ProVisas Immigration Advisers

Qualifications exempt from assessment

United Kingdom qualifications: do you need an NZQA assessment?

Immigration New Zealand lists 38 qualifications from the United Kingdom that do not need an IQA at NZQF levels 3 to 10, awarded by 123 listed institutions. A further 2 are named specifically as still requiring assessment by NZQA.

The United Kingdom has the broadest coverage on the LQEA, with 38 qualifications across four separate lists: academic, technical and vocational, trade and craft, and other trade qualifications. Levels run from NZQF 3 through to 10, so UK trade and vocational qualifications are covered as well as degrees.

Check the right list for your qualification type. A City and Guilds or NVQ qualification sits in the vocational or trade lists, not the academic one.

What catches people out

Two exclusions cut across every UK list: any degree referring to external study, and any degree stating QTS, Education or teaching on the award. Both require assessment by NZQA.

When is a qualification from the United Kingdom exempt?

Immigration New Zealand exempts a qualification from assessment only when every one of these conditions is met. Meeting some of them is not enough.

  1. the qualification is listed in the Academic Qualifications Table
  2. the awarding institution is listed in the Awarding Institutions Table
  3. the qualification abbreviation is listed in the right-hand column in the Awarding Institutions Table
  4. the qualification was awarded from or within the year range listed in the right-hand column in the Awarding Institutions Table
  5. the qualification is not excluded by the notes listed under the Academic Qualifications Table

If any condition fails, you need an International Qualification Assessment from NZQA before you claim points for the qualification. Our guide to the IQA and NZQA assessment explains that process, and the SMC points system explainer covers what a qualification is worth once its level is confirmed.

Qualifications from the United Kingdom that still need an IQA

These appear on INZ's list specifically to say they are not exempt. They require assessment by NZQA even when the awarding institution is listed below.

  • All degrees where any reference is made to: "external’ study", or "collaboration" or "collaborated study", or "validation" or a "validated programme of study"
  • All degrees with QTS, Education or teaching stated on the award certificate

Academic Qualifications: exempt qualifications

The NZQF level is the New Zealand framework level Immigration New Zealand accepts for the qualification. It is not a points score.

Qualification Abbrev. NZQF level
All degrees where any reference is made to: "external’ study", or "collaboration" or "collaborated study", or "validation" or a "validated programme of study" — Requires NZQA assessment
All degrees with QTS, Education or teaching stated on the award certificate — Requires NZQA assessment
Bachelor of Arts (a speciality may be stated) BA 7
Master of Arts with Honours (in First or Second Class) MAH 7
Master of Engineering with Honours (in First or Second Class) ME 8
Master of Arts MA 9
Master of Letters ML 9
Master of Philosophy MP 9
Master of Research MR 9
Master of Science MS 9
Doctor of Philosophy PhD 10

Notes on this table

  • * Abbreviations used are for the purposes of this list only.
  • Note: - Award certificates must be provided in their original language. - The University of Glasgow awards their degrees in Latin. Additionally some universities may award their medical and dental degrees in Latin, for these degrees translated copies from the University must also be presented. The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment: - All honorary degrees - All listed qualifications where study was completed at any institution outside of the country, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution - All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers - All qualifications awarded after 2017

Academic Qualifications: awarding institutions

Your qualification is only exempt if it was awarded by one of these institutions, the abbreviation appears against that institution, and the award year falls in the range shown.

