Evaluating international qualifications

Find out when you may need NZQA to evaluate your international qualification for use in New Zealand, and which types of qualifications we can assess.

NZQA's qualification recognition service evaluates international qualifications to see where they would be on the New Zealand Qualification and Credentials Framework (NZQCF):

  • Level 1 to 10
  • Type of qualification

This evaluation is called an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

It allows individuals, employers and organisations to see how qualified a person is for work and immigration purposes.

If you have an evaluation from another country

We cannot accept recognition evaluations from other countries because our evaluation compares an overseas qualification to a level or a qualification on the NZQCF.

Before applying for an IQA you could ask the person or organisation you are applying to whether they will accept a qualification evaluation from another country.

What qualification we can and cannot evaluate

We can evaluate:

  • a tertiary or vocational upper-secondary qualification
  • qualifications awarded by a provider that is recognised nationally and accredited by the relevant government authority in the country of award and country of delivery
  • a minimum of 400 notional learning hours (approximately 10 weeks of full time academic study).

We cannot evaluate:

  • secondary school qualifications
  • incomplete programmes of study
  • programmes of study not leading to the award of a qualification
  • certificates of attendance
  • certificates of proficiency (if they do not include formal learning programmes)
  • letters or certificates of work experience – do not submit evidence of work experience with your IQA application
  • apprenticeships without formal training programmes
  • professional or specialist training certificates (for example, CISCO or Microsoft expert awards)
  • professional registration, permits, licenses or certifications
  • membership certificates issued by chartered bodies, unless they are formally recognised by the relevant government or government-mandated education bodies in the country of award, at the time of award.

What IQAs you can apply for

Resources for your IQA application

Evidence and document requirements

Find out what evidence and documents you need and the standards these have to meet

Find out more

Qualification evaluation fees

Find out who much each type of IQA costs, as well as fees for appeals and how to get refunds

Find out more

Apply for an IQA

Find out how to prepare for an application and find the QRS portal

Find out how to apply

Find out more about IQAs and what to apply for