Learners must be studying towards a qualification or credential listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Funding for foundation education, including DQ1-2 funding:

• provides a low-cost way for people who do not have essential foundation skills to achieve these skills;
• supports learners to progress to higher levels of study and gain skilled employment;
• builds the literacy and numeracy skills of eligible learners;
• enables beginner learners to learn English or te reo Māori; and
• supports TEOs that can best meet the needs of foundation education learners.

Key changes from January 2023

From January 2023, all DQ1-2 education programmes delivered in a correctional facility will be funded at the Trades rate. This is to recognise the additional costs and complexities of providing foundation education in a correctional facility.

As a result of the policy change, it means that some providers will receive two funding rates for the same qualification, and these funding rates will be dependent on where the programme is delivered.