Tertiary education providers are established under the Education and Training Act 2020 (section 268). Tertiary providers must demonstrate they are serving the interests of the tertiary education system and the nation.

New Zealand tertiary education providers comprise:

• eight universities – institutions characterized by advanced learning and meeting international standards of research and teaching
• three Wānanga – teaching and research institutions that maintain, advance and disseminate knowledge, develop intellectual independence, and assist the application of knowledge regarding āhuatanga Māori (Māori tradition) according to tikanga Māori (Māori custom)
• the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, comprising 16 regional subsidiaries, and responsible for providing, arranging or supporting vocational, foundation and degree-level education and training
• Private training establishments – there are approximately 395 registered establishments. To become registered as a private training establishment an organization must provide evidence to NZQA that it has adequate governance, finances and educational capabilities.
• Four government training establishments – these are state-owned organizations providing education or training, for example, the New Zealand Police Training Service and the New Zealand Defence Force.

Recognized higher education (tertiary) providers are listed by region under the Ministry of Education’s Education Counts directory and the NZQA’s index of recognized education providers.