Private Training Establishments and Other Tertiary Education Providers

Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Other Tertiary Education Providers (OTEPs) seeking continuation of their funding must meet the criteria outlined in Rule GEN003[1]. These criteria also apply to PTEs and OTEPs seeking funding for the first time.

We have agreed with NZQA a revised process in relation to financial viability reporting, which was put in place since 2009. Financial information is considered by NZQA during its registration review process. NZQA will advise the TEC of any financial viability issues arising from that process. PTEs and OTEPs therefore no longer need to provide financial viability information to us.

In exceptional circumstances we may require additional financial information, and will advise if such information is required.

To be eligible for SAC funding, PTEs require approval by NZQA for all qualifications as in Rule SAC014[2].

Before 2005, PTEs required only appropriate unit accreditation for national qualifications, and did not require additional NZQA approval for the qualification.

Qualifications offered by distance delivery require NZQA approval of distance delivery.

Qualifications leading to registration as a teacher must be approved by the New Zealand Teachers' Council before being considered by NZQA.

Under Rule SAC009[3] NZQA quality assurance is required for new or significantly changed PTE qualifications to be eligible for SAC funding or, additionally, learner access to student allowances and the Student Loan Scheme. The PTE's accreditation may also need to be extended if the new or changed qualification is outside the scope of its current accreditation.

• [1]

  Rule GEN003: Eligibility for funding - PTEs

  Private training establishments (PTEs) seeking funding, or a continuation of funding, must provide the Tertiary Education Commission with the following:

  • Company Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation or other recognition of legal status
  • New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) registration and accreditation – PTEs must obtain registration and accreditation from NZQA before seeking eligibility for funding. For the registration and accreditation process see the NZQA website
  • Approved Investment Plan, unless exempt. Investment Plans must be submitted and approved before receipt of funding.
• [2]

  Rule SAC014: Qualifications - PTEs - NZQA approval

  Private training establishments require approval by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for all qualifications.

  Qualifications offered by distance delivery require NZQA approval of distance delivery.

  Qualifications leading to registration as a teacher must be approved by the New Zealand Teachers' Council before being considered by NZQA.

  Note: Before 2005, private training establishments (PTEs) required only appropriate unit standard accreditation for national qualifications, and did not require additional NZQA approval for the qualification. PTEs now require NZQA approval for national qualifications.

• [3]

  Rule SAC009: Qualifications changes - PTEs - NZQA approval

  New Zealand Qualifications Authority approval is required for new or significantly changed private training establishment (PTE) qualifications to be eligible for Student Achievement Component funding or, additionally, learner access to student allowances and the Student Loan Scheme. The PTE's accreditation may also need to be extended if the new or changed qualification is outside the scope of its current accreditation.