Providers and partners

Applications for programme approval and provider accreditation

Organisations can apply for programme approval and provider accreditation separately or at the same time, and can submit documentation online.

The following table sets out the programmes that require NZQA approval and/or accreditation.

Proposed learners	Programme approval and accreditation required
Domestic, TEC-funded	Programme approval and provider accreditation
Domestic, not TEC-funded	No NZQA requirements, except that under section 352 of the Education and Training Act 2020, private training establishments must hold at least one accreditation to deliver an approved programme, or have at least one training scheme approval
International	Programme approval and provider accreditation

For degree and related programmes at levels 7-10, see Degree approval, accreditation and monitoring.

For level 7 diplomas, see Approving a Level 7 diploma.

Submitting applications online

NZQA will only accept applications for programme approval from NZQA-recognised education organisations. These include:

Te Pūkenga and its subsidiaries
Wānanga
Registered Private Training Establishments (PTEs)
Schools
Transitional Industry Training Organisations
Government training establishments.

NZQA will accept applications for programme accreditation from:

Te Pūkenga and its subsidiaries
Wānanga
Registered PTEs
Schools
Government training establishments.

Read the Guidelines for programme approval and provider accreditation at Levels 1 - 6 on the NZQF.

Submit the completed template, along with associated documents, using the TEO application web page (see below) on the NZQA secure site.

Access the online application process

Access the online application process via the TEO portal using the secure log-in.

How to submit an application online:

Select the LOGIN button in the top right corner of this web page.
Select the appropriate organisation type and complete your login details.
Choose 'TEO Applications'.
Create an application.
Select ‘Programme Approval’, ‘Programme Accreditation’ or Programme Approval and Accreditation’ (as appropriate). This takes you to an application overview.
Click on contact details. The contact details page will be pre-populated with your organisation’s contact details. You should make any changes necessary to ensure the details are appropriate for the programme.
Follow the instructions and guided application template.
On the supporting documents page, attach and upload the documents that support the application.
Submit.

Note:If a recent NZQA quality assurance activity or application, e.g. an application in the same subject area, included the same documents they do not need to be supplied again. Refer to the activity or case number in the application, and the evaluator will locate them.

An email acknowledging receipt of your application will be generated automatically and sent to you.

Apply for consent to assess

If your programme contains unit or achievement standards you must have consent to assess against these. Consent to assess requires a separate application. Any consent to assess application must be approved before the approval of an accreditation application - the applications can be submitted at the same time. See Consent to assess.

Apply for programme approval and provider accreditation together

Educational organisations developing a new programme for their own delivery may apply for both approval and accreditation together.

Apply for programme approval only

Educational organisations who have developed a programme but will not deliver it, need only apply for programme approval.

Apply for accreditation only

Educational organisations who wish to deliver an approved programme owned by another educational organisation only need to apply for accreditation.

Assessment of applications

The Guidelines sets out the evaluative methods NZQA will use in deciding whether or not to approve the programme and accredit an education organisation.

When the application is received, an email quoting an NZQA case number will be emailed to you. This number stays with the application through to its outcome.

The application will be assigned to an Evaluator. Another email will advise you of the Evaluator’s name and contact details.

The Evaluator will commence evaluation and will contact you if the submission lacks sufficient evidence for the evaluation to be carried out.

Turnaround times for applications

NZQA will process applications within 45 working days, or 30 working days for category 1 education organisations. This does not include the time when more information has been requested (request for information/RFI). During an RFI, the application is on hold.

Costs

NZQA charges $190 per hour (GST exclusive) for time spent on an application.

Further information

For further information or answers to questions, contact Client Services at NZQA.