Wellington, June 23, 2025 In a landmark decision set to benefit thousands of Indian students and professionals, the New Zealand Government has announced that Indian bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees will now be officially recognized without the need for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

Effective immediately, Indian qualifications are now included in New Zealand’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This significant update means that applicants holding Indian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees no longer need to undergo the previously mandatory and costly International Qualification Assessment (IQA) when applying under key visa categories such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List Occupations, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This change streamlines the application process, reduces costs, and accelerates visa processing for eligible Indian professionals.

The key benefits of this policy change for applicants are substantial. With the removal of the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) requirement, the visa application process is now significantly faster, thanks to streamlined documentation and quicker turnaround times. It also results in considerable cost savings, as applicants no longer need to pay the standard IQA fee of NZD 746, making the migration process more affordable. Furthermore, the overall pathway has been simplified, reducing formalities and enabling more efficient application submissions and approvals.

This development marks a significant milestone for Indian education, as it is the first time New Zealand has granted such recognition to a South Asian country. It stands as a strong endorsement of India’s educational standards and growing global academic credibility. The change benefits a wide range of stakeholders: Indian degree holders applying under the Skilled Migrant, Green List, or Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) streams will experience a more streamlined and cost-effective process; employers in New Zealand can recruit qualified Indian professionals more quickly and affordably; and education and migration consultants will find it easier to guide students and skilled workers seeking opportunities in New Zealand.

This policy shift marks a significant step in strengthening Indo–New Zealand ties, opening new doors for skilled migration and international education collaboration.