In this edition
Tēnā koe
This edition provides an update on a range of areas relating the NZQA’s implementation of the integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF), what you need to do, and key dates.
Please read it carefully as it contains important information on what these changes mean for your organisation, including how to prepare for the new TEO self-review process.
More information about the new integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) and NZQA’s quality assurance work is available on the quality assurance hub:
On this page
TEO self-review and what is required
TEOs are best placed to have ownership of quality and quality improvement. You also have an important role in maintaining the credibility of the qualifications system through the quality of your education and training, and your support to learners. This is a cornerstone of the iQAF.
To maintain and improve quality, iQAF requires TEOs to annually self-review the quality of the education you deliver; the effectiveness of internal quality assurance systems and practices; and the outcomes learners achieve. You will also need to identify areas for improvement and the effectiveness of actions you’re taking to address these.
TEOs will complete a succinct summary report of the self-review and submit it to NZQA using a standard template. The template provides a clear structure for sharing key information, includes the declarations that PTEs previously made through the Annual Declaration form, and poses a thematic question which will change based on insights from our monitoring and quality assurance activities.
TEO self-review summary reports will form the basis of our annual discussion with you. This discussion will provide an opportunity to come to a shared understanding of your strengths, the challenges you are facing, and the actions you are taking to address these.
We will share more information on the TEO self-review process, the schedule for 2026/27, and available resources with you before the end of March. The schedule will show the quarter in which you will be required to submit your self-review summary report and have the annual discussion with us. The earliest submissions will be due in July 2026.
For PTEs, the self-review summary reports mean separate Annual Declaration forms will no longer be required. PTEs whose year-end was 31 December 2025 will need to submit a final annual declaration by 31 May 2026.
NZQA monitoring activities
We are continuing with our current monitoring focus schedule for programmes at Levels 1–7 (non-degree) through the first half of the 2026 calendar year. This includes the following subject areas:
- business and management, including hospitality management and healthcare management
- information technology and related fields
- construction
- nursing
- cookery
- tourism and travel.
The schedule for July to December 2026 will be made available later in June.
Providers who have already been notified of upcoming monitoring activities can expect these to proceed as planned.
Degree monitoring and national external moderation will also continue as usual for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.
In addition, we are continuing to monitor the effectiveness of internal moderation systems across a range of providers and programme areas. Information about additional subject areas for 2026-27 will be published on the QA Hub when it becomes available.
We appreciate providers’ ongoing engagement and support in these activities. Our aim is to give as much clarity as possible so providers can plan ahead with confidence.
For more information about NZQA monitoring activities, please send enquiries to:
How NZQA will describe quality
We acknowledge that it is important to have a clear, independent, overall indicator of tertiary provider quality which employers and prospective students – including those based offshore – can understand.
Under the Evaluative Quality Assurance Framework, TEOs participated in an external evaluation and review, typically once every four years. The review resulted in one of four category ratings, intended to summarise our confidence in each TEO’s overall education performance and its capability in self-assessment.
Over time, with the addition of new types of monitoring activities, we found that category ratings were not always reliable as a predictor of future quality.
iQAF reflects NZQA’s regulatory principles of being impact-led, anticipatory, and adaptable. In developing options for how we might describe TEO quality under iQAF we are aiming to develop a more responsive system, rather than representing a point-in-time, updated every few years. We envisage consulting with you on this in May/June this year.
NZQA Fees
From 1 May, NZQA will be implementing the new Credit Reporting Fee based on qualification completions. Billing under this new system will start in late May, covering the period from when the fee changes took effect (19 January 2026 for the Credit Reporting Fee and 1 January 2026 for other fees).
Student Fee Protection requirements
Course fees of up to NZ$1,000 (including GST) are now exempt from the Student Fee Protection requirements. The amount previously exempt was NZ$500 (including GST).
PTEs are encouraged to review their Student Fee Protection arrangements. If some or all of your courses are exempt, you must complete and return the Student Fee Protection Exemption Notification form [DOCX, 69 KB].
Rules on sub-contracting and Type 2 Changes
In response to questions from providers, we are clarifying requirements for subcontracting and for seeking approval for Type 2 programme changes.
Rule 8(1)(b) in the Quality Assurance of Tertiary Education Providers Rules 2026 sets out how providers can subcontract delivery of part of a programme or micro-credential. To subcontract full delivery, providers need an exemption condition from NZQA.
NZQA is exploring further changes to the NZQA rules around sub-contracting in 2026, and will consult with the sector on any proposed changes.
Te Hono o Te Kahurangi quality assurance
All tertiary providers can choose to be quality assured under Te Hono o Te Kahurangi – a tikanga Māori framework.
We are beginning a review of Te Hono o Te Kahurangi and will be in contact with providers who are currently quality assured through this framework soon.
Questions
I appreciate there is a lot of change underway. We will continue to provide as much information as possible in a coordinated and timely way. As the implementation of changes related to the iQAF will happen progressively, you may see older information on some web pages for a period of time.