New Zealand · Licensing & Skills

NZQA International Qualification Assessment

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) evaluates overseas qualifications to establish their equivalence on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) for immigration and registration.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

All skilled workers, SMC applicants, and teachers with degrees earned outside New Zealand.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Completed degree or diploma from a recognized international higher education institution
Process

How the process works

  1. Check the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA)
  2. If not exempt, apply online for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA)
  3. Upload verified color scans of graduation certificates and official transcripts
  4. Receive official electronic IQA report specifying NZQF level (e.g. Level 7 Bachelor's, Level 9 Master's)
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Degree parchment in original language, complete official transcripts, certified English translations, passport bio page
Good to know

What to keep in mind

An IQA is mandatory for the 6-point Skilled Migrant Category unless your qualification is on the official LQEA exempt list.

Official source: New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Ecosystem Architecture

Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for NZQA International Qualification Assessment

Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.

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Supporting Briefings & Advisory Articles

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Is NZQA International Qualification Assessment the right route for you?

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