Now, degree holders from India, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland applying under key immigration categories such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List, or Accredited Employer Work Visa can skip the lengthy IQA process.
This is a big step forward, especially for Indian applicants. It’s the first time a South Asian country has been added to the LQEA, showing that New Zealand now recognizes the growing quality and reforms in India’s education system.
What is the IQA?
The International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). It compares foreign degrees with New Zealand’s academic standards. Until now, only a few countries, mostly English-speaking nations, were exempt from this step. India’s addition marks a significant policy change and a vote of confidence in Indian education.
More Good News for Indian Students
This change comes as part of New Zealand’s wider plan to attract more Indian students. In fact, earlier this year, New Zealand launched the New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025, with scholarship funding of NZD 260,000, offering up to NZD 20,000 per student for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Additionally, international students including Indians now enjoy extended post-study work rights of up to three years, giving them more time to gain valuable work experience in the country after graduation.
India continues to be one of the top four countries sending international students to New Zealand, with over 22,000 Indian students enrolled in recent years. In 2019 alone, first-time Indian student visas increased by 63%, and the upward trend continues.
Affordable living, lower visa costs, strong migration options, and New Zealand’s direct outreach efforts are making it an increasingly attractive study destination. With the removal of the IQA requirement for Indian degrees, the immigration process is now even smoother for Indian professionals and students alike.
This move confirms New Zealand’s commitment to becoming a more accessible, student-friendly, and globally connected destination for talent from India and beyond.
