| Numeric Code | Qualification level
category | Qualifications | NZRQAQ Level |
| 1 | Non-degree | Includes certificates and diplomas. No research requirement. | Levels 1–4
Levels 5–7 |
| 2 | Undergraduate degree | Includes bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas. | Level 6–7
|
| 3 | Taught postgraduate | Includes postgraduate certificates and diplomas, bachelor degrees with honours, and taught masters’ papers. | Level 8–9
|
| 4 | Research postgraduate | Includes masters’ theses of one Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) unit or more for masters and doctoral study. | Levels 8–10 |
| 5 | Foreign student research based | Foreign student research-based postgraduate qualification. | Not applicable |