COVID-19 TEC Updates

Ngā Whakahōu TEC KOWHEORI-19

Guidelines on delivery under the COVID-19 Protection Framework

For up-to-date guidance on how to operate under the COVID-19 Protection Framework, please visit the Ministry of Education’s COVID-19 Protection Framework: tertiary and international sector webpage.

Providers who do not offer online learning or extramural delivery options and wish to do so are encouraged to apply for online programme delivery from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

COVID-19 TEC Updates - FAQs

We know the sector is working hard to provide the best for learners in response to COVID-19 restrictions and we are here to support you during this time. If you have any questions or concerns we encourage you to contact our Customer Contact Group on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz

Below are COVID-19 frequently asked questions for your reference:

Verification of learner identity and eligibility under the COVID-19 Protection Framework - Updated

TEOs receiving On-Plan funding from the TEC are required to verify learner identity and eligibility for enrolment in accordance with the methods set out in the funding conditions. Usually TEOs verify learner identity and eligibility by sighting the original or a certified copy of a student's "identity document", being their current passport, birth certificate, certificate of identity, New Zealand certificate of citizenship, or expired passport that has not been cancelled.

Under the previous Alert Levels 3 and 4, the TEC authorised TEOs to accept identity documents submitted electronically, such as a scanned copy or a photo emailed to TEOs, which were accompanied with the learner’s signed declaration that they provided a true copy of their original identity document.

Under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, in-person sighting of original or certified copies of identity documents may not always be practicable. The TEC therefore authorises TEOs to verify student identity and eligibility in accordance with the below table. The table only applies where TEOs wish to verify learner identity or eligibility by sighting the original or a certified copy of a learner's identity document. As mentioned above, there are other methods by which you can verify a learner's identity or eligibility as set out in the funding conditions.

Mode of verification

· In-person sighting of the original or a certified copy of the learner's identity document; or

· Online sighting of the original or a certified copy of the learner's identity document using digital communication software (such as Zoom); or

· Using verification services provided by organisations approved by the Department of Internal Affairs to act as an intermediary for identity confirmation.

Further guidance for TEOs

· TEOs to keep a record (physical or electronic) of the learner's identity document. For example, a printed copy, screenshot or electronic scan that will be kept on the learner's academic records.

· If the TEO sights a certified copy of a learner's identity document, they do not need to further sight the original.

Can we deliver SAC, YG, ACE and our literacy funds extramurally under the COVID-19 Protection Framework? - UPDATED

Yes, to unvaccinated learners. TEC has allowed providers to deliver SAC, YG, ACE and literacy fund education and training online in response to COVID-19 restrictions on face-to-face teaching.

COVID-19 Protection framework - External delivery guidance (PDF 665 KB) (PDF, 665 Kb)

Our approval is given, and any amendments to funding conditions are made, in response to the COVID-19 Protection Framework and will stay in effect until further notice.

Can we apply for the Hardship Fund for Learners? - UPDATED June 2022

The Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL) closed on 30 June 2022 and we are unable to accept any further applications for funding.

The HAFL fund served two purposes to provide assistance to learners facing hardship and provide funding to learners for technology-related costs where COVID-19 restrictions removed the options for face-to-face study.

You can find further information on the HAFL webpage.

Intensive Literacy and Numeracy (ILN) education – UPDATED October 2022

The COVID-19 Protection Framework ended on 12 September 2022 at 11.59pm.

We had previously advised in December 2021 that the condition regarding intensity of hours per week for you ILN provision still applies as per the details set out in the funding conditions.

If you have any questions please contact our Customer Contact Group on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz

Can TEOs continue to enrol or re-enrol international PhD students who are currently offshore and are unable to return to New Zealand to study? - UPDATED January 2023

New Zealand’s borders fully opened to all visitors and students from 11:59pm, 31 July 2022.

We recognise there may still be delays in international students returning to New Zealand and confirm that you can continue to enrol or re-enrol international PhD students. This exemption will continue and only applies to students who are unable to return to New Zealand for their study.

International PhD students must have submitted a visa application to Immigration New Zealand to be eligible for an exemption.

We continue to require each TEO to:

Only enrol students offshore who are financially able and willing to come to New Zealand for their study as soon as border entry conditions make this possible and the appropriate visas have been granted (they must not enrol students wishing to do a full PhD programme offshore).
Clearly communicate with all enrolled and prospective International PhD students that they cannot currently enter New Zealand unless they hold the correct visa as required by Immigration New Zealand.
Clearly communicate with all enrolled and prospective International PhD students that they must return to New Zealand as soon as border entry conditions allow and appropriate visas granted.
Only enrol students in PhD programmes where it is possible for the student to progress their study offshore and make reasonable progress toward their qualification.
Clarify for each enrolled student how they can progress their PhD research offshore

TEOs are advised to check the Immigration New Zealand website for current criteria for student and poststudy work visas.