The new term to be used in future is “DQ” funding.

DQ means delivery + qualification and refers to the three volume-based funds that are the Government’s primary contribution towards the costs of tertiary education organisations’ teaching and training of learners.

There are three DQ funds covering all levels of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF):

• DQ1-2 is delivery on the NZQCF at levels 1 and 2
• DQ3-7 is non-degree delivery at levels 3-7 on the NZQCF and all industry (work-based) training – also known as the delivery component of the unified funding system for vocational educational and training
• DQ7+ is delivery on the NZQCF at Levels 7 (degree) and above.

These funds – and the DQ acronym – replace the previously used SAC and Industry Training Fund (ITF).

“The new DQ term reflects more accurately what we actually fund – the delivery of tuition and training that results in learners achieving qualifications,” said TEC Deputy Chief Executive – Delivery, Gillian Dudgeon.

“It reflects learners being able to access quality education and achieving a qualification no matter if they choose to learn through work-based, provider-based or online learning, or a combination of those.”