Providers and partners

Programme approval and provider accreditation

An education organisation that proposes to provide a programme of study that leads to a qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) must apply to NZQA for approval of the programme under the Education and Training Act 2020, section 439. Approved programmes can only be delivered by accredited providers.

Guidelines for programme approval and provider accreditation

NZQA has Guidelines for programme approval and accreditation of New Zealand Certificates Levels 1-6 and New Zealand Diplomas Levels 5-7.

The guidelines support education organisations to gain approval for a programme they have designed, and/or accreditation to provide a programme they have the ability to deliver, that leads to a New Zealand Certificate at Levels 1-6 or a New Zealand Diploma at Levels 5-7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Please follow the guidelines closely when submitting an application for programme approval and/or accreditation.

Providers seeking programme approval only

Educational organisations seeking approval of a programme that they do not intend to deliver should apply for programme approval using the Guidelines for programme approval and accreditation of New Zealand Certificates Levels 1-6 and New Zealand Diplomas Levels 5-7.

Get endorsement from a Workforce Development Council (WDC)

A Workforce Development Council (WDC) must see and endorse any programmes related to the industries they cover.

If...	Then...
your educational organisation is developing new programmes, or making significant changes to existing programmes (Type 2 changes)	ask the relevant WDC to endorse the programme before you apply to NZQA for programme approval
the programme leads to a qualification developed by the WDC	the WDC needs to endorse the programme
the qualification is on this list (XLSX, 22KB) (updated quarterly)	the relevant WDC needs to endorse the programme

Working with WDCs

We recommend that your educational organisation works closely with the relevant WDC while you develop the programme.

The WDC can advise you of any new rules, regulations, specifications or conditions since the qualification was listed.

Check the WDC’s website for more information about how they endorse programmes.

Provider accreditation

Accreditation confirms that NZQA considers the educational organisation is capable of delivering an approved programme. An educational organisation may seek accreditation to deliver their own or another organisation's approved programme.

Programme approval and provider accreditation are often linked, and can be applied for as one application.

Applications can be submitted online.

Programmes leading to level 7 diplomas

In January 2023, the Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules 2022 were updated in line with amendments to the Education and Training Act 2020 which came into effect on 1 August 2022. As a result,

1. Qualifications leading to level 7 diplomas (except for any developed by universities) will be reviewed and replaced with New Zealand diplomas:

NZQA has updated the Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules to include level 7 diplomas.
Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) have a function to endorse level 7 diploma programmes. They can also develop New Zealand level 7 diplomas, where they have a clear vocational link to their specified coverage areas.
NZQA will individually engage with each provider currently holding approval and accreditation to deliver a level 7 diploma to discuss the review process.
WDCs will work collaboratively with providers in the review process. For example, when an existing level 7 diploma is reviewed and replaced with a New Zealand diploma, a relevant WDC may become the qualification developer. This could be because the qualification is vocational and the discipline is under the relevant WDC industry coverage.

2. The national consistency of graduate outcomes process will now incorporate level 7 diplomas, including current level 7 diplomas:

From late 2024, NZQA will begin to include level 7 diplomas in the schedule of qualifications to undergo consistency review and will allocate a consistency reviewer to each event. NZQA will be in contact with relevant providers before a schedule is produced.

3. NZQA will continue risk-based monitoring of level 7 diplomas:

Some programmes are currently being monitored or have been scheduled. NZQA will continue engaging with relevant providers regarding the planned monitoring activities.

Education organisations reviewing an existing programme, or with any questions, please contact NZQA: level7quals@nzqa.govt.nz

Programmes leading to degrees and related qualifications

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 which then lead to professional registration, NZQA works closely with the relevant registration authority on programme approval and provider accreditation.

Tertiary Education Commission and StudyLink requirements

Educational organisations must gain programme approval and accreditation to be eligible for Tertiary Education Commission Funding, or for their learners to be eligible for student allowances and loans.

For more information, see Tertiary Education Commission or StudyLink.

Programmes for international students

Programme approval and provider accreditation are required for programmes that will be offered to international learners.

To enrol international students, educational organisations must also be signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice. NZQA administers this Code.

See the Becoming a signatory of the new Code of Practice page for information on how to apply for approval to enrol international students.

Further information

For further information about programme approval and accreditation, contact the Client Services team at NZQA.