About this follow-up consultation
In our May-June 2025 consultation, we consulted on high-level proposals for a simpler and fairer fee structure for tertiary education organisations (TEOs) (excluding universities). We also set out the challenges with NZQA's current fee system.
Read the May-June 2025 consultation on a simpler, fairer fee system for TEOs
Read the May 2025 summary of submissions report [PDF, 243 KB]
Over time the fee system became increasingly complex and challenging for both TEOs and NZQA. It also resulted in inequities, with TEOs that use standards contributing a disproportionate share of NZQA's total revenue.
Changes to TEO fees
After considering feedback from the May-June 2025 consultation, NZQA's Board approved an increase in the professional services fee to $240 + GST per hour from 1 January 2026.
This follow-up consultation asks for your input on:
- reducing the credit reporting fee from $1.37 + GST per credit to $1.10 + GST per credit
- applying the credit reporting fee to all qualifications, micro-credentials and standards
- replacing the hourly professional services rate with set fees for some approval services (would not apply to applications that are not suited to set fees).
Your feedback on this consultation will help us finalise a new approach to fees and plan how to best put it into effect.
Download the consultation document
On this page
Timeline for fee changes
We expect to implement any changes outlined in this consultation from 1 January 2026.
Summary of submissions
Consultation on the fee proposals closed on 9 September 2025.
We received 22 submissions from groups and individuals involved in the tertiary education sector.
Download the summary of submissions
Summary of submissions: NZQA consultation on fees [PDF, 552 KB]
What's happening next?
The consultation feedback was reported to the NZQA Board in October. The Board has endorsed the fees.
Download the full draft schedule of set fees for some approval services [PDF, 571 KB]
We are awaiting approval of the updated Rules.
The Education and Training Act 2020 does not currently permit NZQA to levy a credit reporting fee on micro-credential completions. The Ministry of Education is progressing an amendment to enable this. We will charge fees relating to micro-credential completions once the legislation permits.
Communication on transition matters and engagement with the sector will follow in the new year.