New Zealand: Updates on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment Forthcoming

On March 25, 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will implement updates on educational qualification requirements for foreign nationals whose qualifications were earned in countries including Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Fiji and Japan, among others, as set forth in the list of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This list outlines qualifications that do not require assessment by the New Zealand Qualification Authority, and is meant to provide a streamlined pathway for applicants who hold overseas qualifications. Examples of these updates include the addition of Master's degrees awarded in Malaysia, and Doctoral degrees awarded in South Africa or the United States. The INZ plans to continue to update the list of qualifications in phases to further refine the application process for foreign nationals with overseas educational qualifications.