The Ministry of Education, Women’s Affairs & Culture (MEWAC) has the primary role in the regulation of pre-school, primary and secondary education. Ministry of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports (MOTEYS) is responsible for the regulation of TVET, although MEWAC retains responsibility for teacher training at the Tonga Institute of Education.
The TNQAB is currently working towards the introduction of new industry skill standards in TVET based on the New Zealand/Australian qualifications framework. Eventually, it is hoped that all TVET providers will be accredited by the TNQAB. This activity is part of the process of establishing a national Tonga Qualifications Framework.
a) International regulatory and policy frameworks
The USP is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN). The USP is also a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).
Education for All (EFA)
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
United Nations Literacy Decade
UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Education
United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
b) Regional agreements
Tonga is a member of the multi-nation USP consortium.
Pacific Islands Forum Basic Education Action Plan (FBEAP)
Pacific Regional Initiatives for the Delivery of Basic Education (PRIDE) Project
Pacific Education for Sustainable Development Framework
Pacific Education Development Framework (PEDF) 2009-2015
The Pacific Plan (the Pacific Plan Task Force is managed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General)
Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC)
c) National regulations and policy
Education Act (1974)
d) State/District regulations and policy
None identified.
e) University policies
Tonga is one of twelve Pacific island states that jointly own the University of the South Pacific. However, the kingdom’s influence over the policies of the USP is likely to be limited due to the small size of the USP cohort in Tonga.