In this edition
Tēnā koe
This brief update highlights a few important matters relevant to tertiary providers and reminders of key dates for submission of information to NZQA in coming months.
We are updating our website to provide more information about the implementation of the Integrated Quality Assurance Framework, new content is being added regularly.
To keep informed about the latest information, the Quality assurance hub is a good place to start if you’re looking for the latest news and reminders about our requirements.
If you are looking for reminders of upcoming dates for submitting information to NZQA, these are now available in the Key dates section of the Quality assurance Hub.
On this page
Implementing iQAF
TEO self-review information sessions
We have delivered four of five TEO self-review information sessions to support TEOs to understand and meaningfully engage with the process. Approximately 236 participants have attended an information session, representing 116 different TEOs from across the sector.
The information sessions are open to all non-university TEOs and provide an overview of the purpose of TEO self-review under the new integrated quality assurance framework (iQAF) and the process. We have one last information session on 28 May 2026 at 1pm. We will schedule additional information sessions for September 2026. If you would like to register for the upcoming information session, please visit the events page.
TEO self-review reminders
TEO self-review begins from July 2026.
Part of the process requires TEOs to submit a summary of their organisational self-review using a template available on the NZQA provider portal. TEOs must use their education sector log on (ESL) to access the portal. ESLs are managed by the Ministry of Education.
We encourage TEOs to check that they have access to the NZQA provider portal using their ESL. Check with your organisation’s delegated authoriser if you need ESL user access or contact the Education Service Desk:
service.desk@education.govt.nz
Our emails and correspondence for TEO self-review are sent to the executive and quality assurance contacts of an organisation using the details we have in our system. We also encourage providers to check that their contact details are correct and up to date on the Provider Portal. This ensures we send the right information to the right people.
New guidance
NZQA is updating its guidance for TEOs to support the phased implementation of iQAF. Our latest updated guidance on the following topics is now on our website:
iQAF upcoming
Implementation of the iQAF risk informed approach
We are continuing work to support the phased implementation of the iQAF risk informed approach. This includes developing the internal processes and operational capability needed to apply the approach consistently. Initial information for TEOs on our approach is being prepared for publication this month – watch out for updates.
Quality descriptors consultation
In the March update, we indicated that we will be engaging with you on how we can describe a TEO's overall quality under iQAF. We started the conversation with some providers recently via the ITENZ roadshows, and throughout June we will engage with other Peak Bodies and providers on this final design feature for iQAF. Following these initial engagements, we will set out our proposals in a consultation document and organise information sessions for you to share your views. We expect the consultation to begin in August.
Degree monitoring for 2026
In December 2025, NZQA advised providers of the interim approach to degree monitoring for 2026. We are now developing a revised approach, informed by the iQAF consultation and related design work. The revised model will support a more consistent and proportionate way of monitoring degree programmes.
Further information, including expectations for providers, will be shared in the coming months. We will continue to engage with providers, so the approach is clear, practical, and supports effective quality assurance.
Charging methodology for qualification completions
We have recently published the methodology we will use to calculate credit reporting fees on qualification completions.
The methodology sets out how we will calculate fees for qualifications partially completed before the introduction of our new fee framework; as well as for cross credits, credit transfers, recognition of prior learning and stranded qualifications.
Alongside the methodology, we have published Q&As to provide clarity on how qualification credit reporting fees are calculated and applied.
We will bill under this new system from the end of May 2026 for qualification completions loaded into NZQA systems from 19 January to 31 May. There will be monthly invoices after that.
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with how fees will be calculated, and to ask any questions ahead of when we send out the first invoices using this methodology from the end of May. Please send questions to:
Update on the TOEFL iBT test for English proficiency
The new TOEFL iBT test format and scoring system (which was launched on 21 January) does not align with the scores required on the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes. This means it cannot be accepted by non-university tertiary education providers for entry to programmes in New Zealand.
Table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes [PDF, 110 KB]
Any tests taken prior to 21 January 2026, which use the old scoring system, can be accepted. The current Australia test, which uses the old format and scoring system, can also be accepted.
Please contact us if you have any questions about accepting TOEFL tests:
If you have questions about the other items I have covered off above, please contact us on 0800 697 296
Changing programmes to reduce fule costs
We are aware that increased fuel prices are impacting tertiary providers and learners, particularly where programmes include vehicle operation, travel, placements, field trips, or other off campus components.
Under the current phase of New Zealand’s Fuel Response Plan, providers are encouraged to operate in ‘business as usual’ ways.
New Zealand’s Fuel Response Plan (external link) (external link) (external link) (external link)
However, if you are considering adjustments to a programme or enrolment arrangements, please contact Approvals and Accreditation or Quality Assurance Māori early to discuss them. Please also continue to take account of the needs of your learners, giving all learners an opportunity to provide feedback and to understand what any changes would mean for them.
Canvas learning management system breach
A number of TEOs registered with NZQA were affected by a recent breach:
Data breach of the Canvas learning management system (external link) (external link).
Even if your organisation was not affected, we encourage you to review how you would respond if any other Software as a Service system you use were disrupted. Check if your business continuity and incident response plans cover how operations would continue, who would make decisions, what immediate technical steps would be taken to manage access and reduce risk, and how connected systems would be protected.
Create an incident response plan - Own Your Online (external link) (external link)
If you have questions or concerns about the Canvas breach, please reach out to the Canvas response team at the Ministry of Education.
Key dates reminders
Submitting applications to NZQA for delivery in 2027
To help with your planning and processes for internal quality assurance, below are the recommended dates for submitting applications for programmes of study you want to deliver in 2027.
Degrees
You can submit degree applications to NZQA at any time. Informing your Approvals and Accreditations (A&A) contact three months before submitting the application will help us meet your timelines.
If you want new degree approvals, accreditations, or Type 2 changes to existing degrees ready for semester one 2027, please submit the application before 1 July 2026.
Level 7 diplomas
Talk to your A&A contact for guidance before developing a new or revising an existing level 7 diploma.
Programmes of study at levels 1 to 6
You can submit applications at any time.
If you want to be ready for Semester One 2027, please submit your application before 2 October 2026 for:
- new approvals or accreditations for programmes of study at levels 1 to 6
- Type 2 changes to existing level 1 to 6 programmes.
Call or email your A&A contact if you need more information.
New PTEs
There have been 7 new Private Training Establishments (PTEs) registered since December 2025
- Institute of Sikh Studies NZ (20600)
- Hermitage Education Limited trading as Hermitage Career Institute (4448)
- QMS Audits New Zealand Ltd (20599)
- Kura Cares Charity trading as Kura Cares PTE (4431)
- BCITO Limited (8101)
- Hair Industries Support Opportunities Charitable Trust trading as HITO (4447)
- Canterbury Institute of Management, New Zealand (4439)