Whakaū i te kounga

Quality assurance

About our quality assurance system and its functions, including entry processes, maintaining quality, and managing risk

Notifications

Our new Integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF)

Following consultation through 2025, NZQA’s new Integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) is now live.

Read an overview of the changes

Updated NZQA fees

NZQA’s revised fees schedule came into effect on 1 January 2026, with the exception of the extension of the credit reporting fee to all qualifications, which takes effect on 19 January 2026.

New NZQA Rules

New NZQA Rules will come into force on 19 January 2026.

These rules underpin the new integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF). They are an important part of maintaining quality and consistency across the sector.

Find out more about the changes

On this page

Sector news

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Changes to vocational education and training

Changes to vocational education and training came into effect on 1 January 2026, including the standing up of 8 Industry Skills Boards and 10 Polytechnics.

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Insights papers and findings

Our insights papers and summaries of monitoring findings contain information on sector trends and best practices.

Insights papers Monitoring findings

Upcoming key dates

1 January

Changes to vocational education come into effect

New fee structure comes into effect

19 January

New Rules come into effect

Credit reporting fee is extended to all qualifications

6 March

School signatory attestations due

Quality assurance overview and processes

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Our quality assurance system for tertiary education providers

An overview of how we quality assure tertiary education in New Zealand

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Quality assurance Māori

Te Hono o te Kahurangi is an evaluative approach that allows providers to engage with NZQA using Māori approaches and values

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Approval, accreditation and registration

Applying to NZQA for provider registration, programme approvals, and accreditation to deliver education and training

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External evaluation and review

EER information and resources for tertiary providers, including the guide to EER

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Assuring national consistency of graduate outcomes

How we assure consistency of graduate outcomes across New Zealand qualifications

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Monitoring and assessment

Information about our monitoring and assessment activities to quality assure tertiary education in Aotearoa

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Statutory actions

Information about statutory actions and a list of the statutory actions NZQA is currently taking

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Self-assessment

About self-assessment, including tools and resources to help providers meet their regulatory requirements

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The Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice

The Code supports the wellbeing and safety of learners in Aotearoa

Find information and resources

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Annual declarations

Information about the annual declarations tertiary education organisations must submit to NZQA

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Charges for quality assurance

Information about the annual fees some tertiary education providers pay and our quality assurance fees

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Guidelines for the recognition and award of learning for credit

Find out how to credit learners for their previous study, work and life experience