Consultation on finalising the design of the integrated Quality Assurance Framework
NZQA is seeking feedback on the design of the integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF).
We first consulted on the high-level design proposed for the iQAF in late 2024. That initial consultation included:
- quality assurance cornerstones that set out roles and responsibilities
- enablers to underpin regulations that encourage compliance and continuous improvement
- levers and related regulatory activities for NZQA to make change where needed.
Follow-up consultation
This follow-up consultation seeks feedback on the detailed design of the iQAF. The consultation document:
- provides more detail and invites feedback on the Approve, Self-Review and Monitoring levers
- confirms key matters outlined in the 2024 consultation
- proposes changes to some NZQA Rules to support implementation of iQAF.
We are also seeking input on rule changes to support implementation of the Government’s vocational education and training reforms.
Further information about the proposals and how to provide feedback is available at:
Consultation on the design of the iQAF
Consultation closes Friday 26 September 2025.
On this page
Changes to assuring consistency
Under the iQAF, NZQA will be moving towards a broader approach to ensuring consistent graduate outcomes. The new approach acknowledges programme endorsement by standard-setting bodies and the integration of skill standards into qualifications.
Please note:
- The proposed iQAF recommends that the current process of assuring consistency be discontinued from 1 January 2026.
- If the consultation proposal is accepted, consistency reviews for 2026 will be discontinued and the schedule removed from the NZQA website.
- Consistency reviews scheduled for 2025 will continue to completion. Providers who deliver a programme towards a qualification scheduled for review will still participate and be given a rating. If your organisation is rated ‘not sufficient’ you will still be required to provide further evidence. The due date may run over into 2026.
- The Assuring Consistency workshop scheduled for September will go ahead.
- Assuring Consistency workshops scheduled for October and November have been cancelled. If you are registered for one of these workshops, we will contact you.
Changes to complaints process
We have changed our internal process for managing concerns from learners and the public about education providers. This includes concerns about educational quality as well as safety and wellbeing under the Code of Practice.
Updated web information
We have updated our website information for learners and other individuals. Learners should raise any complaints with their education provider in the first instance.
If you cannot resolve a complaint, advise the learner on how to raise their concerns externally.
See avenues for escalation if there are ongoing concerns.
Concerns about education providers
Other organisations that may be able to help you
Webform replaces risk email
The email for complaints has been closed (risk@nzqa.govt.nz) and replaced by a webform. Please remove the email address from your materials.
Concerns about education providers
NZQA’s contact centre can assist with completing the web form.
Update policies
The Code of Practice requires providers to inform learners of complaint and dispute resolution processes. Please update any relevant information or internal policies to help ensure staff are well equipped to provide accurate guidance on how to raise concerns with NZQA or other external bodies. We suggest the following wording:
‘If you are not satisfied with the outcome of our complaint process, you may be able to raise your concerns externally. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s website provides useful information about the avenues available to you.’
Consultation on fees closed
In May-June we consulted on high-level proposals for a simpler and fairer fee structure. In August we began a second round of consultations, which closed on 9 September.
In the second round we sought feedback on:
- reducing the credit reporting fee from $1.37 + GST 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.
Feedback from the consultation will help us fine-tune our processes and associated fees for introduction from 1 January 2026.
Consultation on changes to NZQA’s fee system for Tertiary Education Organisations
Cost recovery guidance on NZQA fees
NZQA recently developed cost recovery guidance which outlines the principles and procedures we follow when charging fees.
It also sets out how often fees are reviewed and how we will consult on fee charges and notify stakeholders if there are increases.
Apply for micro-credentials through the provider portal
You can now apply for micro-credentials directly through the provider portal login on the NZQA website.
Log in to the provider portal (external link)
Select the option that best suits your needs:
- micro-credential listing and approval
- micro-credential accreditation
- micro-credential listing, approval and accreditation; or
- make changes to an existing micro-credential.
The new functionality streamlines the application process and ensures all micro-credential services are accessible from one location.
