About the consultation
The implementation of the integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) began in January 2026. This consultation seeks feedback on the final design feature of the iQAF, describing tertiary education provider quality.
We have drafted a proposal for how an up-to-date view of organisational-level TEP quality could be defined, summarised and communicated.
Proposed criteria and descriptors
The proposal includes 4 quality criteria that would provide evidence of the extent to which a TEP has the ongoing capability to deliver high-quality education and training:
- Programme and micro-credential design
- Delivery of education and training
- Assessment practice
- Quality management system implementation.
Each criterion would be weighted and assigned a score based on evidence already held by NZQA and known by the provider.
The cumulative score would correspond to 1 of 3 overall descriptors of a provider’s effectiveness in delivering credible and robust qualifications and credentials that meet needs:
- Highly effective
- Effective
- Not effective
Download the consultation document:
Describing tertiary education provider quality under iQAF [PDF, 638 KB]
On this page
Summary of submissions
Consultation on the proposed quality descriptor closed on 7 September 2026.
We received 61 submissions from groups and individuals involved in the tertiary education sector.
What's happening next?
In light of sector feedback, we will undertake further work before making any final decisions.
We will work with peak bodies, selected providers, wānanga, and agencies to further develop the descriptor, informed by consultation feedback.
Get updates
We will update the sector on the progress through the bi-monthly newsletter Quality Times:
Watch a video of the information session
Questions and answers from information sessions
During the information session some questions came up:
Key questions and answers for the information session [PDF, 95 KB]
Common questions about the quality descriptor
Below are some common questions and answers about the proposed quality descriptors. We will add to these as we receive questions and common themes emerge.