Introducing new fees to support the implementation of the NZQF

Closed 19 Aug 2011

Under section 266 of the Education Act, NZQA charges for the services it provides. The costs of the quality assurance system – which is designed to provide the public with confidence in the quality of qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) – are primarily borne by the tertiary education organisations participating in the system.

A comprehensive review of the quality assurance fee structure for the non-university tertiary sector is planned for 2012. However, as NZQA operates on a cost recovery model, interim proposals are being put forward now.

The changes, if implemented as proposed, will result in an initial small increase in costs. These will be offset over the next few years by a reduction in the number of qualifications approved for listing on the NZQF as a result of the Targeted Review of Qualifications.

The proposed changes represent the first step toward introducing a consistent, transparent and direct approach to fees which aligns the fee structure with quality assurance processes and the new qualifications and programme structure.

One of the key features of the NZQF is the separation of qualifications from the programmes of study or training leading to them. As the requirements for listing qualifications on the NZQF remove differences between qualification types and quality assurance processes, so too NZQA is now proposing that all programmes are treated consistently. Thus it is seeking to develop quality assurance criteria for programmes of training to ensure a seamless approach to the quality assurance of both programmes of study and training programmes.

The proposed fees, and the change to the quality assurance of training programmes, work towards creating an even playing field for all qualification and programme developers.

The consultation document, Proposals for new fees to support the implementation of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (PDF, 129KB), outlines the changes that have taken place over the past year to streamline the qualifications system and explains both the current system for fees and the proposed changes. Cost estimates are provided for the pre-approval of qualifications and the approval programmes of study and training.

An online questionnaire, Introducing new fees to support the implementation of the NZQF, sets out the questions on which NZQA is seeking feedback and provides an opportunity for other comment on the proposals.

Online responses are preferred, but we also accept hard-copy (DOC, 148KB) responses.

The deadline for submissions is 19 August 2011