Institution Qualifications and years
Aberystwyth University BA, LLB, BS, MA, MP and PhD: 2008 MS: 2008-2016
Anglia Ruskin University (Anglia Polytechnic University 2000–2005) MP and PhD: 2000
Aston University (University of Aston in Birmingham 1982–1997) BE and ME: 1991 BS, MP, MS and PhD: 1982
Bangor University BA, BE, LLB, BMus, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 2008 BS: 2008–2015 MR: 2014
Birmingham City University (University of Central England in Birmingham 2000-2007) BMus, MP and PhD: 2000
Bournemouth University BA, LLB, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 2000
Brunel University London (Brunel University 1982–2014) BA, BE, LLB and ME: 1992 BS, MA, MS, MP and PhD: 1982
Cardiff University BA, BE, LLB, BS, ME and PhD: 2008 BDS and MD: 2011 MA, MP, MR and MS: 2007
City, University of London (The City University 1982–2016) BA and LLB: 2000 BE and ME: 1992 BS, MA, MP and PhD: 1982 MS: 1982–2007
Coventry University LLB, MP and PhD: 2000 ME: 2007
Cranfield University (Cranfield Institute of Technology 1982–1993) BS: 1982 – 2006 MS and PhD: 1982 MP: 1991
De Montfort University LLB, MA, MP, MR and PhD: 2000
Edinburgh Napier University (Napier University 2000–2009) LLB: 2006 MA, MP and PhD: 2000 MR: 2014
Heriot-Watt University BA and BS: 1982–2013 MP: 1991 MS: 1982–2012 PhD: 1982–2014
Imperial College London BE, MD, BS, ME, MP, MR, MS and PhD: 2007
Kingston University BE, LLB, ME, MP and PhD: 2000
Leeds Beckett University (Leeds Metropolitan University 2010–2014) MR, MP and PhD: 2010
Liverpool John Moores University LLB, MP, MR and PhD: 2006 ME: 2011
London Metropolitan University LLB, MP and PhD: 2002
London South Bank University LLB, MA, MP and PhD: 2003 MR: 2010
Loughborough University (Loughborough University of Technology 1982–1995) BA and MP: 1991 BE and ME: 1989 BS: 1982–2003 MA, MS and PhD: 1982 MR: 2009
Manchester Metropolitan University BE, MP and PhD: 2000
Middlesex University BE: 2010 LLB: 2000–2005 MP and PhD: 2000
Nottingham Trent University BE, MP and PhD: 2000 MR: 2007
The Open University BA, MP and PhD: 1982–1993 MA and MS: 1991–1993 BA, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 2000
Oxford Brookes University BE, LLB, MP and PhD: 2000 ME: 2005 MR: 2016
The Queen's University of Belfast / Queen’s University Belfast BA, BDS, LLB, MD, BMus, MA, MS and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1989 BS: 1982–2016 MP: 2000
Sheffield Hallam University LLB, MA, ME, MP and PhD: 2000 MR: 2009
Staffordshire University BE: 2007 LLB and MA: 2000–2012 MR, MP and PhD: 2000
Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe BA, BE, LLB, BS, MA, MP, MR, MS and PhD: 2008
Teesside University (University of Teeside 2000-2009) BE: 2011 LLB, MP and PhD: 2000 ME: 2014 MR: 2009
University of Aberdeen LLB, MD, BS, MAH, ML, MS and PhD: 1982 MP: 1990
The University of Bath BA, BS, MS and PhD: 1982 BE, ME, MA and MP: 1991 MR: 2005
University of Birmingham BA, BDS, LLB, MD, MA, ML, MP and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1991 BS and MS: 1982–2010
University of Bradford BA, MA , MP and PhD: 1982 BE: 1989–2011 BS and MS: 1982–2011 ME: 1988 MR: 2000
University of Brighton BA, BE, BS, ME, MP and PhD: 2000 LLB: 2010 MS: 2000–2012
University of Bristol BA, BDS, LLB, MD, BS, BVS, MA and PhD: 1982 BE, ME and MP: 1992 ML: 1982–2009
University of Cambridge BA, MD, BVM, ML, MP, MS and PhD: 1982
University of Central Lancashire BE: 2000–2006 LLB: 2000–2011 MA: 2000–2007 ME: 2010 MP and PhD: 2000
University of Dundee BDS, LLB, MD, BS, MAH, MP and PhD: 1982 MS: 1982–2013
University of Durham BA, BS, MA, ML, MS and PhD: 1982 BE: 2005 LLB and MP: 2000 ME: 1998
University of East Anglia BA, LLB, BS, MA, MP and PhD: 1982 BE: 1992–2004
University of East London BA: 2000–2009 BE: 2000–2011 LLB, MP and PhD: 2000 BS: 2000–2008 MR: 2005
The University of Edinburgh BDS: 1982–1994 MD, LLB, BMus, BS, BVMS, MAH, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 ML: 1982–2014
