Offshore programme delivery

Information for tertiary providers about delivering programmes of study offshore

Offshore delivery rules

Tertiary providers planning offshore delivery of a programme leading to an NZQCF qualification must meet the Offshore Programme Delivery Rules (the Offshore Rules).

Offshore Programme Delivery Rules 2022

The Offshore Rules supplement the standard programme approval and accreditation rules to ensure that offshore programmes have comparable quality outcomes to programmes delivered in New Zealand.

International students enrolling in offshore programmes or micro-credentials don't need a valid visa. But a valid visa is required to study in New Zealand.

Offshore delivery guidelines

NZQA has designed guidelines to assist institutions other than universities when making an application for offshore programme approval and accreditation.

Read the guidelines online

Download a PDF version of the guidelines [PDF, 576 KB]

Overseas resources for offshore delivery of education

Worldwide

UNESCO gives international guidelines for the provision of offshore higher education in. This document offers a range of tools and best practices that assist with quality assurance of higher education delivered across borders.

The Code of Good Practice is produced by UNESCO and the Council of Europe and provides high-level principles for the delivery of transnational or cross-border higher education.

Education transforms lives (external link) - UNESCO

Lisbon Recognition Convention (external link) - Council of Europe

United Kingdom

The UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) give guidance in its Quality Code. The code covers all areas of quality assurance, including guidance for collaborative provision and flexible and distributed learning.

The Quality Code (external link) - QAA website

Australia

The Good Practice Guidelines is issued by Universities Australia. It applies to services provided by Australian universities to all international students. The code was revised in 2001 to take into account the increase in universities delivering education services offshore and through partnership.

Universities Australia good practice guidelines for enhancing student safety (external link) - National library Australia

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