Recognizing Your Qualifications in New Zealand: Education & Career Guide for Migrants (2026)

One of the most critical questions for professionals considering a move to New Zealand is whether their qualifications will be recognized. Your degree, diploma, or trade certificate might represent years of education and experience, but will it translate to the New Zealand market? Understanding qualification recognition early in your research can save months of frustration and help you make informed decisions about your career path in New Zealand.

This guide explains how qualification recognition works in New Zealand, what you need to know about the NZQA assessment process, industry-specific requirements, and your options if you need additional training or re-qualification.

Understanding NZQA and Qualification Recognition

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the government agency responsible for quality assurance of non-university education organizations and the recognition of overseas qualifications. Understanding how NZQA works and what they assess is your first step toward getting your qualifications recognized.

What NZQA Does

NZQA evaluates international qualifications and compares them to New Zealand qualifications. They assess your overseas education to determine what it's equivalent to in the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. This assessment helps employers, professional bodies, and educational institutions understand your qualification in New Zealand terms.

NZQA can assess academic qualifications including university degrees, diplomas, and certificates, as well as vocational and technical qualifications from polytechnics, technical colleges, and trade institutions. They also assess secondary school qualifications for university entrance purposes. However, NZQA does not assess professional experience, work history, or professional competence—only formal educational qualifications.

Types of NZQA Assessments

NZQA offers different types of assessments depending on your needs. The International Qualification Assessment provides a comparison of your qualification to the New Zealand qualification framework, showing the New Zealand level equivalent and field of study. This general assessment costs NZD 746 as of 2026 and typically takes 6–8 weeks to process.

For those entering professional fields requiring registration, the Qualification Assessment for Registration compares your qualification to specific requirements for professional registration in New Zealand. This assessment costs the same NZD 746 and takes a similar timeframe. If you're applying to a New Zealand university or educational institution, the Qualification Assessment for Further Study demonstrates whether your qualifications meet entrance requirements for specific courses or programs.

It's important to note that NZQA assessment is not always required. Some employers accept international qualifications without formal assessment, particularly from well-known universities in countries with similar education systems to New Zealand. Additionally, some professional bodies conduct their own assessments independent of NZQA.

The NZQA Assessment Process Step-by-Step

Getting your qualifications assessed by NZQA involves several steps and requires careful preparation of documentation. Understanding the process helps you move through it efficiently and avoid delays.

Preparing Your Documentation

You'll need certified copies of your academic transcripts showing all courses completed and grades achieved, your degree certificate or diploma certificate, and a certified translation of any documents not in English. NZQA requires certified copies, meaning they must be verified by authorized certifiers such as notaries public, justices of the peace, or lawyers in New Zealand, or by the issuing institution, embassy, or high commission if you're overseas.

Before planning your move to New Zealand budget, factor in the assessment fees and potential certification costs, which can vary depending on where you are and how many documents need certifying.

Submitting Your Application

Applications can be submitted online through the NZQA website, which is the fastest and most convenient method. Alternatively, you can mail documents to NZQA's Wellington office if you prefer a postal application. The application form requires details about your qualifications, your reason for assessment, and contact information. Payment of NZD 746 can be made online or via bank transfer, and you'll receive a receipt and application reference number once submitted.

Assessment Timeline

Standard processing takes approximately 6–8 weeks from the date NZQA receives all required documents. Express service is available for an additional fee if you need faster processing, reducing the timeline to around 2–3 weeks. Factors that can extend processing time include incomplete documentation, qualifications from countries with less familiar education systems, or missing information that requires follow-up with issuing institutions.

NZQA recommends applying well before you need the assessment, especially if you're applying from overseas. Consider starting the NZQA process as part of researching whether moving to New Zealand is viable for your specific career situation.

Understanding Your Assessment Outcome

Your NZQA assessment will indicate the New Zealand qualification level your overseas qualification compares to, using levels from 1 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. Level 7 typically corresponds to a bachelor's degree, Level 8 to a postgraduate certificate or diploma, Level 9 to a master's degree, and Level 10 to a doctoral degree.

The assessment also identifies the field of study, indicating whether your qualification is in science, engineering, business, education, health, or another field. Some assessments may include conditions or limitations, such as noting that certain components of your qualification are not comparable to New Zealand standards or that additional study might be required for professional registration.

Professional Registration Requirements

Many professions in New Zealand require registration with a professional body before you can practice. Even if NZQA recognizes your qualification, you may still need to complete additional steps to gain professional registration.

Regulated Professions in New Zealand

Healthcare professions are heavily regulated. Doctors must register with the Medical Council of New Zealand and meet specific requirements including English language proficiency and often a period of supervised practice. Nurses need registration through the Nursing Council of New Zealand and may require additional training or examinations. Pharmacists must register with the Pharmacy Council.

In education, teachers require registration with the Teaching Council of New Zealand, which includes an assessment of qualifications and often a requirement for local teaching practice. Early childhood educators have specific qualification requirements and registration processes.

Legal professionals face significant requirements. Lawyers must complete the Professional Legal Studies Programme and gain admission to the Bar, which can take considerable time even for experienced overseas lawyers. Legal executives have their own registration requirements through the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.

