If you’re a talented skilled seeking to reside and work in New Zealand, it’s important to grasp how your {qualifications} match into the nation’s training and immigration system. One of an important instruments in this course of is the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) — additionally recognized as Te Taura Here Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa.
If you’re a global employee aiming to reside and work in New Zealand, the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) is one thing you’ll need to perceive early in your journey.
The NZQCF is New Zealand’s official system for recognising and rating {qualifications} and credentials, from faculty-degree certificates to school doctorates. It contains each conventional {qualifications} and newer, extra versatile studying credentials like micro-credentials.
This framework is managed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and acts as a trusted benchmark for assessing the extent and high quality of your training — whether or not you earned it in New Zealand or abroad.
Here’s why the NZQCF issues to you as a global jobseeker:
- Recognition of Overseas Qualifications: NZQCF helps New Zealand employers and immigration officers perceive how your worldwide {qualifications} evaluate to native requirements.
- Visa & Job Eligibility: Many New Zealand work visas require that your {qualifications} meet a sure NZQCF degree. Understanding the place your training stands helps you meet visa necessities extra simply.
- Transparency & Quality Assurance: The framework ensures that every one {qualifications} — native or worldwide — are assessed for their high quality, credibility, and relevance to New Zealand’s workforce.
- Cultural Inclusiveness: NZQCF additionally integrates Mātauranga Māori (conventional Māori information programs), reflecting New Zealand’s dedication to honoring its indigenous tradition and information traditions
Structure of the NZQCF: 10 Levels of Learning
The framework is split into 10 progressive ranges, every defining the complexity of studying outcomes. As you progress from Level 1 to Level 10, each information depth and ability degree improve as per following:
| Level | Qualification Types | Credential Types |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 2 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 3 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 4 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 5 | Certificate, Diploma | Micro-credential |
| 6 | Diploma, Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 7 | Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma | Micro-credential |
| 8 | Bachelor Honours, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma | Micro-credential |
| 9 | Master’s Degree | Micro-credential |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree | Micro-credential |
Note: “Micro-credentials” are quick, centered applications that present focused expertise or information, and so they seem throughout all ranges.
How Does NZQCF Help Skilled Workers in 2025?
The NZQCF performs a significant function in your journey as a global expert employee in New Zealand. Here’s how:
1# Visa Eligibility Matching
Work visas just like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) typically require proof that your {qualifications} meet a sure NZQCF degree and for occasion:
-
- A Level 7 qualification could be required for managerial or skilled roles.
- Trade and technical roles could settle for {qualifications} between Level 3 and Level 6.
2# Qualification Recognition
If you studied outdoors New Zealand, your qualification would possibly have to be formally assessed to find out its NZQCF equivalence. This is completed by means of the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) provided by NZQA.
3# Job Offers Linked to Qualification Levels
Some New Zealand employers state in job ads which NZQCF degree they require for a task. Understanding the framework helps you apply for jobs you’re eligible for.
4# Pathways for Upskilling
If your qualification doesn’t meet the visa necessities, you possibly can pursue additional training in New Zealand that aligns with a better NZQCF degree to enhance your eligibility.
NZQA’s Role in the Framework
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the regulatory physique that:
- Maintains the NZQCF and units high quality assurance guidelines.
- Approves and screens non-college {qualifications}.
- Oversees personal coaching institutions (PTEs), Te Pūkenga (previously polytechnics), and wānanga.
Meanwhile, Universities New Zealand — by means of its Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) — approves and manages college-degree {qualifications}.
Planning to Work in New Zealand? Here’s What You Should Do:
Step 1# Identify Your NZQCF Level: Use the NZQA Qualification Recognition Tool or apply for an IQA to seek out out which NZQCF degree your abroad qualification matches.
Step 2# Search for Relevant Jobs: Check if the occupation you’re making use of for requires a particular NZQCF degree. This is frequent in regulated professions or roles on the Green List (excessive-demand occupations).
Step 3: Apply for a Work Visa: Once you will have a job supply and your qualification degree confirmed, proceed to apply for an appropriate visa, such as:
-
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
- Green List Straight to Residence Pathway.
Supporting Mātauranga Māori as part of NZQCF
One distinctive facet of NZQCF is that it incorporates Mātauranga Māori — conventional Māori information — into its construction. This ensures that indigenous views are revered and have pathways for recognition in each educational and employment settings.
References
Qualification Requirements for New Zealand Work Visa Jobs in 2025 as per NZQCF Benchmarks FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