University of Essex BA: 1982–2011 MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 BE: 1989 LLB: 1991 BS: 1982–2015
University of Exeter BA, LLB, BS, MA and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1995 MP: 1991 MS: 1982–2011
University of Glasgow / Vniversitatis Glasgvensis Senatvs BDS, LLB, MD, BMus, BS, BVMS, MAH, ML, MP, MS and PhD: 1982
University of Greenwich BE, LLB and PhD: 2000 MA: 2000–2006 ME: 2011 MP: 2004
University of Hertfordshire BE: 2000–2008 LLB, MA, MP and PhD: 2000 ME: 2009
University of Huddersfield BE, LLB, BMus, ME, MP and PhD: 2000
The University of Hull BA and BS: 1982–2016 LLB, MA, MS and PhD: 1982 BE: 2004 ME: 1999 MP: 1982
University of Keele BA: 1982–2010 MA and PhD: 1982 LLB and MP: 2000 BS: 1982–2011 MS: 1982–2015
University of Kent (The University of Kent at Canterbury 1982–2003) BA, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1994 LLB: 2000
The University of Lancaster BA: 1982–2011 BE: 1992–2011 LLB MA, MP and PhD: 1982 BS: 1982–2007 ML: 1982–1988 MR: 2000 MS: 1982–2009
The University of Leeds BA, MD, LLB, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1989
University of Leicester BA, LB, MD, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 BE: 2002 ME: 1999
University of Lincoln BA 2001-2015 LLB, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 2001
University of Liverpool BA and BS 1982-2010 BDS, LLB, MD, and BVS: 1982 BE: 1989–2010 MA and MS: 1982–2013 ME: 2003 PhD: 1982–2014
University of London BA, LLB, BS, MA, MP, and MS: 1982–2007 BDS, MD, BVM and PhD: 1982 BE, ME and BMus: 1991 MR: 2000–2007
The University of Manchester (Victoria University of Manchester 1982 - 2004) BA: 1982–2008 LLB, BDS, MD, BMus and PhD: 1982 BE and MP: 1991 BS: 1982–2005 MA: 1982–1997 ME: 2004 MR: 2000 MS: 1982–2010
University of Newcastle upon Tyne BA, BDS, LLB and MA: 1982 BE: 1991–2013 BS, MP, MS and PhD: 1982–2013 ME: 1990 MD: 1982–2012 MR: 2000
University of Northumbria at Newcastle LLB, MP and PhD: 2000 ME: 2011 MR: 2005
The University of Nottingham BA, BS, MA, MS and PhD: 1982–2002 BE and ME: 1991–2002 LLB and MD: 1982 BVMS: 2011 MP: 1982–2002 MR: 2000–2002
University of Oxford BA, MD, ML, MP, MS and PhD: 1982
University of Plymouth BE, LLB, MA, ME, MP and PhD: 2000 BDS: 2011 MD: 2007 MR: 2003
University of Portsmouth LLB: 2006 MA, ME, MP, and PhD: 2000
University of Reading BA, LLB, BS, MP and PhD: 1982 BE: 1992 MA: 1982–2014 ME: 2000 MS: 1982–2005
The University of Salford BA, MA and PhD:1982 BE and MP: 1991 BS: 1982–2015 ME: 2005 MR: 2000 MS: 1982–1990
The University of Sheffield BDS, BE, LLB, MD and PhD: 1982 BA, BS and MA: 1982–1994 ME: 1998 MP: 1992
University of Southampton BA: 1982-2013 LLB, BM, BS, MA, MP and PhD: 1982 BE: 1992 ME: 2005 MR: 2000 MS: 1982–2014
University of St. Andrews BS, MAH, ML, MP and PhD: 1982
University of Stirling BA and BS: 1982–2003 ML and PhD: 1982 MP: 1992 MS: 1982–2008
University of Strathclyde BA, LLB, BS and PhD: 1982 MP: 1991 MR: 2000
University of Sunderland LLB: 2006 MA, MP and PhD: 2000
University of Surrey BA, BE, BMus, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 LLB: 2000
University of Sussex (The University of Sussex 1982–2007) BA, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1991 LLB: 2000
University of Ulster BA, MP and PhD: 1984 BE and BMus: 1991 BS and MS: 1984–1998 MA: 1984–2001 ME: 1995 MR: 2000
University of South Wales / Prifysgol De Cymru BA, BE, LLB, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 2014
University of Wales Trinity St David / Prifysgol Cymru Y Drindod Dewl Sant BS, MA, MP and PhD: 2010 MR: 2016
The University of Warwick BA, LLB, BS, MA, MP and PhD: 1982 BE and ME: 1989 MR: 2000 MS: 1982–2011
University of the West of England Bristol MP and PhD: 2000
University of West London (Thames Valley University: 2006–2011) LLB, MP and PhD: 2006
The University of Westminster BE, LLB, MP and PhD: 2000
University of Wolverhampton LLB and BS: 2000–2006 MAH: 2000–2011 ME: 2013 MP and PhD: 2000
University of York BA, BS, MA, MP, MS and PhD: 1982 BE: 1989 ME: 2014 MR: 2000

