This page provides guidance to organisations applying for initial registration as a private training establishment (PTE), as outlined in Subpart 5 of Part 4 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) and in accordance with the Private Training Establishment Registration Rules 2022:
Subpart 5 of Part 4 of the Act (external link)
On this page
Statutory requirements
An organisation must apply for PTE registration if they want to:
- assess against standards on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards
- apply to NZQA for approval and/or accreditation to deliver programmes leading towards qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
- apply for approval and/or accreditation to deliver micro-credentials listed on the NZQCF
- enrol international students. To enrol international students the PTE must also be approved as a signatory to The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
- seek funding from the Tertiary Education Commission.
NZQA must be satisfied that a PTE meets the criteria set out in section 346(1) of the Act before granting an application for registration.
Obligations of registered PTEs
Along with the benefits of registration, such as being able to enrol international students, a registered PTE has the following obligations:
- continue to comply with the PTE Registration Rules 2022
- deliver at least 1 approved programme or micro-credential within its first year
- comply with the Student Fee Protection Rules 2022, the PTE Enrolment and Academic Rules 2022, Quality Assurance (including External Evaluation and Review) Rules 2022, The Code
- pay an annual registration fee to NZQA.
Additional obligations if enroling international students:
- be approved as a signatory to the Code
- meet Immigration New Zealand requirements
- meet Ministry of Education reporting requirements
- only enrol international students on approved programmes or micro-credentials, unless exemptions apply.
Relevant NZQA Rules
Consent to Assess Against Standards on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards Rules 2022
Micro-credential Approval and Accreditation Rules 2022
Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2022
PTE Enrolment and Academic Records Rules 2022
Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules 2022
Quality Assurance (including External Evaluation and Review (EER)) Rules 2022
Student Fee Protection Rules 2022
1. How to apply for registration
The PTE registration application process
Applicants for registration as a PTE must use the application form provided below. Please refer to these guidelines and the PTE Registration Rules 2022.
The PTE Registration Rules 2022
To apply to register follow these steps
- Download the PTE registration application form.
- Advise NZQA by email that your organisation is preparing an application for PTE registration.
- Complete the registration application and attach supporting documentation.
- Consider what other applications you will need to submit in the first year of registration.
- Submit your application to NZQA for evaluation.
- Pay a deposit of $750 GST inclusive to NZQA, when invoiced.
2. Guidance for applicants
This section should be read with the application form:
3. Guidance for other applications
Applicants for PTE registration should have done some of the preparation of programme or micro-credential applications and/or applications for consent to assess when they apply for registration.
Those applications will not be fully evaluated until the PTE registration has been approved.