Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2022

1. Authority

1. These Rules are made under section 452 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

If you prefer you can download these rules as a PDF:

Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2022 [PDF, 7.7 MB]

Part 1 - Programme approval and recognition criteria and applications

4. Criteria for approval of programmes for institutions under section 439 of the Act

The following are the criteria for approval of programmes for institutions:

Criterion 1 - Qualification to which the programme leads

The programme meets the definition published on the NZQA website of the applicable qualification type listed in the Table in the Appendix to the Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules.

Criterion 2 - Title, aims, learning outcomes and coherence

The title, aims, stated learning outcomes, and coherence of the whole programme are adequate and appropriate and clearly meet the graduate profile and specification for the qualification as listed on the NZQCF.

Criterion 3 - Delivery methods

The delivery methods are adequate and appropriate, given the stated learning outcomes for the programme. Where specific resources are necessary for the programme to be provided, those resources are clearly outlined.

Criterion 4 - Acceptability of the programme and consultation

There is a written summary of the consultation undertaken, the views expressed, and consideration of the views. The consultation and summary must articulate the need for and acceptability of the programme to the relevant communities (including ākonga, whānau, hapū, iwi and where appropriate, hapori Māori) and other key stakeholders (including the qualification developer and any relevant academic, employer, industry, professional and other bodies) and any required endorsement by a WDC under section 366(1)(g) of the Act has been obtained.

Criterion 5 - Regulations

There are clear, relevant, and appropriate regulations that specify requirements for:

• admission
• credit recognition and transfer
• recognition of prior learning
• programme length and structure
• integration of practical and work-based components
• assessment procedures, including authenticity of student work
• normal progression within the programme

Criterion 6 - Assessment and moderation

Assessment methodology is fair, valid, consistent and appropriate given the stated learning outcomes.

There is an effective system for moderation of assessment materials and decisions.

Criterion 7 - Programme review

The institution:

• assesses the currency and content of the programme
• has adequate and effective processes for the ongoing review of the programme, taking account of the results of any review of the qualification
• has adequate and effective processes for monitoring the quality of outcomes for learners and other stakeholders, and for reviewing programme regulations and content
• updates the programme accordingly.

Criterion 8 - Research required for degrees and post-graduate qualifications

The links between research and the curriculum are clear, adequate, and effective.

5. Applications for approval of programmes

1. Applications by institutions (other than universities) for approval of programmes at levels 1 to 6, and under-graduate diplomas at level 7, must contain the following information:
   
   1. programme documentation that includes:a clear statement of the title and aims of the programme;
      
      1. a clear articulation of the structure, components and length of the programme;
      2. clearly identified links between the programme component learning outcomes and the qualification graduate profile outcomes;
      3. specified learning outcomes for each component of the programme;
      4. allocation of appropriate levels and credits for each component; and
      5. clear identification of any standards used in the programme that are taken from the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards:
   2. information that demonstrates the programme meets the criteria specified in rule 4.1:
   3. evidence of internal quality assurance approval of the programme by the institution:
   4. an explanation of how the institution will monitor and assure the consistency of qualification achievement by students.
   5. a copy of any required endorsement of a WDC under section 366(1)(g) of the Act. 
2. Applications by institutions (other than universities) for approval of programmes leading to degree, graduate and post-graduate qualifications at levels 7 to 10 must contain the following:
   
   1. programme documentation that includes:
      1. a clear statement of title and aims of the programme;
      2. a clear articulation of the structure, components and length of the programme;
      3. specified learning outcomes for each component of the programme;
      4. clearly identified links between the programme component learning outcomes and the qualification graduate profile outcomes; and
      5. allocation of appropriate levels and credits for each component:
   2. information that demonstrates the programme meets the criteria specified in rule 4.1:
   3. evidence of internal quality assurance approval of the programme by the institution.
3. Applications by universities for programme approval must be made to Universities New Zealand.

