Modes of delivery – DQ3-7
Ngā aratau whakarato – Unified Funding System
Under DQ3-7 funding, there are four modes of delivery that reflect how learning takes place.
Under DQ3-7 funding, there are four modes of delivery that reflect how learning takes place.
Back to Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF (DQ3-7) Fund
An individual learner’s programme can be made up of one or more modes. This enables learners and employers to access learning opportunities in a way that works best for them and supports them to move seamlessly between different ways of learning.
Learner pastoral care requirements must be addressed in a proportionate and tailored way by providers across the modes and meet the expectations of The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.
The Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice – NZQA
Student loans are not available to learners in work-based modes.
Between 2023 and 2025 there was an additional mode, pathway to work. This mode is not available from 2026.
Provider-based mode
Learners study mainly in a campus setting with supported self-directed learning. Providers are responsible for learners’ health and wellbeing support.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) expects at least 75% of the course be delivered in a synchronous learning manner. This should either be on campus or at an approved delivery site equivalent.
Learning can be also delivered synchronously online but it cannot be the only form of delivery.
Provider-based: extramural mode
Learners study mainly away from a campus setting but not in the workplace. Learners undertake supported self-directed learning and the provider is responsible for the learners’ health and wellbeing support.
If provider-based delivery does not meet the operational definition of the provider-based mode, the mode of delivery will be considered provider-based: extramural.
Provider-based: extramural mode
Work-based mode
Learners study mainly in the workplace with supported self-directed learning.* Learners are supported in their training by both the provider and employer.
Providers are responsible for learners’ health and wellbeing support, but this may be provided in conjunction with the employer. Learners are enrolled through an agreement or agreements that outline the responsibilities of the learner, the employer and the provider.
Assessment and verification mode
Learners receive training in the workplace. The employer has created or purchased a programme of study leading to a qualification and delivers this. Providers work with employers to match the programme to the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
Providers are responsible for the quality of assessment of the programme. Learners are enrolled through an agreement or agreements that outline the responsibilities of the learner, the employer and the provider.
Assessment and verification mode
* Supported self-directed learning can include, but is not restricted to:
- a learner engaging with lessons in their own time
- learning that is not instructor-led and isn’t delivered in real time
- a learner engaging with pre-recorded lectures or online tutorials, or
- a learner completing assignments.