What are NZQA/NZQF Level System in New Zealand?
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The concept of Qualifications Framework worldwide was envisaged due to the need to evaluate and rate levels of education basis learning outcomes. Qualifications that are awarded in a set geography (regional/national/global) when placed within a framework, it serves as a comprehensive reference platform in terms of learning outcomes, with a defined set of rankings that each level of qualification holds. Such reference points offer better perspectives which are particularly needed to bridge the gap between the education system and the needs of the job market in addition to helping students/guardians/recruiters make informed academic decisions. This classification of various qualifications states the exact level of knowledge and skill set a specific degree/diploma/certificate holder must ideally possess in order to accomplish the assigned task reasonably well. The Qualifications Framework model especially at various national levels is gaining momentum, with rising number of countries designing and implementing their specific National Qualifications Framework which refers largely to a uniform education and training standards.
What is NZQF?
New Zealand is the pioneer in designing and implementing a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) with the view to provide quality assured education. The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) which is the crux of the country’s education system, which is recognized worldwide, includes both secondary as well as tertiary education. It is managed by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) which is the country’s authentic source of accurate information about all types of quality assured qualifications for national as well as international students.
NZQF Levels
The NZQF follows a structure comprising 10 levels that cover various qualifications ranging from certificates, diplomas, degrees, to doctoral degrees and others. The levels of each qualification have been determined based on the complexity of the learning, with level 10 being the most complex. The NZQF provides the exact knowledge and experience level that corresponds to the specific qualification in addition to giving information about career opportunities each qualification leads to. Periodical reviews regulate and implement the changes such as addition or omission of a particular qualification from the NZQF which is further approved by NZQA.
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Students at the secondary school, largely, cover 1-3 levels of the NZQF while students who choose to continue beyond secondary level can attain education up to level 10. Tertiary level education options include studying in technical or non-technical institutes, training schools, universities, private institutions etc. Education loans, government tertiary funding and allowances are meant only for quality assured qualifications that are on NZQF. International students also need to achieve qualifications on the NZQF to become eligible for student and graduate visas.
| Levels |
Certificate |
Diploma |
Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Certificate |
- |
- |
| 2 |
Certificate |
- |
- |
| 3 |
Certificate |
- |
- |
| 4 |
Certificate |
- |
- |
| 5 |
Certificate |
Diploma |
- |
| 6 |
Certificate |
Diploma |
- |
| 7 |
Graduate Certificate | Graduate Diploma |
Bachelor's Degree |
| 8 |
Postgraduate Certificate | Postgraduate Diploma |
Bachelor's Honours Degree |
| 9 |
- | - |
Master's Degree |
| 10 |
- | - |
Doctoral Degree |
Learning at any stage under NZQF is aimed at enabling students to attain knowledge from basic towards higher scales. The final objective is the application of a student’s knowledge and skills that one has acquired against a context which is either well organized or extremely dynamic. The purpose of education in New Zealand is to facilitate students, native or foreign, to progressively become more skill equipped, independent and highly accountable people who can manage and undertake challenging responsibilities with a highly focused approach.
NZQF Qualifications
The qualifications which are listed in the NZQF give descriptions such as type, level, and name of the qualification, the credit value and area of a subject the qualifications cover and a few more information which helps students, especially international, make informed decisions in advance.
| NZQF Qualifications |
|
|---|---|
| Qualification Name, Level & Type |
A name is given that identifies the primary discipline |
| NZQF has allotted each qualification one of 10 levels |
|
| Type refers to the exact category the qualification falls under |
|
| Purpose |
The reason a specific qualification is included in NZQF |
| Outcome |
The outcome that is expected from the holder of a specific qualification. This helps prospective employers, learners, institutes to compare qualification |
| Credit Value |
Every qualification is accorded with a credit value that represents the amount of learning in a qualification. 1 credit roughly equals 10 learning hours |
| Classification of Subject Area |
New Zealand Standard Classification of Education (NZSCED) has assigned a 6-digit code to all qualifications followed by classifying qualifications into a subject area which helps during an online search |
| Status |
NZQF distinctly notifies about the status of each qualification included in it e.g. ‘current’, ‘expiring’ or ‘discontinued’ |
| Review |
All Qualifications under NZQF are periodically reviewed to keep up with international standards in terms of its industry usefulness and relevance |
| Award of Qualification |
NZQF authorizes all recognized education institutes to award qualifications to its students upon completion of learning/training |
For international students seeking admission to educational institutes/universities for higher or regular studies in New Zealand, it is imperative to understand the education system of the country thoroughly. Funded by the central government of New Zealand, NZQA that handles secondary and tertiary education zones also supports the NZQF.
Description of the qualification types listed in NZQF:
- Level – 1 (Certificate): It provides basic knowledge and skills for work that can be applied to manage general tasks and it must carry 40 credits.
- Level – 2 (Certificate): A certificate holder at this level demonstrates basic factual or operational knowledge in the specific subject area. Minimum 40 credits are required at this level.
- Level – 3 (Certificate): Knowledge and skills at this level are gained to manage work within a specified area, carrying a minimum of 40 credits.
- Level – 4 (Certificate): A level 4 certificate holder is capable of working in specialized work areas. The level comprises at least 40 credits.