Engineering professions require registration for certain roles. Engineers working in specific areas need registration through Engineering New Zealand. Electricians, plumbers, and other trades require licensing through the relevant registration boards, often involving additional testing to ensure knowledge of New Zealand building codes and standards.

Other regulated professions include architects through the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, real estate agents through the Real Estate Authority, financial advisers through the Financial Markets Authority, and many healthcare professions such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists through their respective councils.

Registration Process Timelines and Costs

Registration timelines vary significantly by profession. Medical registration can take 3–6 months or longer depending on your specialty and where you trained. Teacher registration typically takes 2–4 months once you have all required documentation. Trade licensing might take 1–3 months depending on the trade and whether additional testing is required.

Costs also vary considerably. Medical Council registration fees are around NZD 1,000–2,000, plus potential costs for examinations or supervised practice. Teaching Council registration costs approximately NZD 260 for the initial application. Trade registration fees range from NZD 200–500 depending on the trade. Additional costs may include professional examinations, supervised practice periods, English language testing if required, and bridging courses or additional training.

When planning your job search in New Zealand, factor in these registration timelines and costs, as they can significantly impact when you can start working in your profession and affect your initial budget requirements.

Industry-Specific Recognition Considerations

Different industries have different approaches to recognizing overseas qualifications. Understanding your industry's specific requirements helps you prepare appropriately.

IT and Technology

The IT sector in New Zealand is generally flexible about overseas qualifications. Employers typically focus more on practical skills, experience, and portfolio than formal qualification recognition. However, having an NZQA assessment can still be beneficial, especially for roles requiring specific educational levels. Industry certifications like AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, or CompTIA are widely recognized and can sometimes be more valuable than formal degrees in certain technical roles.

Business and Finance

Business qualifications are generally well recognized, especially from reputable international universities. Professional designations like CPA, ACCA, or CFA are recognized but may require membership transfer or additional local examinations. Accounting is more regulated, with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand requiring specific pathways for overseas-qualified accountants to gain local certification.

Trades and Construction

Trade qualifications require careful assessment as New Zealand building codes, electrical standards, and plumbing regulations differ from many other countries. Electricians need to pass the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board examinations regardless of overseas experience. Plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers require registration through the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board. Builders and carpenters may not require formal registration but benefit from having their qualifications assessed, and employers often prefer Licensed Building Practitioners.

Healthcare

Healthcare qualifications face rigorous scrutiny given the responsibility involved. Overseas-trained doctors often need to complete the New Zealand Registration Examination and may require a period of supervised practice. Nurses typically need to complete a Competence Assessment Programme, which can take several months. Allied health professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists must register with their respective professional bodies and may require additional training or examinations.

Re-Qualification and Bridging Programs

If your qualifications aren't fully recognized or you're missing specific requirements for professional registration, several pathways can help you bridge the gap.

University Bridging Programs

New Zealand universities offer bridging programs for professionals with overseas qualifications who need additional training to meet local standards. These programs typically last 6–12 months and focus on New Zealand-specific content, regulations, and practices. They're available in fields including education, nursing, engineering, and social work.

Bridging programs cost between NZD 10,000 and NZD 25,000 depending on the field and institution. Some programs may be eligible for student loans if you meet residency requirements. Consider whether undertaking a bridging program makes sense for your situation, factoring in living costs during your study period alongside tuition fees.

Professional Competency Assessments

Some professional bodies offer competency assessment programs where you demonstrate your skills and knowledge rather than completing additional formal study. These typically involve portfolio assessment showing evidence of your work and competence, practical examinations or assessments of your professional capabilities, and interviews with assessors from the profession.

This pathway can be faster and less expensive than full re-qualification but still requires thorough preparation and often involves fees ranging from NZD 2,000 to NZD 8,000.

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

For trade professionals, an apprenticeship pathway might be necessary even if you have overseas experience. Modern apprenticeships in New Zealand combine on-the-job training with block courses, typically lasting 2–4 years depending on the trade. You'll usually earn while you train, though at lower rates than fully qualified tradespeople. This pathway ensures you gain New Zealand-specific knowledge while working toward full registration.

Further Study Options

In some cases, completing additional formal study in New Zealand might be the most effective path forward. This could include postgraduate study building on your overseas qualification to meet New Zealand requirements, specialized certificates or diplomas in New Zealand regulations and practices, or in some cases, completing a full degree program if your overseas qualification isn't recognized.

While this represents a significant time and financial investment, it can be worthwhile if it enables you to practice in your chosen profession. Student loans and allowances may be available once you gain residency, though you should understand the tax implications of any study-related income or support.

Recognition for University Entrance and Further Study

If you're planning to study further in New Zealand, whether to complete a degree, pursue postgraduate education, or undertake professional development, understanding how your qualifications stack up against New Zealand entrance requirements is essential.

Undergraduate Study

To enter a New Zealand university undergraduate program, you need to demonstrate equivalent qualifications to University Entrance in New Zealand. This typically requires completion of secondary education equivalent to Year 13 in New Zealand, plus meeting subject-specific requirements for certain programs like science, engineering, or health sciences.