6. New Zealand programme recognition

1. An application for recognition of a New Zealand programme under section 438B must contain the following information, and will be assessed against that information:

Criterion 1 - Title and purpose statement

The title identifies the qualification to which the New Zealand programme leads.

There is a suitable purpose statement.

Criterion 2 - Structure, length and coherence

The structure (including components and learning outcomes), length and coherence of the whole New Zealand programme are adequate and appropriate and clearly meet the graduate profile and specification for the qualification as listed on the NZQCF.

Any standards to be used in the New Zealand programme are to be identified.

Criterion 3 - Delivery methods

The delivery methods must be adequate and appropriate, given the stated learning outcomes for the programme. Where specific resources are necessary for the programme to be provided, those resources are clearly outlined.

Criterion 4 - Collaboration, acceptability and consultation

There is a written summary of the collaborative process and consultation undertaken, the views expressed, and consideration of the views. The consultation and summary must identify the bodies that participated and articulate the need for and acceptability of the programme to the relevant communities (including ākonga, whānau, hapū, iwi and where appropriate, hapori Māori) and other key stakeholders (including the qualification developer, institutions that will be providing the programme, other standard-setting bodies, and any relevant academic, employer, industry, regulatory, professional and other bodies).

Criterion 5 - Regulations

There are clear, relevant, and appropriate regulations that specify requirements for:

• admission
• credit recognition and transfer
• recognition of prior learning
• programme length and structure
• integration of practical and work-based components
• assessment procedures, including authenticity of student work
• normal progression within the programme
• details for transitioning from an approved programme to the recognised New Zealand programme, for both students and accredited institutions.

Criterion 6 - Assessment and moderation

Assessment methodology is fair, valid, consistent and appropriate given the stated learning outcomes. Any assessment requirements, in addition to those specified in standards used in the programme, are identified.

There is an effective system for moderation of assessment materials and decisions.

Criterion 7 - Review

The approved standard-setting body:

• assesses the currency and content of the programme
• has adequate and effective processes for the ongoing review of the programme, taking account of the results of any review of the qualification
• has adequate and effective processes for monitoring the quality of outcomes for learners and other stakeholders, and for reviewing programme regulations and content
• updates the programme accordingly.

Part 3 - Granting of programme approval, recognition and accreditation

10. Granting of programme approval and granting of accreditation to institutions (other than universities)

1. NZQA will advise applicant institutions (other than universities) if any of the details in the application require further work.
2. NZQA may establish  a panel to assess the application.
3. NZQA may carry out a site visit for accreditation applications.
4. Where NZQA is satisfied with the details in the relevant application, NZQA will grant, and advise the applicant institution of:
   1. approval of the programme or recognition of the New Zealand programme:
   2. accreditation to provide the approved programme, the New Zealand programme or part of the programme.
5. Where NZQA is not satisfied with the details in the application, NZQA will not approve the application, and will advise the applicant.
6. NZQA will publish on its website up to date and appropriate details of approved programmes, recognised New Zealand programmes and details of institutions accredited to provide approved programmes, New Zealand programmes or parts of them.

11. Granting of programme approval and granting of accreditation to universities

1. Where satisfied with the content of an application, Universities New Zealand will, under section 453 of the Act and in accordance with any procedures set up for inter­ university course approval and moderation under section 312(a) of the Act, grant the relevant:
   1. programme approval:
   2. accreditation.