Reporting all qualifications and micro-credentials
All qualifications and micro-credentials that are awarded must now be reported so they can be put on the learner’s Record of Achievement (Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules 2025 rule 19).
You can report directly through the NZQA website provider portal or via the Single Data Return (SDR). Qualifications and micro-credentials must be reported within three months, or the next SDR round, after being awarded.
Updated degree and postgraduate guidelines
We recently updated guidance for degree and postgraduate qualifications.
Here’s what’s new:
- Clearer guidance for a better understanding of the rules for listing a qualification, programme approval and accreditation
- Detailed explanations of each approval and accreditation requirement, with examples of the evidence to include in your application
- Updated expectations to match the new NZQCF level descriptors
- Clear guidance on what is expected for curriculum and staff research
- A step-by-step outline of the application process.
Guidelines for listing, approving and maintaining degrees and related qualifications
Newly registered private training establishments
Five private training establishments (PTEs) have been registered by NZQA since March 2025:
- MediCache Limited (4426)
- Trilogy Training Limited (4427) trading as Trilogy Training
- Upskills Ltd (4430) trading as Upskills
- Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology NZ Incorporated (4432) trading as Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology (SCT)
- Pacific Pathology Training Centre (4433)
Details can be found on the NZQA website:
Reminders
TEO issue of certificates for qualifications and micro-credentials
Specifications for the format of certificates for qualifications and micro-credentials can be found at:
Issuing New Zealand qualification and micro-credential achievement certificates
If you need copies of the NZQCF logos referred to in the specifications, contact our Client Services team at qaadmin@nzqa.govt.nz.
Lapse of programme or micro-credential accreditation
If a programme or micro-credential has not been delivered by a TEO for 12 months or more, the TEO’s accreditation will lapse.
You can apply for an extension to programme or micro-credential accreditation before the date of any lapse by emailing qaadmin@nzqa.govt.nz.
Keep your PTE current
If you only have accreditation for one programme or approved micro-credential, and it is not delivered for 12 months or more, your organisation’s registration will lapse.
To avoid this, you can apply for an extension of time. Apply for this extension before the 12 months of non-usage ends by emailing qaadmin@nzqa.govt.nz.
For more information about PTE registration see:
Guidelines for applying for registration as a private training establishment
Guidelines for maintaining registration as a private training establishment
Submitting data as an unfunded international provider
If you enrol international students you need to submit their international student enrolment and provider data to the Ministry of Education. This data is used to calculate payments for the Export Education Levy. PTEs make the payments three times a year.
Visit the Ministry’s website for more information:
Unfunded International Providers (UIP) Data Collection Portal (external link)
Student Fee Protection arrangements
We recommend that you regularly review your student fee protection arrangements to make sure they still fit your needs and the requirements in the Student Fee Protection Rules.
Things to check include:
- Are your courses (still) exempt (i.e. under $500)?
- Do you have approval for the mechanism you are using?
- Thinking of changing to a different mechanism?
- Considering a change of trustee?
If you want to change your arrangement, read through our student fee protection pages:
Coming up this quarter
| Send NZQA your... | Who? | By when? |
|
Different forms for PTEs and TEIs |
TEOs with a financial year-end of 30 June 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
| Annual financial statement | PTEs with a financial year-end of 30 June 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
| Audit of Student Fee protection arrangements | PTEs with a financial year-end of 30 June 2025 Find out who is exempt |
30 November 2025 |
|
Quarterly student fee protection attestation Quarter ending 30 November 2025 |
Providers not exempt: - static trusts - bank bond trusts Not required for standard trusts |
To trustee by 5 December 2025 To NZQA by 12 December 2025 |
|
Fit and Proper Person and Conflict of Interest declarations Submit a new or amended declaration: - before any new governing member starts - if an existing governing member has a new or changed conflict of interest - if an existing governing member has a change in their fit and proper person status See Section 10 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (external link) for the definition of governing member |
PTEs only: - applying for registration - registered PTEs |
As needed |
←
Scroll
→
Forwarding information and queries
Forward the above documents and any queries to qaadmin@nzqa.govt.nz.