Source: Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual . Synced 13 September 2026.

Technical and Vocational Qualifications: exempt qualifications

The NZQF level is the New Zealand framework level Immigration New Zealand accepts for the qualification. It is not a points score.

Qualification Abbrev. NZQF level
Higher Certificate (Building Studies or Engineering) HC 5
BTEC Higher National Certificate** BHNC 5
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma** BL4 5
Higher National Certificate** HNC 5
SCOTVEC Higher National Certificate** SHNC 5
Scottish Qualifications Authority Higher National Certificate** SQHNC 5
BTEC Higher National Diploma** BHND 6
Higher National Diploma** HND 6
Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma** BL5 6
SCOTVEC Higher National Diploma** SHND 6
Scottish Qualifications Authority Higher National Diploma** SQHND 6

Notes on this table

  • * Abbreviations used are for the purposes of this list only.
  • ** Refer to specialities listed in Table A.
  • Note: - Award certificates must be provided in their original language. The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment: - All listed qualifications where study was completed at any institution outside of the country, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution - All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers - All qualifications awarded after 2017

Technical and Vocational Qualifications: awarding institutions

Your qualification is only exempt if it was awarded by one of these institutions, the abbreviation appears against that institution, and the award year falls in the range shown.

Institution Qualifications and years
BTEC (Business & Technician Education Council 1984–1988) HNC and HND: 1984–1997
Pearson (edexcel 2005–2013, Edexcel 1999–2005, EDEXCEL FOUNDATION 1997–1999) BHNC and BHND: 1997–2012 BL4: 2012 BL5: 2013
Scottish Qualifications Authority SQHNC: 1997 SQHND: 1997–2003
SCOTVEC / Scottish Vocational Education Council SHNC and SHND: 1986–1997
Technician Education Council HC: 1981–1984

Source: Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual . Synced 13 September 2026.

Trade and Craft Qualifications: exempt qualifications

The NZQF level is the New Zealand framework level Immigration New Zealand accepts for the qualification. It is not a points score.

Qualification Abbrev. Awarded NZQF level
The Craft Certificate in (speciality will be named) — 1981 - 1992 4
The Part Two Certificate in (speciality will be named) Craft Studies — 1981 - 1989 4
(Name of speciality) Craft Studies Part 2 — 1981 - 1989 4
The Part Three Certificate in (speciality will be named) Craft Studies — 1990 - 2004 4
(Name of speciality) Craft Studies Part 3 — 1990 - 2004 4
Advanced Apprenticeship AA — 4
Advanced Level Apprenticeship ALA — 4
Level 3 Apprenticeship AP — 4
Apprenticeship NI (Level 3 Apprenticeship) ANI — 4
Modern Apprenticeship MA — 4
Vocational qualification (trade qualification title) at Level 3 / SVQ 3: (trade qualification title) SVQ3 — 4

Notes on this table

  • Note: - Award certificates must be provided in their original language. The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment: - All listed qualifications in Table A where study was completed at any institution outside of the country, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution - All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers - For any purpose other than claiming the SMC points stated, evidence of completing a time-based apprenticeship from an appropriate awarding body, in a relevant occupation, is also likely to be required.
  • * Abbreviations used are for the purposes of this list only.
  • Note: - Award certificates must be provided in their original language. The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment: - All listed qualifications in Table B where study was completed at any institution outside of the country, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution - All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers - All qualifications awarded after 2017

Trade and Craft Qualifications: awarding institutions

Your qualification is only exempt if it was awarded by one of these institutions, the abbreviation appears against that institution, and the award year falls in the range shown.

