resolution scheme under the Code, and you can also complain to NZQA.
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