- Level – 5 (Certificate, Diploma): A certificate at this level enables the holder with theoretical/technical knowledge and skills within a part of a specified work area and carries minimum 40 credits. A diploma holder at level-5 can accomplish tasks in a specific workspace through theoretical/technical knowledge and skills in an entire specified area of work. A minimum of 120 credit is given.
- Level – 6 (Certificate): A certificate holder at this level demonstrates theoretical/technical knowledge and skills within a specific area of a specialized work space carrying at least 40 credits.
- Level – 6 (Diploma): A diploma holder at this level can accomplish specialized functions in the entire designated area of work through theoretical/technical knowledge and skills. Minimum 120 credits are required.
- Level – 7 (Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diploma, Certificate): Paving the way for various postgraduate courses Bachelor’s Degree makes a learner proficient in the major subject armed with an independent and analytical approach.
The Graduate diploma at this level contains 120 credits and qualifies the holder with specialized knowledge and skills in one or more work areas.
Graduate Certificate prepares a student to learn and practice in a new area of study that requires 60 credits.
- Level – 8 (Postgraduate Diploma, Honours Degree, Certificate): A PG diploma expands previous knowledge and skills further on the primary subject in which the individual acquired his graduate degree/diploma/certificate.
Bachelor Honours degree equips the holder with the competence to conduct end-to-end research work with demonstrable knowledge, skills, and novel concepts.
With a minimum requirement of 60 credits, PG Certificate empowers learners with advanced knowledge in a distinct area of study.
- Level – 9 (Master’s Degree): With a minimum of 240 credits at level 9, Master’s degree equals advanced knowledge in a specialized field.
- Level – 10 (Doctoral Degree): A stage beyond Master’s, Doctoral degree placed at level 10 requires a minimum of 360 credits where the degree holder becomes proficient enough to make substantial contributions in the field of education/research.
Credit Points
At each level of a qualification achieved as per NZQF, a student also completes a certain number of credit points. The credit value is directly proportional to the amount of learning in the qualification, for example – 1 credit represents 10 hours of learning. Hence, a typical learner in New Zealand, studying in a full-time course, can complete around 120 credits of learning in one academic year.
Quick Links:
- Understanding Levels of Tertiary Education in New Zealand
- 6 Reasons to Study in New Zealand
- Introduction to Education System in New Zealand
- Types of Education Institutions in New Zealand
- Understanding Levels of Tertiary Education in New Zealand
- List of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) in New Zealand
NZQA/NZQF Level System in New Zealand FAQs
Q. What is the difference between NZQA and NZQF?
Q. How can students apply to obtain their NZQA Certificate?
Q. Which level of NZQA is considered a degree?
Q. What does a student get after completing his/her qualification in New Zealand?
Q. Does NZQF limit applicants from learning at any stage of their lives?
- On-job
- In education institutions
- Electronically / online / by distance - in a mixture of ways.
Q. How many credit points are required to pursue Level 6 Diploma course?
Q. What is Mätauranga Mäori Evaluative Quality Assurance?
Q. How are new degree programs approved by NZQF?
Q: Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for Lincoln University New Zealand?
According to various unofficial sources, Lincoln University New Zealand acceptance rate is around 60%. The acceptance rate indicated that the university is moderately selective at the time of admission. So, to get into the university, make sure to have a good academic record and meet the entry requirements such as having 12 years of schooling and minimum percentage for admission to bachelor’s courses. For admission to postgraduate courses, a relevant degree is required with the minimum grade.
Q: How much funds are needed for a New Zealand study visa?
International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month for getting a New Zealand study visa.
Cost of New Zealand Student Visa Application
- New Zealand Visa Cost: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately).
- Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees.
- Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to this students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520.
Q: Which course is better, Master in Management or Master in Project Management at the University of Auckland, New Zealand?
The University of Auckland offers the best UG and PG programs for international students at an affordable tuition fees. Auckland Unversity Master in Project Management is slightly better than the Master in Management because of its tuition fees for first year. Mentioned below is the tuition fees for first-year for international students:
| Program | First Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Master in Project Management | INR 25.11 L |
| Master in Management | INR 26.11 L |
Q: What is the cost of studying in New Zealand?
The tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
Q: Is living in New Zealand expensive?
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
Q: How much will it cost to study in New Zealand?
The cost of study in New Zealand for international students will vary from student to student. The cost of living will depend on many factors such as lifestyle, type of course and accommodation. Here we have given a breakdown of cost of living in New Zealand for international students.
Tuition Fees
Level of Study | Estimated Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
Diplomas/Certificates | NZD 23,376 to NZD 46,752 |
Bachelor’s Degree | NZD 20,000 to NZD 40,000 |
Postgraduate Degree | NZD 20,000 to NZD 45,000 |
PhDs | NZD 6,500 to NZD 7,500 |
Living Expenses
Type of Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | NZD 140 – NZD 484 (per week) |
Entertainment | NZD 55 (per week) |
Food | NZD 80 – NZD 120 (per week) |
Electricity | NZD 200 – NZD 300 (per month) |
Transportation | NZD 37 (per week) |
Phone | NZD 19 (per month) |
Internet | NZD 90 (per month) |
Q: Is New Zealand good for international students to study?
New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students going abroad for higher education. All of eight universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 3% universities in the world. New Zealand education sets up students with a globally recognised qualification and real-world skills. Each year thousands of students from India apply for various universities in the New Zealand. As per Govt. of India, there are more than 2,500 Indian students that went to study in 2022 in various universities in New Zealand.
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