Private training establishment registration in New Zealand
In New Zealand, private training providers register with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as private training establishments (PTEs), under the Education and Training Act 2020. CAQA helps new and existing PTEs prepare registration, build quality management systems, and get ready to enrol international learners.
Registration. Quality systems. Australian partnerships.
Who regulates training providers in New Zealand
- NZQA registers PTEs, approves and accredits their programmes, and monitors quality. The system is national, so the same rules apply in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and elsewhere.
- The Private Training Establishment Rules 2026 came into force on 19 January 2026. They replace the PTE Registration Rules 2025 and the PTE Enrolment and Academic Records Rules 2022, and remove the annual fee.
- Government funding comes from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), as a separate step after registration.
- Since 1 January 2026, eight Industry Skills Boards have replaced the six Workforce Development Councils in the vocational system.
Registering a new PTE
- Apply to NZQA on its registration form, with a $1,500 deposit (GST included).
- Provide details of governing members and any conflicts of interest, an organisation chart and senior managers' CVs.
- Show how you will meet the needs of learners, communities (including Māori) and other stakeholders.
- Provide your quality management system.
- Once registered, seek approval and accreditation for each programme you plan to deliver.
International learners
Before enrolling international learners, a PTE must be an approved signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. Registered PTEs apply for signatory status separately, so it needs planning alongside registration.
Working with Australia
New Zealand organisations often partner with Australian providers or look at entering Australia. To register an Australian RTO, you need an Australian company with an ABN or ACN, people who meet ASQA's Fit and Proper Person Requirements, and evidence of financial viability, and the RTO must train students in Australia. See entering the Australian VET market for the full route.
How CAQA helps New Zealand providers
- PTE registration preparation under the PTE Rules 2026
- Quality management systems, policies and procedures
- Programme development and approval support
- Code of Practice signatory readiness for international learners
- Partnerships with Australian RTOs and Australian registration
We work with New Zealand providers remotely and on site by arrangement, and agree the consultant, scope, fees and time zone before work starts.
Questions from New Zealand providers
Is there still an annual NZQA fee for PTEs?
No. The PTE Rules 2026 removed the annual fee.
Can a newly registered PTE enrol international learners straight away?
Only after becoming an approved signatory to the Code of Practice 2021, which is a separate application.
Does registration bring government funding?
No. TEC funding is a separate step after registration.
Sources
Countries we work in
Working in Australia? See our consultancy services.