The review of University Entrance requirements, originally planned to run between 2023-2025, is currently paused.
On 5 April 2024, the Government announced that the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Change Programme will be rephased by two years:
- The roll-out of NCEA Level 2 qualifications, previously planned for 2026, is being rephased to 2028.
- The roll-out of NCEA Level 3 qualifications, previously planned for 2027, is being rephased to 2029.
For further information about this announcement see:
Government to rephase NCEA Change Programme (external link) - Beehive.govt.nz
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About the review
NZQA will be reviewing the University Entrance (UE) Award to ensure it is aligned with the changes related to the NCEA Change Programme, now due for completion in 2029.
NZQA will be liaising with an External Reference Group, with representatives from Universities New Zealand - Te Pōkai Tara, key stakeholders and peak bodies. They will provide advice and insights into the current operation of UE and recommend potential options for future requirements.
The review aims to ensure that UE continues to be a robust indicator of ākonga readiness for degree level study at one of the eight New Zealand public universities or equivalent e.g., Wānanga, Te Pūkenga, private training establishments (PTEs), without posing unintentional or unnecessary barriers.
An outcome of the review is to ensure equitable access to the UE award. Hikitia Ka Hāpaitia and the Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020 –2030 are cornerstones of the review process. NZQA is committed to taking practical action to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
NZQA now anticipates consulting broadly with stakeholders in mid-2026.
The review will be aligned with changes to NCEA Level 3 achievement standards, with refreshed UE requirements to be released well in advance of changes taking effect in 2029.
University Entrance External Reference Group members
| Organisation | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| NZQA - Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa | Jann Marshall | (Review Sponsor)
Deputy Chief Executive Assessment |
| Linda Glogau | (Chair)
Manager, Office of the DCE Assessment |
|
| Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara (UNZ) | David Crabbe | Chair, Subcommittee on University Entrance,
Adjunct Professor School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, Te Herenga Waka –Victoria University of Wellington |
|
University Vice-Chancellors representatives |
Susan Laurenson | Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau |
| Felicity Reid | Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Auckland University of Technology - Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau | |
| Bronwyn Wood | Associate Professor, School of Education, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington | |
| Ngā Kura ā-Iwi o Aotearoa (NKAI) | Sophie Tukukino | Kaiwhanake, Ngāti Tamaterā, Rongomaiwahine and Ngāti Kahungunu |
| Te Rūnanga nui o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa | Phil Heeney | Poumatua Ohu Wharekura |
| Te Akatea Māori Principals Association | TBA | |
| Wānanga | Vaughan Bidois | Executive Director Academic at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi |
| NZ Pacific Principals’ Association | Parehuia Enari | Principal, Pacific Advance Secondary School |
| Pacific representative, secondary sector | Natalie Faitala | Head of English & Curriculum Management, Wesley College, Auckland. |
| Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) - Te Wehengarua | Chris Abercrombie | Acting President, James Hargest College (TIC History. Teacher of History and Social Studies)
|
| Secondary Principals’ Council of Aotearoa (SPC) | Kate Gainsford | Chair, Principal, Aotea College |
| Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) | Dawn Ackroyd | Executive member, Principal, Napier Girls' High School |
| Tertiary Education Commission, Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Anna Castelle-Parsons | Kaupapahere Whakahaere | Operational Policy |
| Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, Ministry of Education | Shannon Andrews | Chief Advisor – Secondary Tertiary, Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre |
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