Simplified Admission Procedures for Indian Students Seeking Education in New Zealand
New Zealand has made significant changes to its study visa requirements for Indian students, effective from June 23, 2025. The updates reflect the inclusion of Indian qualifications in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), which may expedite the study visa application process for Indian students.
### Key Changes and Updated Requirements
The most notable change is that Indian students with degrees from recognised Indian universities are now exempt from the International Qualification Assessment (IQA). This means that their qualifications will be accepted directly by Immigration New Zealand for study visa applications and related skilled migration pathways.
However, other standard visa requirements still apply. These include having a confirmed Offer of Place from a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approved institution, meeting academic prerequisites, demonstrating English proficiency, providing financial proof, possessing a valid passport and insurance, and submitting a Statement of Purpose.
### Impact of the Exemption
The removal of the IQA requirement makes the study visa application process faster and simpler for Indian students. This aligns India with eight other countries whose qualifications are recognised without assessment, such as France, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea. The exemption also benefits other related visa streams, including work and post-study work visas.
### Attractiveness of New Zealand for Indian Students
The affordability of education and living costs in New Zealand makes it an attractive destination for students from India. The educational expenses for international students in New Zealand amount to NZD 20,000 to 40,000 annually, making it a competitive choice compared to the US and UK rates, yet comparable to Australia and Canada.
### Streamlining Visa Application Processes
The LQEA is intended to speed up visa application processes such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List, and Accredited Employer Work Visa by recognising some international qualifications without requiring an IQA. For instance, engineering degrees accredited by the Washington Accord or Sydney Accord and qualifications on the list of exemptions for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) do not require an IQA.
### Global Impact of the LQEA Update
New Zealand is not alone in updating its LQEA. Countries such as Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America will also make updates to their qualifications for consistency and clarity in the LQEA. France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland are among the countries whose qualifications are now included in the updated LQEA.
In conclusion, the LQEA update significantly streamlines the application process and reduces both processing time and costs for Indian applicants. This update is expected to increase the number of Indian students choosing New Zealand as their study destination.
- With the removal of the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) requirement for Indian students, the field of education-and-self-development in New Zealand has become more accessible, encouraging personal-growth through learning and increasing the attractiveness of the country for Indian students.
- The updates to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) in New Zealand extend beyond study visas, potentially influencing finance sectors by streamlining application processes for related visas, such as work and post-study work visas, creating opportunities for Indian students in both education and the market.
