Tertiary Education Qualification Statement

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the Ministry of Education (Ministry) have released implementation guidelines for a New Zealand Tertiary Education Qualification Statement; this is a Diploma Supplement equivalent.

This initiative will help provide tailored information to international audiences, improving their ability to understand and recognise New Zealand tertiary qualifications.

The promotion of a Diploma Supplement or equivalent is an obligation under the Lisbon Recognition Convention, which the New Zealand government acceded to in 2008. The Convention provides a legal framework for the improved recognition of higher education qualifications.

Diploma Supplement consultation process outcomes

The three month submission process saw a number of tertiary education providers comment on the proposals for a New Zealand Diploma Supplement equivalent. Submitters largely agreed with the proposals developed by the Diploma Supplement Reference Group.

While many providers indicated that they thought the adoption of a New Zealand Diploma Supplement was a good idea, they indicated they would prefer to wait until further adoption of the Diploma Supplement occurs internationally. However, some smaller providers saw immediate benefit for their students, and indicated they wished to begin implementation in the near future.

The report on the outcomes of the consultation process, Considering a Diploma Supplement or equivalent for New Zealand - Submission results and analysis, can be found here.

Guidelines for implementing a Tertiary Education Qualification Statement

Some providers in the consultation process indicated that they saw immediate benefit for their students to have a Diploma Supplement equivalent. To support these providers, the Ministry and NZQA have released implementation guidelines for the Tertiary Education Qualification Statement.

The implementation guidelines identify what information should be recorded in a Tertiary Education Qualification Statement, provides guidance on how to record that information, and suggests implementation options to suit a provider's information management systems.

The Guidelines for implementing a Tertiary Education Qualification Statement in New Zealand can be found here.

Implementing a Tertiary Education Qualification Statement is not compulsory; it is up to each provider to decide whether or not to implement.

For further information please contact diplomasupplement@nzqa.govt.nz