New Zealand
Mana Tohu Matauranga o Aotearoa
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Level 13
125 The Terrace
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 4 463 3000
Freephone: 0800 697 296
Fax: +64-4-463-3112
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/
Contact Person: Ms. Alison Dittmer Croad, Principal Policy Analyst, Policy and International ([email protected])
Education
New Zealand is an island country in the south Pacific. It is a stable parliamentary democracy and has a population of around 5 million people, with a history of Māori, Pacific island, European and Asian immigration. The majority of New Zealand’s population is of European descent (70 per cent), followed by indigenous Māori (16.5 per cent) Asians (15.3 per cent) and Pacific peoples (9 per cent). English is the predominant language, with te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language recognized official languages.
Early childhood education: Early childhood education is offered from birth to school entry age at 6 years. This translates to ISCED 2011 levels 0 and 1. The early childhood education curriculum is called Te Whāriki. It is written in both Te Reo Māori (Māori language) and English, supporting education delivery in either or both languages in early childhood education services. In 2019 there were 4,653 early childhood services. The early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki – Te Reo Māori and English editions are available here.
Primary education: Primary education is compulsory from 6 to 12 years of age; however, most children start primary school when they turn 5 years old. This translates to ISCED 2011 levels 1 – 3. Many children go to school near where they live.
Most schools in New Zealand are owned and funded by the State and known as State schools. State integrated schools are special character schools with a specific philosophy or religion that are funded by the government and teach the national curriculum. Kura Kaupapa Māori are schools where children are taught some or all curriculum subjects in the Māori language at least 51 per cent of the time. `
The primary curriculum – Te Reo Māori edition is Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and the English edition is The New Zealand Curriculum.
Secondary education: Secondary education is usually from 13 to 17 years of age but is compulsory until 16 years of age. This translates to ISCED level 3. The National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) are the main national qualification for secondary school students. There are three levels of certificate. At each level students must achieve a certain number of credits to gain a NCEA certificate. In 2019 there were around 376 secondary schools.
The NCEA is the main national qualification for secondary school learners in New Zealand and is recognized as a robust and credible qualification and accepted for entry into universities across the world. It is a flexible standards-based qualification, meaning students can do multi-level learning in any year of their secondary education.
NCEA covers levels 1 to 3 of the NZQF. The levels depend on the complexity of the standards achieved. Secondary students generally work through NCEA levels 1 to 3 in years 11 to 13 (ages 15 to 18). NCEA standards are assessed and graded as
Excellence (E); Merit (M); Achieved (A); Not achieved (N).
When a student achieves a standard, they gain credits. Students must achieve a certain number of credits to gain an NCEA certificate. High achievement is recognized through NCEA certificates endorsed with Merit or Excellence. NCEA with University Entrance is used for admission to tertiary education in New Zealand and internationally.
Students can download their individual New Zealand Record of Achievement containing their official NCEA results as a secure electronic record and official transcript, to include with admission to higher education applications. The New Zealand Record of Achievement can be verified on the NZQA verification portal.
There are also private primary and secondary schools which receive some government funding but are mostly funded through charging fees. In 2019 there were around 1,946 primary schools.
Learners may choose to go into higher education after completing their secondary education. This translates to ISCED 2011 levels 3 – 9. In New Zealand the term ‘tertiary education’ is used for the range of higher education that covers academic and technical and vocational education.
Tertiary education in New Zealand is delivered by both state and privately-owned providers. These offer a range of academic and vocational pathways for both domestic and international learners, from transition (school to work) programmes, through to postgraduate study and research.
Universities in New Zealand deliver degree, postgraduate and doctoral qualifications. There are eight public state-funded universities. All are well-recognized internationally, have strong international connections and collaborate with universities in other countries on a range of research and teaching programmes.
Reform of Vocational Education
Change to vocational education began in 2020 through the Reforms of Vocational Education. The changes are aiming to unify the vocational education sector through regional organizations and unified funding systems.
The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST/Te Pūkenga) is a government-owned organization made up of 16 regional subsidiary organizations across New Zealand. The NZIST subsidiaries used to be known as Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics. They provide professional and vocational education and training in a wide range of subjects, from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. NZIST programmes emphasize practical experience and application to work situations such as studios, workshops, laboratories, hospitals and other workplaces.
