Degree approval, accreditation and monitoring

The Education Act states:

254 General Powers of Authority

(3) The Authority shall not consent to granting of an award that is described as a degree unless it is satisfied that the award recognises the completion of a course of advanced learning that -

(a) Is taught mainly by people engaged in research; and

(b) Emphasises general principles and basic knowledge as the basis for self-directed work and learning.

Only accredited institutions (see S261 of the Education Act 1989) have the power to provide courses of study including degrees.

Degree approval is a confirmation that a course meets defined criteria as specified for degree programmes. See the guidelines for the Approval and Accreditation of Courses Leading to Degree and Related Qualifications (PDF, 584KB).

Degree accreditation is a confirmation that an institution or registered provider has shown it is capable of delivering the approved course.

Note: Courses leading to degrees approved by NZQA may only be delivered by providers accredited to do so by NZQA. Accreditation is required for each site at which a course will be offered and for each mode in which the course will be offered.

See below for the process for degree approval and accreditation.

Degree monitoring

The management and delivery of approved degrees is subject to ongoing monitoring by NZQA. Degree providers and organisations responsible for approved degrees are required to make an annual report to NZQA.

See Degree monitoring.

Apply for degree approval and accreditation

The above charges apply to bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, masters degrees and doctoral degrees.

Charges for approval and accreditation for degree programmes may be in excess of $20,000.

Costs for travel and accommodation for panellists and panel chair are on-charged directly to the tertiary education organisation.

Degree approval and accreditation process

1. The applicant plans and becomes informed.
2. The applicant develops their degree programme
3. The applicant submits their degree application for approval and accreditation to NZQA
4. NZQA evaluates the documentation
5. NZQA set up a panel for a site visit
6. Panel conduct a visit
7. Panel confirm findings and write report
8. NZQA decide and notify outcome
9. NZQA publish the outcome

Documents for degree approval and accreditation

If you are developing a degree course, please read through Approval and Accreditation of Courses Leading to Degree and Related Qualifications (PDF, 584KB). In particular, see pages 38-41 for information about the application and what is to be included.

The application should address all criteria and should also demonstrate how the quality management system has been applied in developing the course.

Nominations for evaluation panel

The applicant must provide NZQA with:

• two nominations for each position on the evaluation panel (other than the positions of analyst and independent chair)
• contact details for each nominee (address, phone, email)
• supporting information as to how they contribute to the panel characteristics (e.g. summary CV)
• endorsements from relevant bodies.

Nominees should not have been involved with the development of the programme; nor should they have an association with the applicant that may constitute a potential conflict of interest. If clarification is required, please contact the Registration, Approval and Accreditation team.

Submit the application

To submit your application:

1. Submit your application online and send one hard copy application to the:
   Administration and Service Officer
   Administration and Service
   Quality Assurance Division
   New Zealand Qualifications Authority
   P.O. Box 160
   Wellington 6140
2. Ensure you include the NZQA Reference Number (allocated through the online application)Prepare copies of the application documentation, so that it can be sent to panel members as soon as they are confirmed. 

Timelines for degree approval and accreditation

Applications should be made nine months before the intended delivery of the degree.

NZQA aims to complete the approval and accreditation process within six months of receipt of the application, but this depends on:

• the quality of the application
• the availability of panellists
• the timing of panel visits.