The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has opened consultation on proposed changes to fee levels and structures, to ensure a simpler, fairer fee system.
“NZQA is proposing a simpler, clearer and fairer fee system, that would be easier for tertiary education organisations to keep track of, and for NZQA to administer,” says NZQA Deputy Chief Executive, Quality Assurance, Eve McMahon.
NZQA is proposing to extend the Credit Reporting Fee to all qualifications, micro-credentials and standards from 1 January 2026, and to end the annual fee and the consistency fees that some tertiary providers pay.
“This would more fairly share the costs of administering the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework across the wide range of providers, qualifications, micro-credentials and standards that are available today,” Ms McMahon says.
The Credit Reporting Fee was last adjusted in 2008.
NZQA is also proposing to raise the hourly Professional Services fee from 1 January 2026 to partially reflect inflation and cost increases.
“The Professional Services fee was last adjusted in 2018, and we are proposing to increase this to better cover NZQA’s costs,” Ms McMahon says.
“We will also consult the sector on whether they would prefer to move to a flat fee for services. A flat fee would give tertiary providers more certainty around costs and reduce administration for NZQA.”
“If a flat fee is preferred by the sector, NZQA will consult on a specific flat fee structure later this year,” Ms McMahon says.
The consultation is open until 24 June, with more information available from the consultation webpage.