Wānanga are publicly owned tertiary education institutions characterized by teaching and research that maintains, advances and disseminates knowledge, develops intellectual independence, and assists the application of knowledge regarding āhuatanga Māori (Māori tradition) according to tikanga Māori (Māori custom). Wānanga are open to all learners and have a special place in tertiary education because of the prestige of the Māori language, culture and the transmission of traditional knowledge for non-Māori and Māori learners. There are three Wānanga in New Zealand, which offer certificates, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees, with some providing programmes in specialized areas up to doctorate level.
Private training establishments (PTEs) are tertiary education providers that are privately owned and operated by companies, trusts and other entities. PTEs may deliver certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes to international and domestic learners. Many PTEs offer training in specific vocational niches, including travel and tourism; design; computer training and the English language. There are approximately 395 PTEs in New Zealand.
Workplace training, including apprenticeships, is a vocational education pathway. In the past this was coordinated by Industry Training Organizations, government and industry-funded bodies that represent broad industry sectors such as construction, or the service sector. This responsibility is in the process of being transferred to NZIST and Workforce Development Councils. Workforce Development Councils are new government-funded organizations responsible for skills and workforce leadership including qualification development within their industry.
The Ministry of Education provides extensive information on higher education, including:
- The Education and Training Act 2020
- Ministry of Education and the Education and Training Act 2020 system-wide changes
- Functions of NZQA in the Education and Training Act 2020
- Tertiary Education Commission functions in the Education and Training Act 2020
- Education and Training Act 2020 – updates relating to Tertiary and International Education
- NZQA’s Principles and Policies on qualification recognition
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.
The NZQF levels
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.
National Information Centre (NIC) Information and Activities
NZQA as the National Education Information Centre and International Recognition Agreements
The NZQA is the National Education Information Centre (NEIC) for New Zealand, providing information and advice on the New Zealand education system, secondary and tertiary qualifications and recognition of overseas qualifications.
The NZQF, administered by NZQA, is the definitive source for accurate information about all quality assured qualifications covering senior secondary school and tertiary education qualifications. All non-university qualification developers must apply to NZQA to list a qualification on the NZQF. Universities apply to Universities New Zealand to list a qualification on the NZQF.
Qualifications listed on the NZQF are underpinned by mandatory quality assurance processes.
Recognition of overseas qualifications: Under the Education and Training Act 2020, NZQA’s functions include recognition of overseas educational and vocational qualifications. Qualifications recognition is where overseas qualifications are evaluated against the levels and credits of the NZQF. This process enables people to have overseas qualifications recognized in New Zealand for reasons including employment, professional registration, admission to higher education and immigration.
Recognizing qualifications held by refugees and displaced people: NZQA uses systems which support refugees to have their qualifications and other learning evaluated before they arrive in New Zealand.
International recognition agreements: New Zealand has acceded to a number of international agreements committing the parties to recognizing each other’s qualifications in secondary education and higher education.
New Zealand became a signatory to the European region Lisbon Recognition Convention, which is an agreement to improve the recognition of qualifications so students and skilled migrants can move between countries, in 2008. Under the Lisbon Recognition Convention, New Zealand is required to promote a Diploma Supplement (Tertiary Education Qualification Statement) which offers information to international audiences to help them recognize New Zealand qualifications. In addition, as a signatory New Zealand is a member of the ENIC-NARIC network. The ENIC Is the European Network of Information Centres in the European Region. The NARIC is the National Academic Recognition Centre’s network. ENIC-NARIC is a global network of NICs. See here for ENIC-NARIC guidance on recognizing qualifications held by refugees.
New Zealand is a signatory to the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (the Tokyo Convention). Under this convention, New Zealand facilitates mobility of students, academic staff and skilled migrants from Asia-Pacific nations.
