NZ vs Overseas Qualification Points for the SMC (From August 2026)

From 24 August 2026, a qualification you completed in New Zealand earns one more point under the Skilled Migrant Category than the same qualification gained overseas, with two carve-outs: doctoral degrees score 6 points either way, and a New Zealand master’s can score 5 without a supporting bachelor’s. Level 8 and 9 claims otherwise need a supporting bachelor’s.

Do NZ qualifications earn more SMC points than overseas ones?

Yes, for most qualification levels. From 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category points system awards a New Zealand-completed qualification one more point than the identical qualification gained outside New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz). The threshold to be invited is unchanged: you still need 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or job offer. The +1 rule does not apply to doctoral degrees, and applies to master’s degrees only in some cases (covered below).

This sits inside the wider SMC changes from 24 August 2026, so read this alongside the full reform if you are weighing when to lodge.

NZ vs overseas qualification points: side-by-side table

The table below shows the points each qualification earns from 24 August 2026 (immigration.govt.nz).

Note the headline movers: an overseas bachelor’s rose from 3 to 4 points, and Washington or Sydney Accord accredited qualifications rose from 3 to 4 (immigration.govt.nz). Master’s and doctoral points did not change.

How do the doctoral and master’s carve-outs work?

These two qualification types do not follow the simple +1 rule.

• Doctoral degree: scores 6 points whether completed in New Zealand or overseas, and does not require a supporting bachelor’s to be evidenced (immigration.govt.nz). A doctorate alone can take you to the 6-point threshold.
• NZ master’s, standard: scores 5 points, and notably does not need bachelor’s evidence.
• NZ master’s, enhanced: scores 6 points if you completed at least 30 weeks of full-time New Zealand study for it and hold a bachelor’s degree (from any country).
• Overseas master’s: scores 5 points, and a supporting bachelor’s is required.

The practical takeaway: the only way a master’s reaches 6 points is the NZ enhanced route (30 weeks NZ study plus a bachelor’s). An overseas master’s tops out at 5.

What is the supporting-bachelor rule for Level 8 and 9 claims?

For qualifications at NZQCF Level 8 or 9 (honours, postgraduate diplomas and certificates, and master’s degrees), you generally need to evidence a supporting bachelor’s degree (immigration.govt.nz). The one exception is an NZ master’s claimed at 5 points, which does not need bachelor’s evidence.

Two points that save applicants time and money:

• Bachelor’s evidence is simple: your degree certificate plus an academic transcript. You are showing the bachelor’s exists to support the higher claim, not claiming separate points for it.
• No IQA needed for a supporting bachelor’s. A supporting bachelor’s does not require an International Qualifications Assessment from NZQA. An IQA is only needed when you are claiming points directly for an overseas qualification, and even then not if the qualification is on NZQA’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).

If you do need an IQA for the qualification you are claiming points for, allow time and check current NZQA timeframes before relying on a lodgement date.

Does it pay to study in New Zealand first?

It can shift your points position, but it depends on where you start. The +1 advantage is concrete for bachelor’s, honours, and postgraduate qualifications. Some worked comparisons:

New Zealand study can also build the other side of your claim. NZ skilled work experience now needs less time for the same points: 1 year earns 1 point, 1.5 years earns 2 points, and 2 years earns 3 points (the maximum), where previously up to 3 years was needed for 3 points (immigration.govt.nz). Many graduates combine an NZ qualification with NZ work experience gained on a Post Study Work Visa to cross the threshold.

Whether studying in New Zealand makes sense for you is a personal calculation involving cost, time, and your existing qualifications and experience. We can model your points under the new system before you commit.

Current as at 2026-06-29, based on Immigration New Zealand policy. For advice on your own situation, talk to a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA Licence 201301110).

Frequently asked questions

Do New Zealand qualifications earn more SMC points than overseas qualifications?

From 24 August 2026, an NZ-completed qualification earns one more point than the same qualification gained overseas, for example an NZ bachelor’s scores 5 points and an overseas bachelor’s scores 4. The exceptions are doctoral degrees (6 points either way) and, in some cases, master’s degrees.

How many points is an overseas bachelor’s degree worth from August 2026?

An overseas bachelor’s degree is worth 4 points from 24 August 2026, up from 3 previously. An NZ bachelor’s is worth 5 points. You still need 6 points plus a skilled job or job offer to be invited to apply.

Do I need a supporting bachelor’s degree for a master’s or honours claim?

For Level 8 and 9 qualifications you generally need to evidence a supporting bachelor’s (certificate plus transcript). The exception is an NZ master’s claimed at 5 points, which does not need bachelor’s evidence. A supporting bachelor’s does not require an NZQA IQA.

How many points is a doctoral degree worth under the SMC?

A doctoral degree is worth 6 points whether completed in New Zealand or overseas, and no supporting bachelor’s needs to be evidenced. That means a doctorate alone can reach the 6-point threshold.

How can an NZ master’s degree reach 6 points?

An NZ master’s reaches 6 points if you completed at least 30 weeks of full-time New Zealand study for it and hold a bachelor’s degree from any country. A standard NZ master’s scores 5 points, and an overseas master’s scores 5 points with a supporting bachelor’s required.

Work out your points position

Every points claim turns on the detail: which qualification you claim, what evidence INZ needs, and how your work experience stacks up. We assess your points position against the new SMC rules and prepare your application to meet INZ requirements. Book a consultation or check your eligibility to get started.