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Qualifications

The New Zealand qualifications framework is made up of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate study. These are sorted into levels, with level 1 being the least complex and level 10 the most. The levels do not equate to 'years spent learning', but reflect the content of the qualification.

Qualifications are classified as follows. Click on the link for more information about each qualification.

• Certificate
• Diploma
• Bachelor degree
• Graduate certificate
• Graduate diploma
• Postgraduate certificate
• Postgraduate diploma
• Master's degree
• Doctorate

Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs) and Quality Assurance Bodies (QABs) consider where the components of the qualification reside against the levels. Criteria are set for minimum credit and level requirements for each type of qualification. It is possible for a qualification to include credits achieved at levels above and below the level of which the qualification is registered.

Quality Assurance Bodies

Quality Assurance Bodies (QABs) are responsible for approving qualifications in New Zealand and for the quality that underpins the delivery of those qualifications.

• The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approves all degrees outside of universities and degrees above level 7 for polytechnics, all national qualifications and all qualifications delivered by private training establishments and wānanga.
• The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) of the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee approves all university qualifications.
• The Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics Quality (ITPQ)  approves qualifications (level 7 and below) under delegated authority from NZQA.