What it means to be an inactive PTE
A private training establishment (PTE) may want to stay registered, but become inactive, because of a force majeure.
A force majeure is a natural disaster, fire, flood or other similar unexpected and extraordinary major events.
A PTE becoming inactive is also known colloquially as hibernation.
Inactive PTEs can suspend their activities
Inactive PTEs may be able suspend their accredited programmes and micro-credentials for up to 2 years. PTEs will remain registered during this time.
External quality assurance and assurance fees will stop during the hibernation period.
PTEs will still need to pay any outstanding fees incurred before the start of the inactive period, but they can request a flexible payment plan if needed.
Why apply for inactive PTE status
The Education and Training Act section 352 states that the registration of a PTE lapses if a PTE doesn't deliver at least 1 approved programme or micro-credential within a 12-month period.
If NZQA approves a PTE to be inactive, this preserves a PTE's registration.
On this page
Expectations of PTEs
NZQA expects PTEs to deliver their programmes and micro-credentials to current students.
If PTEs stop delivering programmes and micro-credentials due to a force majeure, NZQA will work with PTEs to support students to make other arrangements.
Current students will be entitled to a pro rata refund, as set out in the Student Fee Protection Rules. Enrolled students who haven't started their studies are entitled to a full refund.
Before a PTE can become inactive, they need to settle any compliance matters with NZQA. Flexible payment plans are available for PTEs that owe fees to NZQA.
Apply to be an inactive PTE
To apply to become inactive a PTE needs to:
- complete the inactive PTE request form [DOCX, 662 KB]
- email the completed inactive PTE form to NZQA
- inform Immigration New Zealand
NZQA will issue a letter confirming the PTE is inactive for up to 12 months or less.
If a PTE needs an extension, it must tell NZQA at least 2 weeks before its inactive status expires.
What happens when a PTE is inactive
When a PTE is inactive, PTEs must:
- maintain any approved programme, especially if another tertiary provider holds accreditation to deliver that approved programme
- get NZQA approval for any change of ownership during this time
- make a recovery plan to resume programmes or micro-credentials, including applying for any programme, micro-credential or sub-contracting changes
- contact the Ministry of Education to submit international student enrolment data if they are an Unfunded International Provider (UIP)
- complete the annual student fee protection assurance report for the previous year and send it to NZQA
- not keep student fees in a PTE's trust account.
Student Fee Protection: Annual assurance reports
NZQA does not:
- undertake external quality assurance during this time, including validation visits and programme monitoring and review
NZQA will:
- request and accept any NZQA fee, that are due within the inactive period, however PTEs can ask for a flexible payment plan, if needed
- continue to have annual TEO Self Reviews to keep in touch with an inactive PTE
- publish a current list of inactive PTEs on this website.
How PTEs stop being inactive
A PTE ending its period of inactivity must:
- tell NZQA at least 2 months before it plans to reopen
- submit a PTE Annual Return Statutory Declaration that confirms they wish to comply with all Rules on reopening
- advise NZQA of their recovery plan and what they intend to deliver. This includes programmes and micro-credentials, staff and site information and any changes
- advise Immigration New Zealand of their intent to reopen (if the PTE hosts international students).
NZQA will:
- resume accepting fees
- resume quality assurance and validation visits.
List of inactive PTEs
There are no inactive PTEs currently