The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF): New Zealand developed one of the world’s first qualifications frameworks in 1991. Since then, the framework has continued to evolve. The NZQF became a single unified framework for all vocational and academic qualifications in 2010.

The NZQF has 10 levels. The levels are based on complexity, with level one the least complex and level ten the most complex. The level descriptors are broadly defined in terms of what a graduate is expected to know, understand and be able to do as a result of learning.

The NZQF is at the heart of New Zealand’s education system as the definitive register and source for accurate and current information on all quality assured qualifications, from senior secondary school through to doctoral degrees. The NZQF contributes to strengthening Māori as a people by enhancing and advancing mātauranga Māori. Mātauranga Māori equates to knowledge, comprehension and understanding.

Qualifications are developed and maintained by tertiary education providers and industry training organizations (currently transitioning to Workforce Development Councils). The Ministry of Education is responsible for developing and maintaining the NCEA qualification, while NZQA is responsible for developing and maintaining some generic tertiary qualifications.

NZQA’s booklet about the background to the NZQF can be seen here

Qualification Types

Certificates

Level 1 covers basic or foundation knowledge.

Level 2 covers basic factual and /or operational knowledge of fields of work or study.

Level 3 covers some operational and theoretical knowledge in fields of work or study.

Level 4 covers broader operational and theoretical knowledge.

Diplomas

Level 5 covers broad operational or technical and theoretical knowledge within a specific field of work or study.

Level 6 covers specialized technical or theoretical knowledge with depth in one or more fields of work or study.

Degrees, Graduate Diplomas and Certificates

Level 7 covers specialized technical or theoretical knowledge with depth in one or more fields of work or study. New Zealand bachelor’s degrees are recognized for enrolment in postgraduate programmes at universities throughout the world, subject to the normal grade and subject specialization requirements.

Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates

Level 8 covers advanced technical and/or theoretical knowledge in a discipline or practice, involving a critical understanding of the underpinning key principles.

Master’s Degrees

Level 9 covers highly specialized knowledge and critical awareness of issues in a field of study or practice.

Doctoral Degrees

Level 10 covers knowledge at the most advanced frontier of a field of study or professional practice.