The Social Workers Registration Act (2003) enables the SWRB to set standards for social work education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
All social work tertiary education programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand must meet the SWRB Education Standards to deliver, and continue to deliver, prescribed social work qualifications.
The Board uses Education Standards to ensure education providers provide a social work degree that:
- delivers on the purpose of the Social Workers Registration Act (2003)
- reflects the content of the SWRB’s General Scope of Social Work Practice
- enables graduates to meet professional standards for entry into the social work profession such as Fitness to Practice requirements, the Code of Conduct and the Core Competence standards.
The Education Standards will be refined after their first year of implementation following 2026, to ensure they are fit for purpose. After this initial refresh, they will be reviewed approximately every four years.
The SWRB Education Standards
The Education Standards and the accompanying Prescription and Monitoring Framework were approved by the Board in May 2025. The earlier Programme Recognition Standards (PRS) applied until the end of 2025. The new Education Standards came into effect on 1 January 2026.
We would like to acknowledge and thank all the people who have contributed their time and energy to this mahi.
Read more about reviewing the Education Standards here
On this page:
He Arapaki underpinned our approach for the review
The SWRB committed to a process which is underpinned by He Arapaki, the SWRB Māori Development Strategy and Action Plan. He Arapaki is informed by the SWRB’s core values of Matatika, Manaaki, Mahitahi and Māia.
Sector engagement and consultation for the draft Education Standards was undertaken within a Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework and representing the SWRB value of mahitahi | the principle of partnership.
He Arapaki underpinned our approach for the review
The SWRB committed to a process which is underpinned by He Arapaki, the SWRB Māori Development Strategy and Action Plan. He Arapaki is informed by the SWRB’s core values of Matatika, Manaaki, Mahitahi and Māia.
Sector engagement and consultation for the draft Education Standards was undertaken within a Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework and representing the SWRB value of mahitahi | the principle of partnership.
Education Standards review documents
Pou and narrative for the SWRB Education Standards
Guidance on Education Standards
3.3.3 Guidance on Field Education Placement Exceptions different settings - July 2026
Prescription and Monitoring Framework _ April 2026
Education glossary and definitions
3.3.3 - Field Education Placement Exceptions - Template - June 2026
If you have any feedback or additional queries or feedback, please contact us at education@swrb.govt.nz and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Page updated: 16.07.26
