Qualifications and their levels

Ten tertiary qualification levels exist in New Zealand, from Level 1 certificates to Level 10 Doctorates. They are:

• Level 1 certificates
• Level 2 certificates
• Level 3 certificates
• Level 4 certificates
• Level 5 certificates and diplomas
• Level 6 certificates and diplomas
• Level 7 graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and Bachelor’s degrees
• Level 8 postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas and Bachelor’s Honours degrees
• Level 9 Master’s degrees
• Level 10 doctoral degrees.
  
  
• NZQA website - understanding New Zealand qualifications

Information about New Zealand tertiary qualifications should always state their level, as this gives important information about how much work is involved. For example, these certificates in applied science have very different requirements for learners:

• Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3).
• Certificate in Applied Science (Level 4).
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Level 7).
  
  
• Courses database - search for tertiary courses or education providers

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approves secondary and tertiary qualifications, and places them at the appropriate level on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

The secondary school qualification National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is part of the NZQCF.

NCEA qualifications range from Level 1 to 3.

• What is NCEA?

You may be able to study for tertiary qualifications as well as NCEA while at school.

• How to start training for a trade at school

Generally, the higher the level you qualify at, the higher your pay rate will be once you’re working. 

For example, 10 years after graduating, people with Level 1 to 4 certificates usually earn 15% more than the average income. However, people with Bachelor’s degrees usually earn 67% more than the average income. How much you earn also depends on what subjects you study.

• Compare Study Options - compare earning and employment outcomes for different qualification levels
• Find out more about the effect of education on income
  

Micro-credentials are a way of recognising your skills and knowledge in a particular area that employers are looking for, such as repairing electric vehicle batteries. Some micro-credentials are registered on NZQCF but they aren’t formal qualifications.

• Micro-credentials

• Where to get qualified
• Credit work or learning towards a qualification
• What study costs and how to fund it
• Get the best start for your study
• NCEA credits needed for study, apprenticeships and training
• How to apply for study, apprenticeships or training