Request programme endorsement

Programme endorsement

Toitū te Waiora are required to consider provider programmes for endorsement, prior to NZQA approval. There are two approaches:

1. Submitting a new programme of study for endorsement;
2. Submitting an existing approved programme where major (‘type two’) changes are being sought. 

We’ll reach out directly if we require further information to satisfy the consideration criteria.  

Once a programme is endorsed, a letter of endorsement will be provided to be submitted to NZQA alongside the approval application. The endorsement letter is valid for six months. 

Please allow 20 working days for Toitū te Waiora to process a request for programme endorsement.  

Endorsement considerations 

Toitū te Waiora considerations for programme endorsement differ from NZQA approval criteria. We focus on whether qualifications meet both industry and learner vocational education and training needs. 

We focus on six considerations: 

1. Programme content 
2. Equity for learners 
3. Programme engagement and consultation 
4. Te ao Māori 
5. Pacific learners 
6. Disabled people 

Access details on these considerations.  

Some considerations won’t be applicable to certain programmes – contact us for clarification before starting to develop a programme. 

If your organisation requires consent to assess against unit standards used in a programme of study, you will need to submit a separate consent to assess application.