NZQA is one of the government agencies that regulates tertiary education in New Zealand.
Our quality assurance system, the integrated quality assurance framework (iQAF) applies to all private training establishments, wānanga, polytechnics, industry skill boards, and government training establishments.
Universities New Zealand is responsible for quality assurance in universities.
An overview of the integrated quality assurance framework (iQAF)
The integrated quality assurance framework (iQAF) provides confidence that learners are achieving robust, credible and relevant qualifications and credentials that prepare them to meet iwi/hapū/whānau, employer and community needs in New Zealand and internationally.
See the diagram of the iQAF with labels and detailed explanations [PDF, 1.3 MB]
Quality assurance cornerstones
The framework has four central cornerstones that connect NZQA and Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) roles and responsibilities:
- NZQA puts in place strong quality assurance foundations.
- TEOs have ownership of quality and quality improvement.
- NZQA has an effective integrated approach to assuring TEO quality.
- NZQA, standard setting bodies (SSBs), education providers and other agencies work together to ensure system outcomes are achieved.
Enablers
Data and insights, respectful and collaborative relationships, and a risk-informed approach build on the four quality assurance cornerstones and enable NZQA to apply its regulatory levers.
Levers
NZQA applies seven levers to provide assurance that quality assurance is integrated and tailored to the context and performance of every TEO. The levers are set rules, educate and inform, approve, TEO self review, monitor, compliance and enforcement, system performance and improvement.
On this page
iQAF enablers
Te Hono o Te Kahurangi
Organisations that follow kaupapa Māori or teach mātauranga Māori can choose the Te Hono o Te Kahurangi approach to quality assurance.
Te Hono o Te Kahurangi allows providers to engage with NZQA using Māori values.
Our role as Code administrator
The Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice protects international learners and domestic tertiary students in Aotearoa.
As the Code administrator, we:
- monitor compliance with the Code
- support providers to meet their Code obligations
- promote the Code
- investigate learner complaints and look into possible Code breaches.
Information for providers
Find detailed information about our quality assurance processes and functions.
