Important information about your qualifications
Recognised qualifications
Qualifications, such as degrees and certifications, are ranked to help determine eligibility under Immigration New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category. It is helpful to know whether your qualification is recognised by Immigration New Zealand. If it is not on the List of Recognised Qualifications, you will need to have it assessed by NZQA.
Qualification ranking
Levels of qualification are ranked from one to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of qualification. Levels depend on the complexity of one’s education, rather than simply the time spent learning. Check your qualification ranking on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications to find out how many points your qualification is worth.
Qualification rankings are used specifically for immigration purposes. Under the Skilled Migrant Category principal applicants are eligible for:
- 55 points for a qualification assessed as level nine or 10
- 50 points for a qualification assessed as level five, six, seven or eight
- 50 points for a qualification assessed as level four if certain criteria are met
- 50 points for a qualification assessed as level three if the qualification is included in the list of qualifications recognised as an exception
Occupational registration bodies
For many occupations, such as those in the medical, education and architectural fields, you will be required to register with a New Zealand occupational registration body in order to legally undertake employment. For a complete list of New Zealand occupational registration bodies as issued by Immigration New Zealand, click here.