Part 5: Maintaining programme approval,recognition and accreditation

13. Requirements to be met to maintain programme approval

1. To continue to maintain a programme approval leading to a qualification at levels 1 to 6, and for an under-graduate diploma at level 7, institutions (other than universities) must ensure:
   1. the criteria specified in rule 4.1 continue to be met:
   2. ongoing assessment and reviews of the programme are undertaken:
   3. the consistency of qualification achievement by students for the purposes of rule 5.1(d) is monitored and assured:
   4. relevant information is provided where requested by NZQA for the purposes of:
      1. assuring consistency of graduates of New Zealand qualifications at levels 1-6, and of under-graduate diplomas at level 7; and
      2. reviews of suites of qualifications and of individual qualifications:
   5. where requested by NZQA, participation and cooperation for the purposes of assuring consistency and carrying out reviews as described in rule 13.1(d)(i) and (ii).
2. To continue to maintain approval of a programme leading to a degree, graduate or post­-graduate qualification at levels 7 to 10, institutions (other than universities) must:
   1. ensure the criteria specified in rule 4.1 continue to be met:
   2. ensure regular reviews of the  programme are undertaken.
3. To continue to maintain approval of a programme universities must:
   1. ensure the criteria specified in rule 4.1 continue to be met:
   2. ensure regular reviews of the programme are undertaken.

14. Requirements to be met to maintain New Zealand programme recognition

1. To continue to maintain New Zealand programme recognition the standard-setting body must:
   1. ensure the criteria specified in rule 6.1 continue to be met:
   2. ensure regular reviews of the programme are undertaken.

15. Requirements to be met to maintain accreditation

1. To continue to maintain accreditation to provide an approved programme, a New Zealand programme or part of them at levels 1 to 6, or an under-graduate diploma at level 7, institutions (other than universities) must:
   1. ensure the criteria specified in rule 7.1 continue to be met:
   2. participate and cooperate in the monitoring of consistency of qualification achievement by students for the purposes of rule 5.1(d):
   3. undertake self-assessment:
   4. provide the programme (or part) as it was approved, including adhering to the programme regulations, unless a specific change has been approved in writing by NZQA:
   5. participate and cooperate in external evaluation and review:
   6. where requested by NZQA, participate and co-operate in programme monitoring, which may include visits to the institution:
   7. provide relevant information where requested by NZQA for the purposes of:
      1. assuring consistency of graduates of New Zealand qualifications at levels 1-6, and of under-graduate diplomas at level 7; and
      2. reviews of suites of qualifications and of individual qualifications:
   8. where requested by NZQA, participate and cooperate for the purposes of assuring consistency and carrying out reviews as described in rule 13.1(d)(i) and (ii):
   9. provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate consistency of graduate outcomes effectively, when participating in the process of assuring consistency.
2. To continue to maintain accreditation to provide an approved programme, New Zealand programme or part of them leading to a degree, graduate or post-graduate qualification at levels 7 to 10 institutions (other than universities) must:
   1. ensure the criteria specified within rule 7.1 continue to be met:
   2. undertake self-assessment:
   3. provide the programme (or part) as it was approved, including adhering to the programme regulations, unless a specific change has been approved in writing by NZQA:
   4. participate and cooperate in external evaluation and review:
   5. participate and cooperate in monitoring, which will consist of either:
      1. annual visits to the institution by the NZQA appointed monitor, reports by the monitor on the implementation of the programme, and reviews of the first graduating years of programmes by the institution; or
      2. where NZQA permits, self-monitoring in accordance with any conditions imposed by NZQA.
3. To continue to maintain accreditation to provide a programme, New Zealand programme or part of them universities must:
   1. ensure the criteria specified within rule 7.1 continue to be met:
   2. ensure regular reviews of the provision of the programme are undertaken.
4. Where the programme or New Zealand programme to which the accreditation relates contains standards, institutions must continue to comply to rules made under section 452(1)(c) for the purposes of maintaining the consent to assess for those standards.

