Programme approval and provider accreditation

Under the Education Act 1989 section 258 an institution that proposes to provide a programme of study or training that leads to a qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) must apply to NZQA for approval of the programme. Approved programmes can only be delivered by accredited providers.

This page also has information on:

• programmes leading to degrees and related qualifications at levels 7-10
• approval of programmes leading to professional registration
• Tertiary Education Commission requirements
• programmes for international students

New Guidelines for programme approval and provider accreditation

NZQA has developed Guidelines for approval of programmes leading to qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and accreditation of tertiary education providers (PDF, 393KB).

These Guidelines apply to programmes leading to a qualification listed at levels 1-6 and certificates and diplomas at level 7 on the NZQF. Please download and follow the Guidelines closely when seeking programme approval and/or accreditation.

The Guidelines (PDF, 393KB) provide programme owners, education providers and quality assurance body analysts with information and guidance about both how to meet the criteria for programme approval (Section 2) and for accreditation (Section 3) to deliver a programme leading to a qualification listed on the NZQF. They set out the requirements and describe how decisions will be reached to approve applications.

Programme approval

Programme approval confirms that a programme leading to a qualification listed on the NZQF is aligned with the qualification outcomes and is based on clear and consistent aims, content, and assessment practices, as per the criteria for programme approval.

Qualifications listed on the NZQF at levels 1-6 contain a specification which provides the mandatory and optional conditions for programmes leading to the award of the qualification.

Qualification and programme approval may occur at the same time.

Following a qualification review and/or the approval of new qualifications, programme owners will need to review their programmes and map them against the qualification outcomes. Programmes owners will also need to show the self-assessment of their programme or revised programme and ensure that key evaluation questions, as outlined in the Guidelines, can be answered.

Once approved, changes you make to a course may need NZQA approval. See Changes to approvals and accreditations.

Tertiary education provider accreditation

Accreditation confirms that NZQA considers a provider capable of delivering an approved programme. A provider may seek accreditation to deliver their own or another organisation's approved programme.

A provider must have consent to assess for all unit standards assessed in a programme before obtaining programme approval and accreditation. Consent to assess confirms that a provider is capable of assessing against standards.

Programme approval and provider accreditation are often linked, and can be applied for as one application. Consent to assess against standards should be applied for before accreditation, as a separate application of consent to assess will be required.

Applications can be submitted online.

Programmes leading to degrees and related qualifications at levels 7-10

Information on the requirements for programmes leading to other qualifications at levels 7-10 can be found under Degree approval, accreditation and monitoring.

Approval of programmes leading to professional registration

Where programmes lead to qualifications leading to teacher registration, social worker registration and nursing registration, NZQA works closely with the relevant registration authority on programme approval and provider accreditation.

Guidelines for approval of teaching programmes

NZQA and the New Zealand Teachers Council (Teachers Council) work collectively to develop Guidelines for Providers of Teacher Education Courses and Qualifications that lead to Teacher Registration (PDF, 134KB) This document details the processes, sequencing, and timing of procedures required by all parties.

The document, prepared under the mandate of an agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), covers the statutory functions of the Teachers Council and NZQA relating to the approval and accreditation of programmes leading to teacher registration.

Tertiary Education Commission requirements

Providers must gain programme approval and accreditation to be eligible for Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Student Component Funding, or for their learners to be eligible for student allowances and loans.

For more information, see Tertiary Education Commission.

Programmes for international students

Programme approval and provider accreditation are required for programmes that will be offered to international learners, although there are some exemptions.

To enrol international students, providers must also be signatories to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

English language guidelines for international students

It is widely recognised that the higher the level of English-language proficiency, the greater an international student’s chances of success in their studies. NZQA has developed guidelines for establishing appropriate English-language entry levels for programmes.

English Language Guidelines for International Students (PDF, 38KB) sets out guidelines for the minimum English-language proficiency levels required for programme entry.

Further information

For further information about programme approval and accreditation, refer to the Guidelines (PDF, 393KB) or contact the Service Support team at NZQA.