Degree approval, accreditation and monitoring

Information for tertiary institutions that want to offer degrees or postgraduate certificates or diplomas

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:

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.

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

Guidelines

Read the guidelines before you apply for approval and accreditation

Guidelines

How to apply

You can apply online for degree programme approval and accreditation

Learn more

The application process

What to expect when you make an application to NZQA

Find information

Monitoring

About NZQA monitoring of degree and postgraduate programmes

Learn more

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

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