NZQA assesses qualifications from outside New Zealand, and determines the value of international qualifications in New Zealand. NZQA decides whether overseas qualifications can be recognised in New Zealand, and provides comparison between those overseas qualifications and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) You may need a translation of overseas qualifications and transcripts when applying for visas such as skilled migrant or Silver Fern visas. Qualification translations may also be needed for employers to understand your previous qualifications, or in order to assess previous study when applying for a New Zealand education program, or for teacher registration.

You may need to apply for an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) of your qualifications from NZQA if you receive an invitation to apply from Immigration New Zealand or for teacher registration in New Zealand. You can use the IQA result for registration with professional or industry bodies, employers or New Zealand government departments including Immigration New Zealand.