Big Education Consulting offers fully supported applications for registration as a Private Training Establishment (PTE) with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Whether you’re running an established training organisation or setting up a new organisation, we have the experience, knowledge and connections to lead you successfully through the PTE registration process.

This includes Registered Training Organisations in Australia wanting to expand into New Zealand.

From scoping to developing the application and responding to a request for further information (RFI) from NZQA, Big Education Consulting can support you every step of the way.

To get started …

STEP 1: Read the Frequently Asked Questions below to see if PTE registration is right for your organisation

STEP 2: Get in touch for a chat about your application and the support you need

STEP 3: Engage Big Education Consulting to support you with your application for PTE registration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PTE registration right for your organisation?

Your organisation will need to register as a PTE to do any of the following:

  • deliver education leading to a qualification or micro-credential on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
  • assess against unit, achievement or skill standards
  • seek funding from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
  • enrol international students
What steps are involved in registering an organisation as a PTE?

The steps to registering an organisation as a PTE are:

  1. Advise NZQA by email that your organisation is preparing an application for PTE registration
  2. Compile all of the evidence required and complete the PTE registration application form
  3. Submit your application to NZQA
  4. Respond to a request for further information (RFI) from NZQA if required
  5. Participate in a site visit (or virtual site visit) with NZQA

NZQA will also arrange a validation visit to your organisation approximately six months after registration or when students are enrolled.

For further details, get in touch to talk about your PTE registration application or read the guidelines for applying for registration as a private training establishment on the NZQA website.

How long does it take to register an organisation as a PTE?

It usually takes between 4 and 8 months to register an organisation as a PTE. This includes the time to prepare your application and for NZQA to evaluate and approve your application.

Once registered as a PTE, your organisation will then need to apply for one or more of the following:

  • programme approval and accreditation
  • micro-credential listing, approval and accreditation
  • consent to assess against unit, achievement or skill standards
  • Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funding
  • to become a signatory to the Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice
How much does it cost to register an organisation as a PTE?

The fee payable to NZQA to review your PTE registration application is likely to be between $9,600 and $13,200 plus GST. A deposit of $1500 plus GST is payable to NZQA once you’ve submitted your application.

Consultancy fees will depend on the size of your organisation, the education you propose to provide, whether you intend to enrol international students, and the amount of support you need.

For further information, get in touch to talk about your PTE registration application and the support you need.

How does an organisation maintain PTE registration?

To maintain registration as a PTE, your organisation will need to:

  • deliver at least one approved programme or micro-credential every year including in your first year as a PTE
  • comply with NZQA rules, including the Private Training Establishment Rules, the Student Fee Protection Rules, the Quality Assurance of Tertiary Education Providers Rules, and the Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice
  • meet other obligations if enrolling international learners, including meeting Immigration New Zealand requirements and Ministry of Education reporting requirements

For further details, get in touch to talk about your PTE registration application or read the guidelines for maintaining registration as a private training establishment on the NZQA website.