New Zealand also has country-specific qualifications recognition arrangements under Free Trade Agreements with Australia, China, the European Union, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, Pacific nations, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
NZQA as an NEIC
NZQA is the official NEIC for New Zealand, providing information and advice on the New Zealand education system, secondary and tertiary qualifications and recognition of overseas qualifications. NZQA’s NEIC function focusses on helping international audiences understand and recognise qualifications from New Zealand. NZQA as the official NEIC provides information and advice on the New Zealand education system, secondary and tertiary qualifications and recognition of overseas qualifications.
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa
PO Box 160
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Phone: +64-4-463-3000
Fax: +64-4-463-3112
Contact person: Alison Dittmer Croad, Principal Policy Analyst, Policy and International
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz
Strategies
The Tertiary Education Strategy sets out the government’s long-term direction for tertiary education. The strategy highlights the need for building international relationships for contributing to relevant skills, research and life outcomes. It focusses on ensuring New Zealand has an engaged tertiary education system, building out from strong connections with community, industry and global economies.
The Ministry of Education released an International Education Strategy in 2018 to support international education to thrive and provide economic, social and cultural wellbeing benefits for all New Zealand.
Ka Hikitia- Ka Hāpaitia, the Māori Education Strategy: Ka Hikitia is a cross agency strategy for the education sector. It sets out how government agencies and providers work together to advance the aspirations of Māori learners and their whānau, hapū and iwi (translated in English this equates to families, sub-tribes and extended kinship/tribes).
The Action Plan for Pacific Education maps the Government’s commitment to transforming outcomes for Pacific learners and families and signals how early learning services, schools and tertiary providers can achieve change for Pacific learners and their families.
Strategic Recovery Plan for International Education: In 2020 The Minister of Education announced a $51.6 million investment International Education Recovery Plan and funding to help reset New Zealand’s education sector. This is a long-term plan to support the rebuild, recovery and reset of the international education sector. It consists of three work-streams: the immediate response is to create sector stability, the second strengthens the international education system and the third focusses on transforming New Zealand’s international education approach for a more innovative, robust and sustainable future.
Response to COVID-19 disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted learning, teaching and assessment in many countries. In 2020 the New Zealand Qualifications Authority granted temporary approval to non-university education providers to deliver programmes online to current international students who are unable to return to New Zealand to continue their studies as a result of travel restrictions and border closures.
Tertiary education institutions planning to deliver offshore on a permanent basis i.e. to new international students are required to apply for permanent approval under the NZQA Offshore Delivery Rules.
Changes to the NCEA in 2020: Due to COVID-19 disruptions, secondary school students can earn additional NCEA credits during the 2020 school year, based on the credits they achieve through assessment. These are called Learning Recognition Credits. To gain NCEA Certificate Endorsement in 2020, students need 46 credits at Merit or Excellence levels, instead of the usual 50 credits.
In addition, 2020 NCEA exam dates, and submission dates for portfolio-based subjects, were moved to later in the year to provide students with more time for learning and preparation.
University Entrance credit requirements were also changed – students need 12 credits in three approved subjects, NCEA Level 3 and literacy and numeracy requirements to be awarded University Entrance.
Projects
Reviewing the NZQF: NZQA is currently reviewing the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) to ensure it is fit for purpose and adapts to the future needs of learners, employers, iwi (extended kinship/tribe) and community.
Reform of Vocational Education: In 2020 legislative changes through the Education and Training Act 2020 took place to create a unified and cohesive vocational education and training system delivering skills that learners, employers and communities need to thrive. The changes are being implemented through a multi-year programme of reform to fully establish industry-governed Workforce Development Councils responsible for vocational skills leadership; and a unified, sustainable network of vocational education and training delivered by the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
NZQA’s role in implementing the Reform of Vocational Education will be to update the Rules and aligned quality assurance operations for the new Workforce Development Councils and New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
Information about recognition of overseas qualifications
As the National Education Information Centre for New Zealand under the Lisbon Recognition Convention, NZQA provides information and resources about the recognition of overseas qualifications, including online application forms. The NZQA website offers information about the New Zealand education system and education systems in other countries, making connections with secondary and tertiary education for inbound and outbound students, their families, providers, government organizations and employers. The website also offers information about NZQA’s role in international education, and its role as an NEIC.
