Qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) can be used offshore.
This page provides information about the development of programmes and qualifications for use in countries other than New Zealand.
NZQCF offshore programme delivery
Non-university providers that want to deliver an NZQCF qualification offshore must apply to NZQA for programme approval and accreditation.
Programme approval and provider accreditation
Applicants must also meet the Offshore Programme Delivery Rules. These rules ensure offshore programmes have outcomes of comparable quality to programmes delivered in New Zealand.
Offshore Programme Delivery Rules 2022
More information
The offshore programme delivery page has more information about offshore programme delivery. It also has helpful guidance for applicants.
On this page
Qualifications at Levels 1 to 6 for specific overseas requirements
New Zealand qualification developers can apply to NZQA to list a qualification at Levels 1 to 6 on the NZQCF that meets particular offshore needs. But only if existing New Zealand qualifications are not suitable.
Any qualifications listed at Levels 1 to 6 of the NZQCF that meet specific overseas requirements will also be listed on this page.
All qualifications for specific overseas requirements must meet the Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules 2022.
Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules 2022
Changes to the NZQF Operational and Listing Rules
Amendments to the rules to enable qualifications for overseas requirements came into effect on 8 November 2013.
The fact sheet on qualifications for specific overseas requirements has more information.
History of offshore delivery feedback
2011 offshore education questionnaire results
In 2011, NZQA circulated a questionnaire to providers on offshore education. The questionnaire sought an understanding of the scale and type of current and potential future offshore education delivery.
Offshore education questionnaire results [PDF, 35 KB]
2016 summary of feedback on the offshore delivery consultation
In October 2016, we invited feedback from tertiary education organisations (TEOs) on the Offshore Programme Delivery Rules 2012 settings, and on the update of the Offshore Programme Delivery Guidelines 2012.
We received 25 submissions:
| Submission author | Number of responses |
|---|---|
| Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) | 7 (3 of which were from the same ITP) |
| Private Training Establishments (PTE) | 13 (2 of which were from the same PTE) |
| Education sector peak body | 2 (both from the same peak body) |
| Unidentified | 4 |
The feedback from the survey has been summarised into key findings. For more details can be found in:
The survey results and NZQA’s response [PDF, 173 KB]
The original survey [PDF, 224 KB]
Key findings
The distinctive value and benefits of a qualification listed on the NZQCF are its high quality reputation, credibility and international recognition.
The benefits of offshore delivery in languages other than English are:
- students gain unique knowledge and experience in the context of their own language and cultural environment
- TEOs gain access to additional markets and build relationships with offshore organisations
- New Zealand is aligned with Australia and the United Kingdom by allowing offshore delivery in languages other than English.
The risks of offshore delivery in languages other than English are:
- difficult to quality assure
- potential damage to the reputation and credibility of New Zealand qualifications if not properly quality assured
- employer expectations that a graduate with a New Zealand qualification is fluent in English and can work under New Zealand conditions.
NZQA must be efficient and flexible in order to enable TEOs to respond to demand and compete in the offshore delivery market.
The same quality assurance arrangements for qualifications delivered in New Zealand should apply to qualifications delivered offshore.
In addition to the examples and clarifications that NZQA has proposed to add to the updated Offshore Guidelines, TEOs asked for examples of offshore delivery arrangements featuring:
- private training establishments
- offshore arrangements with TEOs from Australia and the Middle East.
TEOs also asked for clarification about:
- delivery in languages other than English
- NZQA’s requirement for an offshore delivery site visit
- Student fee protection arrangements
- NZQA’s expectations for offshore quality management systems.