New Zealand NZQA International Qualification Assessment: Complete Guide

NZQA (Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa) is New Zealand's qualifications authority, established under the Education Act 1989. It evaluates overseas tertiary and vocational qualifications to determine where they sit on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), Levels 1-10. This evaluation is called an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
An IQA is often required for employment, immigration, or further study in New Zealand. It provides official recognition of your overseas qualification's equivalence in the New Zealand system.

When You Need an IQA

You may need an IQA if:

• An employer requests evidence of your qualification's NZ equivalent
• Immigration New Zealand requires qualification assessment for a visa application
• You want to enrol in further study at a New Zealand institution
• You need to register with a professional body in New Zealand

Check first: Not everyone needs an IQA. Confirm with your employer, Immigration NZ, or education provider whether an IQA is necessary for your specific situation.

Types of IQA

Note: All fees include GST. No refunds after submission.

Required Documents

Your application must include ALL of the following before submission:

Document Format Rules

• Accepted formats: .pdf, .jpg, .png, .docx
• Must be colour scans — black and white copies of colour documents will NOT be accepted
• Show all edges, corners, stamps, and seals clearly
• Each file must be clear and readable
• Multi-page documents: save as one file
• Use descriptive filenames (e.g., "degree_certificate.pdf")

What Qualifications CAN Be Evaluated

• Tertiary or vocational upper-secondary qualification
• From a provider recognised nationally and accredited by the relevant government authority
• Minimum 400 notional learning hours (~10 weeks full-time study)

What CANNOT Be Evaluated

• Secondary school qualifications (high school diplomas, etc.)
• Incomplete programmes
• Certificates of attendance or proficiency only
• Letters or certificates of work experience
• Professional registration, permits, or licenses
• Apprenticeships without a formal training programme

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm You Need an IQA

• Check with your employer, Immigration NZ, or education provider
• Visit the NZQA website to understand what an IQA covers

Step 2: Choose the Right IQA Type

• Standard IQA — for most employment and general purposes
• Skill Shortage List IQA — if your qualification relates to a role on NZ's skill shortage list
• Teaching IQA — for teaching positions (most comprehensive)

Step 3: Gather ALL Documents

• Collect every required document before starting the application
• Ensure all scans are colour, clear, and complete
• Get certified English translations if originals are not in English
• Organise files with descriptive names

Step 4: Create Account on QRS Portal

• Go to qrs.nzqa.govt.nz
• Create an account with your personal details
• Verify your email address

Step 5: Submit Application

• Log in to the QRS portal
• Select the IQA type
• Upload all documents
• Review everything carefully — no changes after submission
• Pay the fee by credit card
• Submit the application

Step 6: Monitor Progress

Track your application through the portal stages:

1. Pre-Evaluation — application received and being checked
2. Waiting for Info — NZQA needs additional information (respond promptly)
3. Evaluation — qualification is being assessed
4. Peer Review / QA — quality assurance review
5. Published — IQA statement is ready

Processing Times

Tip: Once NZQA confirms your application is complete, 90% are finished within 3 weeks. Delays usually happen when documents are incomplete or verification is needed.

Appeals

If you disagree with your IQA outcome:

1. Apply within 20 working days of the recognition statement issue date
2. Pay the appeal fee ($765 — refundable minus $55 admin fee if the outcome changes)
3. You can only appeal once per qualification
4. Contact NZQA before deciding to appeal — they can explain the reasoning

Tips for a Smooth Application

1. Start early. The process takes ~10 weeks. Do not wait until you need the IQA urgently.
2. Get colour scans. This is the most common reason for delays. Black and white copies of colour documents are rejected.
3. Include everything. NZQA cannot evaluate your qualification without all required documents. Submitting an incomplete application delays the process.
4. Use certified translations. If your documents are not in English, get them translated by a certified translator before submitting.
5. Check the skill shortage list. If your qualification relates to a shortage area, the Skill Shortage List IQA may be more useful for immigration purposes.
6. Keep your login details safe. You will need them to check status and download your IQA statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need an IQA for every qualification?
A: Typically, you only need an IQA for your highest qualification. However, some employers or immigration categories may require assessment of specific qualifications.
Q: How long is an IQA valid?
A: An IQA statement does not expire. However, Immigration NZ may have its own validity requirements for visa purposes.
Q: Can I use my IQA for immigration?
A: Yes. An IQA from NZQA is recognized by Immigration New Zealand for visa applications.
Q: What if my qualification is from a non-English speaking country?
A: You must provide certified English translations of all documents. The translation must be done by a certified translator.
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
A: No. NZQA does not provide refunds after an application is submitted.
Q: What if NZQA cannot find my institution?
A: NZQA may contact the institution for verification. If the institution cannot be verified, the qualification may not be assessable.
This guide is based on publicly available NZQA information. Always verify current fees, timelines, and requirements on nzqa.govt.nz.