Tertiary education providers can offer degrees and related qualifications at Levels 7 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
The qualifications that non-university tertiary institutions can provide include:
- Bachelor's degrees
- Graduate certificates
- Graduate diplomas
- Honours degrees
- Postgraduate certificates
- Postgraduate diplomas
- Master's degrees
- Doctoral degrees
Only registered and accredited institutions can deliver approved degree and postgraduate programmes.
You can apply to NZQA for approval of a programme leading to any of these qualifications. You can also apply for accreditation to deliver an existing degree or postgraduate programme.
On this page
Requirements
We consider applications from non-university providers for degree programme approval and accreditation against NZQA rules, which are made under the Education and Training Act 2020.
The rules make sure that all approved qualifications and programmes leading to degrees or related qualifications meet a consistently high standard.
Relevant rules and legislation
Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules 2022
Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules 2022
Section 454 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (external link)
Essential reading
Changes to degree and postgraduate programmes
If an institution changes the structure, outcomes, mode of delivery or credit value of a degree programme, we may need to approve the programme before it's delivered to learners.
You can find more information about changes to degree and postgraduate programmes in the guidelines.
Guidelines for approving and maintaining degrees and related qualifications
Changes or additions to delivery sites
Site-specific accreditation is granted for degree programmes at Level 7 and above.
You need to seek approval before delivering a programme from a new or additional site, whether it's permanent or temporary.
Delivering degree-level or higher programmes at additional sites