Part 7: Miscellaneous requirements

20. Use of sub-contractors by institutions other than universities

1. Where an institution (other than a university) proposes to use a sub-contractor to provide an approved programme, a New Zealand programme, or part of a programme on the institution's behalf, and the institution and the sub-contractor are both accredited to provide the programme (or part), the institution must notify NZQA of the sub-contracting arrangement prior to the programme (or part) being provided, and supply the following information with that notification:
   1. a copy of the sub-contracting agreement which must outline the responsibilities and obligations of the parties:
   2. the duration of the arrangement:
   3. the reasons for the arrangement:
   4. confirmation that any advertising and other information provided to prospective students clearly shows that the study or training involved is provided under a sub­ contracting arrangement.
2. Where an institution (other than a university) proposes to use a sub-contractor to provide an approved programme, New Zealand programme or part of a programme that the institution is accredited to provide, and the sub-contractor does not itself hold accreditation, the institution must apply to NZQA for approval to engage the sub-contractor prior to any provision of the programme (or part) by the sub-contractor.
3. Applications under rule 20.2 for approval to engage the sub-contractor must include the following information:
   1. the name of the sub-contractor:
   2. identification of the programme(s) or part(s) to be provided under the arrangement:
   3. the rationale for the proposed sub-contracting arrangement:
   4. a copy of the sub-contracting arrangement between the institution and the sub­-contractor:
   5. evidence of internal quality assurance approval by the institution.
4. NZQA will grant approval to an application under rule 20.2 where it is satisfied that:
   1. the institution remains responsible for the sub-contractor meeting all of the institution's obligations that are relevant for the accreditation:
   2. the sub-contractor will meet all relevant obligations in the Act and in rules made under section 452 of the Act in relation to the provision of the programme or part:
   3. there is a formal documented arrangement between the holder and the sub­-contractor that includes provisions to ensure that NZQA is able to exercise its quality assurance and enforcement powers and functions in respect of the acts or omissions of the sub-contractor relating to the provision of the programme or part:
   4. the information and advertising for the study or training clearly states that it is provided through a sub-contracting arrangement:
   5. all student enrolments are through the institution, and the institution maintains all student enrolment and academic information.
5. To continue to maintain approval under rule 20.4 an institution must ensure the sub­-contracting is conducted at all times in accordance with the requirements set out in paragraphs (a) to (e) of rule 20.4.

21. Special reviews

1. Where concerns are raised with or come to the attention of NZQA about a programme approval, New Zealand programme recognition, or accreditation to provide an approved programme or recognised New Zealand programme, NZQA may undertake (as appropriate) a special review of:
   1. the programme approval (other than a university programme approval):
   2. the New Zealand programme recognition held by a standard-setting body:
   3. the accreditation to provide the programme (other than a university accreditation) or the New Zealand programme.
2. Before NZQA undertakes a review described in rule 21.1, NZQA must give reasonable notice to the relevant institution or standard-setting body.
3. The relevant instutution or standard-setting body must provide relevant information and otherwise cooperate with NZQA for the purposes of the special review.

22. English language requirements for international students

1. An institution (other than a university) must:
   1. verify, prior to enrolling an international student in a programme (other than an English language programme or a programme taught in a language other than English) at level 3 or above, that the student has the necessary English language proficiency as demonstrated through the use of evidence of one of the kinds described in rules 22.2 to 22.4; and
   2. retain a copy of that evidence for at least two years from the date the student is enrolled in that programme.
2. Evidence that the student has:
   1. achieved NCEA level 3 and has met New Zealand university entrance requirements; or
   2. been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A-level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or
   3. been awarded the Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) or the Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or
   4. achieved, within the two years preceding the start date of the programme in which the student is enrolled, one of the internationally recognised proficiency test outcomes specified in the Table in the Appendix for the level of the programme in which the student is enrolling.
3. Evidence that the student has:
   1. completed all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in one of the countries listed in rule 22.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
   2. completed at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in one of the countries listed in rule 22.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
   3. been awarded a Bachelor’s degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Post-graduate Certificate, Post-graduate Diploma, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree with English as the language of instruction from a tertiary education provider from one of the countries listed in rule 22.5.
4. Evidence that the student has been granted a Manaāki New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship offered by the New Zealand government and has:
   1. completed all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
   2. completed at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction.
5. The countries for the purpose of paragraphs (a) - (c) of rule 22.3 are: New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.