Iran qualifications exempt from assessment
Exempts Iranian qualifications from specific universities from NZQA assessment for SMC points under certain conditions.
- Status
- active
- Updated
- 2026-04-28
- Also known as
- Iran SMC exemptionIran assessment waiver
- Sources
- I-iran
At a glance
Iranian qualifications from certain universities, awarded from 1997 or 2000 as specified, are exempt from NZQA International Qualifications Assessment and qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) if they meet the listed criteria. [I-iran]
Definition
A qualification from Iran is exempt from assessment and qualifies for SMC points if:
- the qualification is listed in the Academic Qualifications Table; and
- the awarding institution is listed in the Awarding Institutions Table; and
- the qualification abbreviation is listed in the right-hand column in the Awarding Institutions Table; and
- the qualification was awarded from the year listed in the right-hand column in the Awarding Institutions Table; and
- the qualification is not excluded by the notes listed under the Academic Qualifications Table. [I-iran]
Academic Qualifications Table
| Qualification | Abbreviation | NZQF Level | SMC Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree / Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (Karshenasi, کارشناسی) | B | 7 | 50 | May be translated as Bachelor, BA, or BSc. A specialty may be stated. |
| Integrated / Continuous Masters degree (Karshenasi-Arshad Payvasteh, کارشناسیارشد پیوسته) | Requires assessment by NZQA | – | – | – |
| Discontinuous Master degree / Master of Arts / Master of Science (Karshenasi Arshad-napayvasteh, کارشناسیارشد ناپیوسته) | M | 8 | 50 | May be translated as Master, MA, or MSc. A specialty may be stated. |
[I-iran]
If an applicant believes their qualification may be higher than the level stated they should apply to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment. [I-iran]
Awarding Institutions Table
| Institution | Qualification awarded from (B = Bachelor, M = Master) |
|---|---|
| Allameh Tabataba'i University / Allameh Tabatabai University | B and M: 2000 |
| Amirkabir University of Technology | B and M: 1997 |
| Ferdowsi University of Mashhad | B and M: 1997 |
| Iran University of Science and Technology | B and M: 1997 |
| Isfahan University of Technology | B and M: 1997 |
| Khaje Nasir Toosi University of Technology | B and M: 1997 |
| Shahid Beheshti University | B and M: 2000 |
| Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz / Shahid Chamran University | B and M: 2000 |
| Sharif University of Technology | B and M: 1997 |
| Shiraz University | B and M: 1997 |
| Tarbiat Modares University | M: 1997 |
| University of Isfahan / Isfahan University | B and M: 2000 |
| University of Tabriz / Tabriz University | B and M: 1997 |
| University of Tehran / Tehran University | B and M: 1997 |
[I-iran]
Application in decisions
For an SMC application, an INZ officer uses this exemption list to determine whether an applicant's Iranian qualification can be awarded points without a separate NZQA International Qualification Assessment. [I-iran]
Award certificates must be provided in their original language. Official English translations must also be supplied. [I-iran]
Interpretation & edge cases
Qualifications that must be referred to NZQA
The following must be referred to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment, even if the institution and qualification type are listed:
- All honorary degrees
- All listed qualifications where study was completed at any institution outside of Iran, including any overseas campuses of any listed awarding institution
- All listed qualifications that contain cross-credited courses or papers
- All qualifications awarded after 2017 [I-iran]
Effective date
This list is effective from 19 February 2018. [I-iran]
Citations
Interim visas
An interim visa may be granted to certain onshore applicants to maintain lawful status while a further visa application is decided, as a matter of absolute discretion.
Iran visa ban
Prohibits granting visas to Iranian individuals on an INZ list linked to Mahsa Amini's death, human rights violations in Iran, or malign activities abroad; special circumstances exception available.