There are more steps in the NZQA analysis of new graduate, post-graduate or degree programme approval or accreditation applications than for applications for programmes at Levels 1 to 6.
Steps in the application and analysis process
- The applicant informs NZQA of their intention to submit at least three months before submitting the application.
- The applicant submits their graduate, postgraduate or degree application for approval and accreditation, including panel nominations.
- NZQA evaluates the documentation and may send a request for information (RFI).
- NZQA evaluates the RFI response and may seek further minor clarifications.
- NZQA sets up a panel for further analysis and a site visit.
- Panel confirms findings/requirements and recommendations.
- If there are any panel requirements, the applicant must typically provide a response within 20 working days. The panel will evaluate the response before an outcome is decided.
- NZQA collates feedback from the panel members and compiles an evaluation report.
- The applicant receives the evaluation report to check for factual accuracy.
- NZQA informs the applicant of the outcome.
The evaluation panel
The panel provides expert knowledge and skills to analyse the application. Panellists must have relevant skills, knowledge or experience at the level of the proposed degree, graduate or post-graduate certificate or diploma.
When applying, the applicant must provide NZQA with:
- two nominations for each position on the evaluation panel (other than the positions of evaluator and independent chair)
- contact details for each nominee (address, phone, email)
- a complete CV of each nominee, including contact details and any other supporting information as to how they contribute to the panel characteristics and endorsements from relevant bodies.
Nominees should not have been involved with the development of the programme. They should not have an association with the applicant that may be a potential conflict of interest.
If clarification is required, please contact your nominated Approvals and Accreditation contact person. Look under NZQA Degree Contacts in your TEO profile.
The Guidelines for Degree Panels outline the process undertaken for establishing a panel for approval and accreditation of graduate, post-graduate or degree programmes.
Timelines for graduate, post-graduate or degree programme approval and accreditation applications
Contact NZQA at least 3 months before submitting your application for additional guidance.
NZQA aims to complete the programme approval and accreditation process within 6 months of receiving the application, but this depends on:
- the quality of the application
- the availability of panellists
- the timing of panel visits
- the time it takes for applicants to respond to and meet any panel requirements after the panel visit.
Fees for graduate, postgraduate or degree programme approval and accreditation applications
For New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), institutes of technology and polytechnics, the costs of NZQA evaluation are covered by the Infrastructure Fee until 18 January 2026.
For degree and related qualifications applications from PTEs and wānanga, the following costs (excluding GST) apply until 18 January 2026:
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NZQA analysis of application - $190 per hour
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degree panellist's fee - $80 per hour for each full hour (for an 8 hour day), for a maximum of 4 days
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degree panel chair fee - $120 per hour for each full hour (for an 8 hour day), for a maximum of 5 days
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travel and accommodation - Actual costs for panellists and panel chair
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travel time - $40 per hour for travel time when the distance is above 30 kilometres
The above charges apply to bachelor's degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas, Honours degrees, post-graduate certificates and diplomas, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees.
From 19 January 2026, applications for new or changes to graduate, postgraduate or degree programmes from New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), polytechnics and institutes of technology, will no longer be covered by the Infrastructure Fee.
Total charges for approval and accreditation of graduate, post-graduate or degree programmes, especially when applied as a suite, may exceed $20,000.
Changes to existing graduate, postgraduate or degree programmes are generally cheaper.
Costs for travel and accommodation for panellists and the panel chair are charged directly to the applicant.