Institution Qualifications and years
Automotive Skills MA: 2003 - 2008 AA: 2005 - 2008
CITB (Construction Skills 2003-2013) MA: 2003-2011 AA: 2005-2011 ALA and AP: 2012
Cogent AA and MA: 2007 - 2011 ALA and AP: 2012
Creative and Cultural Skills ALA and AP: 2013
Creative Skill Set (Skillset 2004 - 2012) MA: 2004 - 2011 ALA: 2014 AA: 2005 AP: 2012
Department for the Economy (Department for Employment and Learning 2004-2016) ANI: 2004
Energy and Utility Skills AA and MA: 2005 - 2011 ALA and AP: 2012
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board / ECITB MA: 2003 - 2011 AA: 2005 - 2011 ALA and AP: 2012
Financial Skills Partnership ALA and AP: 2013
Improve MA: 2005 - 2011 ALA: 2014 AA: 2005 - 2013 AP: 2012 - 2014
IMI / The Institute of the Motor Industry AA: 2008 - 2014 ALA: 2014 MA: 2008 - 2011 AP: 2012
Lantra MA: 2005 - 2012 ALA: 2013 AA: 2005 - 2012 AP: 2013
Learning and Skills Improvement Service ALA and AP: 2013
People 1st AA and MA: 2005 - 2011 ALA and AP: 2012
People 1st for GoSkills (GoSkills 2004 - 2011) MA: 2004 - 2011 AA: 2005 - 2011
ProSkills AA: 2005 - 2012 MA: 2005 - 2014 AP: 2014 ALA: 2012
Scottish Qualifications Authority / SQA SVQ3: 2000
SEMTA AA and MA: 2005 - 2011 ALA and AP: 2012
Skills CFA ALA and AP: 2013
Skills for Care & Development ALA and AP: 2013
Skills for Health ALA and AP: 2013
Skills for Justice (Justice, Community Safety and Legal Services) ALA and AP: 2013
Skills for Logistics ALA and AP: 2013
Skills for Security ALA and AP: 2013
SkillsActive ALA and AP: 2013
Summit Skills AA and MA: 2005 - 2011 ALA and AP: 2012
The Building Futures Group ALA and AP: 2013
The Tech Partnership ALA and AP: 2015

Source: Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual . Synced 13 September 2026.

Other Trade Qualifications: exempt qualifications

The NZQF level is the New Zealand framework level Immigration New Zealand accepts for the qualification. It is not a points score.

Qualification Abbrev. Awarded NZQF level
The Part Two Certificate in (speciality will be named) Craft Studies — 1990 - 2004 3
(Name of speciality) Craft Studies Part 2 — 1990 - 2004 3
Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship FA — 3
Intermediate Apprenticeship IA — 3
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship ILA — 3

Notes on this table

  • Note: - Award certificates must be provided in their original language. The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment: - All listed qualifications meeting Table A requirements where study was completed at any institution outside of the country, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution - All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers
  • * Abbreviations used are for the purposes of this list only.
  • Note: - Award certificates must be provided in their original language. The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment: - All listed qualifications meeting Table C requirements where study was completed at any institution outside of the country, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution - All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers - All qualifications awarded after 2017

Other Trade Qualifications: awarding institutions

Your qualification is only exempt if it was awarded by one of these institutions, the abbreviation appears against that institution, and the award year falls in the range shown.

Institution Qualifications and years
CITB (Construction Skills 2012-2013) FA and ILA: 2012
Energy and Utility Skills FA and ILA: 2012
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board / ECITB FA: 2014 ILA: 2012
SEMTA FA and ILA: 2014
Summit Skills FA: 2013 IA: 2013-2014 ILA: 2014

Source: Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual . Synced 13 September 2026.

Not sure how yours reads?

Matching an award certificate against this list is fiddlier than it looks: institutions get renamed, award years narrow the exemption, and the notes can rule a qualification out. Talk it through with us and we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser.

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This page reproduces Immigration New Zealand's published List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment and is general information, not immigration advice. INZ revises the list, so check the linked source page before you rely on it. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).