Find a standard and find a qualification
The NZQA website offers information about the standards and qualifications system that is publicly accessible and searchable for learners and providers. The “Find a qualification” section of the website allows any member of the public to search for a qualification in a specific subject of interest or level of the NZQF. The NZQA website also provides public information and guidance to providers on reviews of NZQF qualifications, the schedule of mandatory reviews of NZQF qualifications, and assessment practice resources.
The Directory of Directory of Assessment Standards (DAS) lists all quality assured unit and achievement standards, known collectively as ‘assessment standards. The DAS is listed on the NZQA website and can be searched according to domains of knowledge and level.
Qualifications referencing projects and organizations
NZQA has completed qualifications framework referencing arrangements with Australia, the European Union, Hong Kong and the Republic of Ireland. The purpose of these qualification referencing arrangements is to enable employment or admission to further education.
Organizations that have worked/are working with NZQA on qualifications referencing are:
- The Australian Department of Education and Training
- The Ministry of Education China and the Chinese Embassy
- The European Union (EU) and the European Commission
- The Hong Kong Education Bureau
- Quality and Qualifications Ireland
- The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
- United Arab Emirates National Qualifications Authority
- The American Embassy and Consulate
Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Landscape and Mobility
A key function of the NZQA is to set the overarching statutory rules for the quality assurance of qualifications and the tertiary education organizations that provide them (under section 452 of the Education and Training Act 2020). Two quality assurance agencies implement these rules with responsibilities for separate parts of the tertiary education sector:
- NZQA quality assures tertiary education organizations in the non-university sector, that is NZIST subsidiaries, PTEs, industry training organizations (currently transitioning to Workforce Development Councils) and Wānanga.
- Universities New Zealand fulfils this function for the university sector.
NZQA’s quality assurance of the non-university sector The NZQA uses an Evaluative Quality Assurance Framework (EQAF) to quality assure non-university tertiary education organizations. The EQAF uses evaluation theory and practice to reach evidence-based judgements about all aspects of organizational performance and capability, with a practical focus on outcomes and key processes. Tertiary education organizations are responsible for using self-assessment to maintain and improve their own quality and outcomes for learners and wider stakeholders, especially employers.
NZQA’s external quality assurance processes for the non-university sector comprises:
- Entry processes, including programme approval and accreditation of providers, listing qualifications on the NZQF and registration of private training establishments
- Approval is a process where a tertiary education organization seeks permission to develop or offer a new quality assured education product
- Accreditation is a process where a tertiary education organization seeks permission to use or deliver an NZQA-approved programme.
- Maintaining quality, including qualification consistency reviews, moderation of assessment and monitoring of degree programmes.
- External evaluation and review, which uses evaluation to judge the quality and value of education delivered by non-university tertiary education organizations.
- Managing risk, including rigorous processes to investigate and manage risks to the quality of education. NZQA helps tertiary education providers to deal with minor risk issues. If the situation is more serious, NZQA can act (including statutory action) to protect learners and resolve the situation.
Te Hono o te Kahurangi (THotK) quality assurance provides quality assurance for tertiary education organizations delivering qualifications or programmes based on mātauranga Māori (the knowledge originating from Māori ancestors, including the Māori world view and perspectives) or where the organizational approach is based on mātauranga Māori.
Universities New Zealand/ Te Pōkai Tara is the peak body for all eight universities in New Zealand. Universities New Zealand is a statutory body responsible for the quality assurance of universities.
There are two bodies overseeing the quality assurance of universities: Universities New Zealand’s Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) and the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand Universities (AQA). CUAP is responsible for qualification and regulation approval, accreditation and programme moderation procedures across universities. The Academic Quality Agency supports universities in achieving excellence in research and teaching, through regular audits and promoting quality improvement practices across the sector.
The Tertiary Education Commission/ Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua is the Crown Entity that monitors the performance of the tertiary education sector.
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.
International mobility
New Zealand attracts a wide range of international students, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, due to its inquiry-style education delivery that enables critical and creative thought, working collaboratively, and a balance of academic and practical skills relevant to their future careers. New Zealand is ranked among the best three countries in the world for preparing students for the future according to a 2018 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Inbound mobility
Inbound international education benefits New Zealand by enabling New Zealanders to live and learn alongside people from many cultures. It is an important contributor to New Zealand’s economy through its positive impact on tourism, regional growth, trade, diplomacy, as well as academic collaborations and innovation.
