Consultation on education fees 2025

Eleanor Harwood

3 months ago

The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) consulted on changes to the education fees charged to tertiary education organisations (TEOs) for the regulation of social work programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand. This consultation closed 22 October 2025

The context for this consultation

Education fees have remained unchanged since 2019, during which time we have developed new Education Standards that come into effect in January 2026. These standards, alongside our new Prescription and Monitoring Framework, represent a significant modernisation of how we regulate social work education. Our Prescription and Monitoring Framework outlines how we will conduct our regulatory activities in education against the new Education Standards.

We asked for views on whether the proposed fees are reasonable and appropriate for the new prescription and monitoring methodology.

What we consulted on

The consultation document presented a proposal to change the structure from our current approach to one that aligns with our new regulatory framework. Key elements of the proposal included moving from a student-number-based support fee to a flat fee structure and introducing specific fees for different regulatory activities.

We developed this proposal based on detailed cost analysis and our commitment to regulatory efficiency. However, we recognise that any changes to fees have significant implications for the sector, and we are committed to considering all feedback before the Board makes its final decisions.

Full details of the proposed fees are available in the consultation document.

Download the consultation document:

Education fees consultation document - September 2025

Consultation dates

The consultation period was 3 September to 17 October. This consultation period was extended from the original close of 22 September.

Question and answer sessions

We held an online hui to share a short presentation about the fees proposal – view the recording – You Tube link. We also held four drop-in sessions between 8 September – 1 October, as these were Q&A sessions they were not recorded.

What happens now that the consultation has closed?

The feedback will help the Board make an informed decision on the proposed changes. The feedback will be considered against the requirements of the Auditor General and Treasury and our Act.

When the Board decides on the new education fees, they will be published in the New Zealand Gazette. The gazetted education fees notice will confirm the dates that the changes will apply from. It is anticipated that changes will be in place for 2026 monitoring visits and prescription confirmations.

What happens if the proposed fee changes do not proceed as outlined in the proposal?

The current education fees have remained the same since 2019 with no Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment. With the implementation of the new Prescription and Monitoring Framework in 2026, it is inevitable that there will be some change to current fees.

Reviewing the fees means that the SWRB will still be able to meet all its obligations under the Act and ensure timely response and reporting timeframes within a more precise, flexible and transparent framework.

The proposal as it stands may still change following consultation, so your feedback is vital.

Future reviews

The education fees will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.

As we implement the new framework, the SWRB focus will include evaluation of our own processes. We are committed to continuous improvement, so aim to regulate effectively while seeking efficiencies in all our education processes, especially panel processes to keep costs as low as possible for TEOs.