Summary
This article provides information about the Indicative Data Collection (IND), the extract and submission dates for 2026, and which files you need to submit.
What is the IND?
The IND represents student data as at 1 March each year and provides an early indication of learner demand and any shifts/trends.
All providers that submit a Single Data Return (SDR) are required to submit an IND.
All enrolments in your SMS (including current and future enrolments) need to be reported in the IND, regardless of the level of study or the funding source.
Notes:
The data you report in the IND will not affect your funding.
The Indicative Data Collection (IND) is sometimes referred to as the Indicative Enrolment Data Collection/Return.
When are the extract/submission dates and which files do I need to submit?
The data extraction date is Sunday 1 March 2026, and the submission deadline is 5pm Friday 6 March 2026.
You need to upload three CSV files: Learner file, Course Enrolment file, and Course Register file.
Extract Date: Return Period: Due Date: | 1 March 2026 1–6 March 2026 6 March 2026 |
| Learner file | ü |
| Course Enrolment File | ü |
| Course Register File | ü |
| Course Completion File | n/a |
| Qualification Completion File | n/a |
| Workforce Questionnaire (Staff Return) | n/a |
IND resources
For information on submitting your IND, see Completing your March 2026 IND | TEC website.
For the data requirements, see the Data Specifications for the Single Data Return (docx) in Single Data Return (SDR) | TEC website.
For an overview of the process, see the Process overview and guidance for the Single Data return (docx) in Single Data Return (SDR) | TEC website.
For instructions on how to make an IND data submission in DXP Ngā Kete, see Indicative Return - IND | DXP Ngā Kete User Guides.
Further information
If you have any questions (eg, general help, guidance with validation errors, and help with course, qualification and delivery site approvals), please contact 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz using the subject line '[EDUMIS #] - March IND'.