About these guidelines
These guidelines outline the processes that tertiary education organisations (TEOs), other than universities, need to follow to:
- list a qualification on the New Zealand Qualification and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) at Levels 7 to 10
- apply for approval of programmes leading to a qualification at levels 7 to 10
- apply for accreditation to deliver an approved programme leading to a qualification at levels 7 to 10
- maintain approval and accreditation to provide a programme leading to a listed qualification on the NZQCF.
The process of listing a degree or related qualification and approving a programme is undertaken simultaneously.
Degrees and related qualifications at levels 7 to 10
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Graduate certificates and diplomas
- Bachelor honours degrees
- Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees.
Download these guidelines
If you prefer, you can download these guidelines as a PDF:
Guidelines for listing, approving and maintaining degrees and related qualifications [PDF, 1.1 MB]
On this page
1. Who can apply?
NZQA will accept applications from:
- Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
- Wānanga
- NZQA-registered private training establishments.
2. Using the evaluative approach
NZQA evaluates the qualification set out in part 4 of the Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules, alignment with NZQCF level descriptors, and the programme against parts 1, 2 and 7 of the Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules.
The decision to approve a degree or related qualification for listing on the NZQCF register and approve the programme leading to the qualification is made simultaneously by meeting the criteria and answering the evaluation questions.
3. Qualification listing
Principles underpinning the design of qualifications on the NZQCF:
Needs-based
The usefulness, relevance and value of qualifications and credentials is based on their relevance to industry, Māori and iwi, the community, and the skill needs and aspirations of individuals and groups of learners. Qualification and credential pathways show how continued learning has been designed to contribute to growing and developing people’s capabilities.
Qualifications may explicitly acknowledge the environmental, cultural, and social aspirations of Māori, Pacific people, disabled people and other communities.
Focused on outcomes
Clearly specifying the outcomes of a qualification or credential enables comparisons with other qualifications and credentials (both nationally and internationally) and assists portability. Outcomes describe what people know, can do, and the context in which they can operate on completion of their qualification or credential. They include transferable skills. They also indicate pathways to further education, employment or contribution to the community.
Flexibility
Qualifications and credentials can be achieved through a range of pathways and learning modes. Learning can be delivered and assessed in ways that meet the cultural and learning needs of learners and take place in a wide variety of locations. These include on-campus, online, in workplaces, marae, events, churches, sports clubs and organisations, community settings, sites of cultural significance and the kāinga (home).
Learning acquired both formally and informally – such as through recognition of prior learning – may be credentialed.
Trust and accountability
Qualifications and credentials are developed collaboratively with a wide range of relevant stakeholders in an environment of mutual trust, benefit, and accountability. The relationships between these parties are based on whanaungatanga (relationship), manaakitanga (support) and mahi tahi (cooperation), and reflect respect, understanding, communication and collaboration. Parties can rely on the integrity of the processes used and the information provided.
Listing criteria
4. Programme approval
The Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules requires that applications by institutions (other than universities) for the approval of programmes leading to degree, graduate and postgraduate qualifications at levels 7 to 10 must contain the following:
- programme documentation that includes:
- a clear statement of title and aims of the programme
- a clear articulation of the structure, components and length of the programme
- specified learning outcomes for each component of the programme
- clearly identified links between the programme component learning outcomes and the qualification graduate profile outcomes, and
- allocation of appropriate levels and credits for each component.
- information that demonstrates the programme meets the criteria specified in rule 4.1
- evidence of internal quality assurance approval of the programme by the institution.
NZQA evaluates applications using Rule 4.1 criteria for the approval of programmes for institutions under Section 439 of the Act, as explained below.
5. Programme accreditation
For programmes leading to a degree or to graduate or postgraduate qualifications at levels 7 to 10, applications must contain the following information:
- information that demonstrates the institution meets the criteria specified in rule 7.1
- evidence of internal quality assurance approval by the institution.
NZQA evaluates applications for programme accreditation using the criteria in Rule 7 of the Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules.
6. Process for granting approval and accreditation
When granting programme approval and accreditation to institutions (other than universities), NZQA:
- will advise applicant institutions (other than universities) if any of the details in the application require further work.
- may establish a panel to assess the application.
- may carry out a site visit for accreditation applications.
If we are satisfied with the details in the relevant application, NZQA will grant, and advise the applicant institution of:
-
- approval of the programme or recognition of the New Zealand programme
- accreditation to provide the approved programme, the New Zealand programme or part of the programme.
If we are not satisfied with the details in the application, NZQA will not approve the application, and will advise the applicant.
On our website, we publish 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.
How to apply
Application instructions are available at:
Online applications for tertiary education organisations
When the application is received, an email quoting an NZQA case number will be sent to the applicant. This number remains associated with the application throughout its outcome.
The application will be assigned to the Approvals and Accreditation or Quality Assurance Māori team. A separate email will be sent to the applicant, advising them of the Evaluator's name and contact details.
The Evaluator will commence the evaluation and contact the applicant if the submission lacks sufficient evidence.
NZQA will process applications within 130 working days, not including requests for information (RFIs). During an RFI, the application is on hold.
Application fees
7. Post-approval
8. Changes to approved degree programmes
Changes to a programme may result from ongoing quality management and improvement or changes in the industry or sector.
If changes made to one programme impact associated or linked programmes, updated programme documents must be supplied for all affected programmes. If several Type 2 changes below are incorporated within an application, NZQA may deem the cumulative changes sufficiently significant to affect the programme to the extent that a new programme approval and accreditation application may be required.
9. Delivering degree-level or higher programmes at additional sites
Graduate and postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and degrees are accredited for delivery at specific delivery sites only.
For more information:
Approval of delivery sites for degree-level or higher programmes
10. Joint degree between a university and non-university institution
These can occur between a New Zealand university and another non-university tertiary education organisation where the contribution of each is substantial. For jointly awarded qualifications, both Universities New Zealand and NZQA engage for the purposes of approval and accreditation.
The information below should be provided with an application for a joint degree programme.
The following procedures have been agreed upon between NZQA and Universities New Zealand (UNZ). There are three possibilities with three different requirements:
- If the qualification is awarded solely in the name of a university, Universities New Zealand's Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) procedures would apply, as set out in the CUAP booklet.
- If awarded solely in the name of a non-university tertiary education organisation, the relevant procedures outlined in NZQA policy would apply.
- For a degree awarded in the name of 2 tertiary education organisations, one of which is a university, a combination of the procedures will apply (negotiated between the institutions).
11. Sub-contracting
An accredited education organisation can arrange for another organisation to provide all or part of an approved programme on their behalf. NZQA considers this a sub-contracting arrangement.
There are different requirements when an education organisation engages a sub-contractor. These requirements depend on whether the sub-contractor involved has accreditation for the programme or not.
Sub-contractor has accreditation
If the education organisation proposes to use a sub-contractor, and both have accreditation the education organisation should notify NZQA of the arrangement and provide a copy of the signed agreement.
Sub-contractor doesn't have accreditation
If the education organisation has accreditation for the programme but the sub-contractor does not, the education organisation must apply to NZQA for approval to engage the sub-contractor and provide the required information, including a copy of the signed agreement.
Rule 20 in the Programme Approval, Recognition and Accredition Rules sets out sub-contracting requirements:
Rule 20 Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules (external link)
A clear rationale is required if the accredited organisation is not delivering the programme itself, and delivery of the entire programme by a sub-contractor is proposed.
A panel and a site visit may be considered depending on the subcontracting arrangement.