Modes of delivery – Unified Funding System

Ngā aratau whakarato – Unified Funding System

Last updated 19 July 2023
Last updated 19 July 2023

There are five modes of delivery that reflect how learning takes place.

An individual learner’s programme can be made up of one or more modes. This enables learners and employers to access learning opportunities in a way that works best for them and supports them to move seamlessly between different ways of learning.

Learner pastoral care requirements must be addressed in a proportionate and tailored way by providers across the modes.

The modes of delivery are part of the Unified Funding System (UFS) delivery component. They:

  • recognise broad differences in costs across modes and subject areas, and determine the funding rate for providers
  • support the quality, relevance and growth of work-based learning
  • meet learner, employer and community needs
  • be simple and transparent.

Student loans are not available to learners in work-based modes.

Descriptions of modes of delivery

Mode

Description

Provider-based

Learners study mainly in a campus setting with supported self-directed learning. Providers are responsible for learners’ health and wellbeing support.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) expects at least 75% of the course be delivered in a synchronous learning manner. This should either be on campus or at an approved delivery site equivalent.

Learning can be also delivered synchronously online but it cannot be the only form of delivery.  

Provider-based: extramural

Learners study mainly away from a campus setting but not in the workplace. Learners undertake supported self-directed learning and the provider is responsible for the learners’ health and wellbeing support.

If provider-based delivery does not meet the operational definition of the provider-based mode, the mode of delivery will be considered provider-based: extramural.

Work-based: pathway to work

Learners have completed some study in the provider-based mode. Providers assist learners to find jobs with training agreements and support them to establish their learning in the workplace. All other work-based responsibilities are the same as the work-based mode. This rate will be limited to the transition period between study and work, up to 30 credits or a period of 3 months (whichever comes first).

Work-based

Learners study mainly in the workplace with supported self-directed learning.* Learners are supported in their training by both the provider and employer. Providers are responsible for learners’ health and wellbeing support, but this may be provided in conjunction with the employer.

Assessment and verification

Learners receive training in the workplace. The employer has created or purchased a programme of study leading to a qualification and delivers this. Providers work with employers to match the programme to the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Providers are responsible for the quality of assessment of the programme.

* Supported self-directed learning can include, but is not restricted to:

  • a learner engaging with lessons in their own time
  • learning that is not instructor-led and isn’t delivered in real time
  • a learner engaging with pre-recorded lectures or online tutorials, or
  • a learner completing assignments.