Easier Study in NZ for Students With Indian Qualifications Now

• IQA exemption granted to qualifications from India and 8 other nations.
• The visa process has been eased for Indian students applying to New Zealand.
• 34% rise in Indian enrolments seen between Jan–Aug 2024.

New Zealand has declared that qualifications from India, France, Germany, Italy, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland will now be free from Assessment.

International students aiming to study in New Zealand must obtain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) to demonstrate that their qualifications are recognized in New Zealand.

When applying for a visa that mandates your international qualification to be ‘equivalent to’ or ‘comparable with’ a New Zealand qualification, students typically need to obtain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

An IQA is an evaluation conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to determine if a student's foreign qualification is valid in New Zealand. The majority of qualifications obtained outside of New Zealand necessitate an IQA.

Engineering degrees accredited by the Washington Accord or the Sydney Accord, and qualifications listed as exemptions for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC), do not require an IQA for visa applications.

Consequently, if students are seeking a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC), an IQA is unnecessary if their qualification appears on the exemption list. Immigration New Zealand has revised the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), effective from 23 June 2025.

Qualifications from the newly included countries consist of India, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland. Additionally, revisions will be implemented for Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States for uniformity and precision.

This list aims to expedite visa application procedures such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List, and Accredited Employer Work Visa, by acknowledging certain international qualifications without the need for an International Qualification Assessment.

With Indian qualifications included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), Indian students seeking a New Zealand study visa are anticipated to experience increased ease.

Also Read: Presidency University Offers Exchange, Dual Degrees in France

New Zealand attracts many Indian students as a favored study location. From January to August 2024, total international student enrolments from India increased by 34% to 10,640, compared to 7,930 enrolments for the entire year in 2023.

Piyush Kumar – Regional Director, South Asia, Canada and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education says, “The affordability of education combined with living costs in New Zealand makes it an attractive destination for students from India. The educational expenses for international students in New Zealand amount to NZD 20,000 to 40,000 annually, which is less expensive than US and UK rates yet comparable to Australia and Canada.”

Piyush Kumar provides interesting information regarding the post-study work permits in New Zealand – International students who complete a minimum of 30 weeks in Master’s or Doctoral programs in New Zealand can work in the country for three years post-graduation.

Students completing a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) before entering a shorter Master’s programme will obtain the entire PSW benefit.