Appendix 17 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment

At a glance

The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (Appendix 17) identifies overseas qualifications that do not need an International Qualification Assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for skilled migrant residence applications under SR instructions, and for work visa applications under WI instructions where the applicant’s country is listed in Appendix 17 [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr]. (Applicants under SM instructions or WI instructions from countries not in Appendix 17 use a different list in Appendix 3.) The exemption is for immigration points purposes only; it does not guarantee comparability to a New Zealand qualification for professional registration, employment, or salary purposes [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

Definition

Appendix 17 is an immigration‑specific list that states the level and qualification type an overseas qualification compares to on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr]. Being named on the list does not mean the qualification is comparable to a similarly named New Zealand qualification; it only advises the NZQCF level and qualification type [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

The list applies to:

• Skilled Migrant Residence applications made under SR instructions, and
• Work visa applications under WI instructions where the applicant’s country appears in Appendix 17 [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

For other Skilled Migrant Category (SM) residence applications or WI applications from countries not listed, Appendix 3 (the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment) applies [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

Application in decisions

When assessing whether a qualification is exempt from assessment, an immigration officer must confirm that all of the following conditions are met [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr]:

1. The qualification and the awarding institution appear in the list.
2. The qualification was awarded from or within the year shown in the “effective from” column.
3. The qualification was not completed outside the list country, including any overseas campuses of the awarding institution.
4. The qualification meets any other requirements listed in the notes section and is not excluded by those notes.
5. The standard full‑time duration of the qualification can be determined. If it cannot, the qualification must be assessed by NZQA [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

Points are awarded based on the NZQCF level and qualification type indicated in the list, not on a comparison with any particular New Zealand qualification [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

Interpretation & edge cases

• Overseas teachers: An overseas teacher using a qualification to apply for a visa to work in a school or early childhood setting must still obtain a Teaching International Qualifications Assessment from NZQA, even if the qualification is on Appendix 17 [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].
• Country‑specific lists: Appendix 17 includes country‑sublists (e.g. Australia, Canada, China, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and engineering accords) that detail exemptions by awarding institution and qualification level.
• No professional/employment guarantee: The list is for immigration purposes only. Being on Appendix 17 does not affect whether a qualification is acceptable for professional registration, further study, salary determination, or employment [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].
• Duration requirement: If the programme’s standard full‑time duration (as listed or otherwise known) cannot be verified, the qualification must be referred to NZQA [A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr].

Washington Accord and Sydney Accord accredited degrees (engineering)

For engineering qualifications, Appendix 17 also incorporates the Washington Accord and Sydney Accord accreditations [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin]. The Washington Accord covers professional engineering degrees; the Sydney Accord covers engineering technology qualifications [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin].

A Washington or Sydney Accord accredited degree is automatically assessed as occupying Level 7 on the NZQF and qualifies for 50 points under immigration instructions, provided all the following conditions are met [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin]:

1. The qualification was gained in a country that is a signatory to the relevant Accord.
2. The qualification was accredited as a Washington or Sydney Accord programme by the signatory body for that country.
3. The qualification was awarded from or after the date the country became a signatory.
4. No additional information on the country’s accredited qualifications list indicates that the qualification is not automatically accepted under the Accord. If such a note exists (e.g. requiring further learning), the qualification is not automatically recognised [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin].

An immigration officer may require the applicant to obtain written confirmation from Engineering New Zealand (formerly IPENZ) that the qualification is an accredited degree under the relevant Accord if the officer is not satisfied the above conditions are met, or the situation is unclear [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin]. If Engineering New Zealand confirms the degree as an Accord accredited programme, it can be accepted for points purposes [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin].

Applicants who believe their engineering qualification may be higher than Level 7 should apply to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment instead [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin]. Current lists of Accord signatories are available on the International Engineering Alliance website [W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin].

Citations

• A-appendix-17-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment-fr — Appendix 17 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
• W-washington-accord-and-sydney-accord-accredited-degrees-engin — Washington Accord and Sydney Accord accredited degrees
• Appendix 3 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment