New Zealand Recognizes Indian Degrees for Students

Great news for Indian students and professionals! New Zealand now accepts Indian degrees, making it easier for you to study or work there. This change, effective from June 23, 2025, simplifies the process for Indian degree-holders. Here’s how this can work for you and how you can benefit from it!

What’s the New Rule About Indian Degrees?

On June 23, 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) added India to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This means you no longer need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), which used to cost time and money. Now, degrees from recognized Indian institutions are directly accepted for:

• Work Visas: To get jobs in New Zealand.
• Skilled Migrant Category: For those wanting to live there long-term.
• Green List Roles: Jobs in high demand, like tech, healthcare, and engineering.

This change makes it faster and cheaper to pursue your goals in New Zealand.

How Does This Help Indian Students?

This new rule brings many benefits for Indian students. Here’s what you gain:

1. Faster Visa Process: No IQA means quicker approvals for study or work visas.
2. Work While Studying: You can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) during school and full-time during holidays. This helps cover living costs, around INR 8-12 lakh per year.
3. Stay After Graduation: After finishing your studies, you can work in New Zealand for 1-3 years, depending on your degree.
4. Path to Residency: Your Indian degree, combined with study or work in New Zealand, can help you apply for permanent residency.
5. Save Money: Skipping the IQA saves you up to INR 20,000 in fees.

How Does It Help Indian Professionals?

Indian professionals also benefit from this policy. With your degree now recognized, you can:

• Apply for Jobs Easily: No extra checks needed for roles in fields like IT, engineering, or healthcare.
• Earn Good Salaries: Jobs in New Zealand pay well. For example:
  • Tech workers earn INR 30-62 lakh per year.
  • Engineers make INR 67-84 lakh annually.
  • Healthcare workers, like nurses, are in high demand.
• Move Toward Residency: Your Indian degree qualifies you for the Skilled Migrant Category, a pathway to living in New Zealand permanently.

Around 22,000 Indian students are already in New Zealand, with 95% in higher education, showing how popular it is!

What Kind of Degrees Qualify?

Degrees from recognized Indian institutions, like those accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), are accepted. This includes:

• Bachelor’s degrees (like B.A., B.Sc., B.Tech).
• Master’s degrees (like M.A., M.Tech).
• Professional degrees (like MBBS or B.E.).

Check with Immigration New Zealand to confirm if your degree qualifies.

How to Get Started

Ready to use your Indian degree in New Zealand? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Verify Your Degree: Make sure your degree is from a recognized Indian institution. Contact Immigration New Zealand to check if it’s on the LQEA list.
2. Explore Your Options: Decide if you want to study further or work in New Zealand. Look for programs or jobs that match your degree and skills.
3. Gather Documents: Prepare your academic transcripts, degree certificate, and English test scores (like IELTS or TOEFL) if needed for study or job applications.
4. Apply for a Visa: For studying, you’ll need a study offer or enrolment proof, proof of funds, and a health check. For work, you’ll need a job offer. A student visa lets you stay up to 4 years.
5. Plan Your Budget: Expect living costs of INR 8-12 lakh per year. If studying, tuition fees may range from INR 10-35 lakh annually.

Why This Matters Now?

This new rule is a big deal! It makes studying or working in New Zealand easier and faster for Indian students and professionals. Your Indian degree is now valued the same as local ones, opening doors to jobs and residency. With high-demand fields like tech and healthcare needing workers, it’s a great time to act.

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