In 2019 there were a total of 104,620 international fee-paying students enrolled in primary, secondary and tertiary education, which comprised:
- 22,895 at primary or secondary schools
- 28,150 at universities
- 18,090 at polytechnics (now subsidiaries of NZIST)
- 10,065 at government funded PTEs
- 25,420 at non-government funded PTEs
Offshore delivery
Increasing numbers of international students are choosing to study New Zealand qualifications offshore, either directly online or in collaboration with providers in their home countries. To deliver New Zealand qualifications offshore tertiary education providers must apply to NZQA, or UNZ in the case of universities, for approval under the NZQA Offshore Delivery Rules. The NZQA Offshore Delivery Rules ensure any qualifications delivered offshore meet the same quality assurance requirements as qualifications delivered onshore.
Outbound mobility
In 2017, 6.4 per cent (4,767) of New Zealand university students undertook a period of overseas study. This is in line with the International Education Strategy goal for developing global citizens, providing opportunities for all students to making global connections through their studies.
Trends
Key source international education markets for inbound mobility
Between 2010 and 2015, the key source markets for international education in New Zealand changed. In 2010, three main source markets (China, India and Korea) made up 48 per cent of international student enrolments. In 2015 China and India made up 50 per cent of enrolments.
International student trends
The Ministry of Education’s Education Counts website offers statistical information about international education indicating trends over time.
- Overall international trends from 2003 to 2019 showed a steady increase in the numbers of international students studying in the schooling, secondary and tertiary education sectors.
- There was a small decline in international students’ numbers between 2007 – 2009 as the global financial crisis impacted student mobility decisions.
- Numbers of international fee-paying students in institutes of technology and polytechnics (now NZIST| Te Pūkenga subsidiaries) have shown the greatest growth from 13,190 in 2003 to 18,090 in 2019; international student numbers have increased by 4,900 over 16 years.
- Non-government funded private training establishments have experienced declining fee-paying international student numbers from 50,065 in 2003 to 25,420 in 2019, a reduction of 24,635 students.
- In 2019 there were 28,150 international students enrolled in universities. The year 2018 Universities New Zealand statistics show 42 per cent of international students in universities were enrolled in postgraduate qualifications and 16 per cent were studying at PhD level.
- From 2003 onwards fee-paying international student numbers have largely remained steady across the education sector.
For more information, see Universities New Zealand Key Facts and Stats November 2018.
Policies
NZQA Codes of Care for International and Domestic Students
NZQA is responsible for the administration of two Codes that address the pastoral care of both domestic and international students in higher education.
The Education (Pastoral Care of Domestic Tertiary Students) Interim Code of Practice 2019
This Code sets out the duty of pastoral care that all tertiary providers must have for domestic tertiary students and requirements for providers offering student accommodation.
The Education (Pastoral Care of Domestic Tertiary Students Interim Code of Practice 2019
The Code sets minimum standards of advice and care expected of Higher Education Institutions and schools with international students.
Immigration
Immigration New Zealand, as a function of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, sets the immigration policy for inbound international students.
Projects/Initiatives
The International Education Strategy for New Zealand 2018 – 2030
The International Education Strategy for New Zealand 2018 – 2030 aims to create an environment where international education can thrive and offer socio-cultural and economic benefits for all New Zealand. It builds on New Zealand’s quality education system and focuses on delivering education outcomes for international students and cultivating global opportunities for domestic students and education institutions. The strategy has three overarching goals:
- delivering an excellent education and student experience
- achieving sustainable growth
- developing global citizens
Under goal three, developing global citizens, success will be actioned by:
- Developing an outbound mobility strategy including a review of student scholarships and exchanges
- Helping students to develop global competencies through delivery of national curricula
- Monitoring the effectiveness of the Centres for Asia-Pacific Excellence
- Providing leadership to the sector to enhance the international education experience
- Enhancing connections and learning with Pacific education systems to create education opportunities with Pacific Nations students in the region and in New Zealand
The Strategy is underpinned by the International Student Wellbeing Strategy and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system.