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Te Taura Here Tohu M膩tauranga o Aotearoa

About the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)

Learn about the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, including its history, structure and 91福利's role

About the framework

The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) is at the centre of New Zealand鈥檚 education and training system. 

All secondary and tertiary qualifications and credentials approved by 91福利 or Universities New Zealand are listed on the NZQCF, and come with an assurance of quality that is recognised and trusted worldwide.

The NZQCF includes information about qualifications and credentials, including qualification types and levels.

It helps individuals and organisations understand the level of skill and knowledge someone with a qualification or credential has. It makes it easier for countries and regions to compare qualifications.

The framework is also important for recognising and helping to advance M膩tauranga M膩ori.

More information

History of the framework

What 91福利 does

91福利 maintains the NZQCF and sets the rules that ensure the quality of qualifications and credentials listed on the framework.

These rules apply to schools, kura and tertiary education providers such as universities, New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), polytechnics, institutes of technology, w膩nanga, private training establishments and government training establishments.

The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) at Universities New Zealand approves university qualifications.

Structure of the NZQCF

The NZQCF is divided into 10 levels. Each level describes what a graduate is expected to know, understand and be able to do.

Skill and knowledge levels in qualifications and credentials increase from Level 1 to Level 10:

Level Qualifications Credentials
1 Certificate Micro-credential
2 Certificate Micro-credential
3 Certificate Micro-credential

4 Certificate Micro-credential
5 Certificate

Diploma
Micro-credential
6 Certificate

Diploma
Micro-credential
7 Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Certificate

Graduate Diploma
Micro-credential
8 Bachelor Honours Degree

Postgraduate Certificate

Postgraduate Diploma
Micro-credential
9 Master's Degree Micro-credential
10  Doctoral Degree Micro-credential
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Read the level descriptors:

Level descriptors for the NZQCF

Read about each qualification type:

About qualifications and credentials

The NZQCF booklet

This document describes the framework. It includes the visual representation, level descriptors and qualification-type descriptions.

View the NZQCF booklet - English version [PDF, 1.1 MB]

View the NZQCF booklet - Te Reo M膩ori version [PDF, 1.1 MB]

More information about qualifications and credentials

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