Providers and partners

Listing qualifications on the NZQF

Qualification developers must seek approval to develop and list qualifications on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) from the relevant quality assurance body.

There are two quality assurance bodies responsible for approving qualifications.

Universities New Zealand are responsible for approving qualifications developed by universities
NZQA is responsible for approving and listing all non-university qualifications.

Qualifications from Level 1 (certificate) to Level 10 (doctoral degree) are listed on the NZQF.

All qualifications must be consistent with the general listing requirements outlined in Section 3 of The New Zealand Qualifications Framework requirements (PDF, 606KB).

See the Understanding New Zealand qualifications page for more information on qualification types.

NZQA requirements and guidelines

NZQA has requirements and guidelines for listing qualifications on the NZQF.

Listing degrees and related qualifications on the NZQF

Qualifications at levels 7-10 are degrees and related qualifications.

The NZQA guidelines that apply are Guidelines for approving and maintaining degrees and related qualifications.

For degrees, NZQA considers the associated qualification beside the proposed programme. If approved, both the qualification and programme are listed at the same time.

The degree programme approval and accreditation application process

Applying for degree approval and accreditation

Listing qualifications at levels 1-6 on the NZQF

Qualifications at levels 1-6 are evaluated and approved separately to the programmes that lead to that qualification.

The NZQA guidelines that apply are the Guidelines for approval of New Zealand qualifications at levels 1-6 for listing on the NZQF (PDF, 439KB)

There is a two-stage process for listing qualifications at levels 1-6.

The two-stage process for listing qualifications at levels 1-6

The development of New Zealand qualifications at Levels 1-6 and their subsequent listing on the NZQF involve two distinct stages.

1. Application to develop

Initially, developers apply to NZQA for approval to develop a qualification. This stage ensures all new qualifications are relevant and do not duplicate those already on the NZQF.

NZQA requires the following forms and information at this stage:

along with:

a needs analysis, and
evidence showing how decisions were made, so the quality assurance body analyst can understand how agreement was reached on the qualification detail – “the story”.

Details about submitting an application for approval to develop a qualification.

2. Application for approval

The second stage occurs once the qualification has been developed and involves applying for NZQA approval. Once approved, that qualification is listed on the NZQF.

To submit an application for approval of a qualification, the following forms must be completed and information provided:

Details about submitting an application for approval of a qualification.

About stakeholder attestations

Each Workforce Development Council (WDC) has an established industry coverage. Engagement with the relevant WDC is the first step when seeking approval to develop a qualification. Stakeholder attestations are required from all stakeholders directly involved in the qualification development. They provide evidence of the support for the qualifications and the extent of collaboration and involvement by stakeholders.