NZQA can assess your secondary school qualifications to determine if they meet University Entrance requirements. If they don't fully meet requirements, you might need to complete foundation programs offered by universities or polytechnics, which typically last one year and prepare you for degree-level study.

Postgraduate Study

For postgraduate programs including postgraduate certificates, diplomas, or master's degrees, you'll need a bachelor's degree or equivalent. NZQA can assess whether your overseas bachelor's degree meets New Zealand standards. Universities may also have specific GPA requirements or prerequisite subjects, and you might need to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you didn't complete your previous education in English.

Doctoral Programs

PhD programs require a master's degree or equivalent, typically with a research component. Universities assess overseas master's qualifications directly, often requiring evidence of research capability through a thesis or research papers. The application process is more individualized, with academic departments making admission decisions based on your research proposal and academic background.

English Language Requirements

Even if your qualifications are recognized, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency for professional registration or further study.

Professional Registration Requirements

Most professional registration bodies require evidence of English language competency. Doctors typically need IELTS Academic with minimum scores of 7.0 in each band, or OET Grade B in each component. Teachers need IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with Writing 7.0 and all other bands 6.5 minimum. Nurses require IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each band, or equivalent OET scores. Other healthcare professions have similar requirements, typically IELTS 7.0 or above.

University Entrance

For undergraduate study, most universities require IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 as a minimum. Postgraduate programs typically require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Some programs, particularly in fields like law, journalism, or healthcare, require higher scores.

Exemptions from English Testing

You may be exempt from English language testing if you completed your education in certain English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, and sometimes South Africa depending on the institution. You may also be exempt if you completed secondary or tertiary education taught in English and can provide evidence of this. However, exemption policies vary between professional bodies and educational institutions, so always check specific requirements.

Costs and Financial Planning

Getting your qualifications recognized and meeting registration requirements involves various costs that should be factored into your migration planning.

Typical Cost Breakdown

NZQA assessment costs NZD 746 for standard processing. Document certification can cost between NZD 50 and NZD 200 depending on the number of documents and where you get them certified. Translation services for non-English documents cost around NZD 50–100 per page. Professional registration fees range from NZD 200 to NZD 2,000 depending on the profession. English language testing costs approximately NZD 385 for IELTS Academic, or NZD 587 for OET. Bridging programs or additional study can cost NZD 10,000–25,000 or more.

These costs add up quickly, so it's essential to budget for them early in your planning process. Learn more about creating a comprehensive budget for your move to New Zealand that accounts for qualification recognition and potential re-training costs.

Financial Support Options

Limited scholarship opportunities exist for international students undertaking bridging programs or further study in New Zealand. Once you gain residency, you may be eligible for student loans and allowances for tertiary study. Some employers, particularly in sectors with skills shortages, may sponsor employees through qualification recognition or additional training. Professional bodies sometimes offer grants or support for members gaining New Zealand registration.

Timeline Planning

Understanding how long qualification recognition and professional registration take helps you plan your migration timeline realistically.

Typical Timeframes

NZQA assessment takes 6–8 weeks for standard processing. Professional registration can take anywhere from 1 month for some trades to 6+ months for healthcare professionals. English language testing requires booking in advance, typically 2–4 weeks. Bridging programs run for 6–12 months in most cases. Overall, from starting the NZQA process to gaining professional registration can take 3–12 months depending on your profession and individual circumstances.

These timelines impact when you can start work in your field, so factor them into your migration planning. Many people start the NZQA assessment and professional registration process before arriving in New Zealand to reduce the time between arrival and being able to work in their profession. During your first six months in New Zealand, completing qualification recognition and registration requirements will likely be a major focus alongside settling into your new home.

Planning Your Professional Journey

Navigating qualification recognition in New Zealand requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and thorough research specific to your profession.

Start by researching your profession's specific requirements as early as possible, preferably before making the decision to move. Understand whether NZQA assessment is sufficient or if additional professional registration is required. Contact the relevant professional body for your field to get clear information about their requirements. Factor qualification recognition costs and timelines into your migration budget and planning. Consider whether bridging programs or additional study might be necessary and plan for the time and financial commitment involved.

Be prepared for the possibility that your first role in New Zealand might not fully utilize your qualifications while you complete registration or bridging requirements. Many professionals work in related roles or take positions at a lower level temporarily while gaining New Zealand registration and experience. This is a normal part of the migration journey and doesn't reflect on your capabilities—it's simply part of navigating a new system.

The good news is that once you have New Zealand-recognized qualifications and professional registration, your career opportunities expand significantly. New Zealand values skilled professionals and, in many fields, faces genuine skills shortages. Completing the qualification recognition process is an investment in your long-term career prospects in New Zealand.

Remember that qualification recognition is just one aspect of making sure your move to New Zealand is viable for your career. It's worth doing this research alongside understanding the job market and career prospects in your field to make an informed decision about whether moving to New Zealand makes sense for your professional goals.

For immigration and visa matters, always consult a licensed immigration adviser who can provide advice specific to your situation. While we provide general information about qualification recognition, visa requirements and immigration pathways are complex and individual, requiring professional advice tailored to your circumstances.