2017-Feb 24: Changes to qualification requirements on the Long Term Skill Shortage List

Visa Pak 299: Changes to how qualifications on the Long Term Skill Shortage list are assessed by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa Paks

24 February 2017

Changes to qualification requirements on the Long Term Skill Shortage List

As noted previously, there have been changes made to the qualification requirements on the skill shortage lists. These changes take effect on 27 February 2017.

Background

The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) defines a number of areas of absolute skill shortage. In order to meet the requirements of the LTSSL, an applicant is required to either hold one of the specific New Zealand qualifications listed, or obtain an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) stating that the applicant’s overseas qualification is comparable to one of the specified New Zealand qualifications listed.

The current approach is out of line with international practice for assessment of qualifications. The standard recognition process consists of establishing an international qualification’s comparable academic level and qualification type – for example a Bachelor’s degree at Level 7. This is in line with international practice.

However, in order to meet the requirements of the LTSSL, the IQA process is required to go beyond the standard recognition process. The international qualification must be evaluated against the New Zealand qualification listed under the relevant occupational group on the LTSSL. This requires a comparison of the intent, content and structure of the international qualification against multiple qualifications of the LTSSL. The outcome of this comparison is never a perfect match – a qualification can only be found to be ‘substantially similar’ to a New Zealand qualification listed.

This process is time consuming for NZQA and in contrast to international practice. The requirements do not take into consideration key differences in education systems. In many countries, students completed integrated programmes which lead to a postgraduate qualification as an outcome. The current system also does provide for applicants who hold qualifications at a Masters level (Level 9 on the NZQF), but are not awarded an undergraduate qualification as part of their programme of study. The LTSSL currently requires an applicant’s qualification to be a match to a New Zealand qualification listed (generally Level 7), and in most cases there is no allowance for an ‘or higher’ (Level 8 or 9) qualification.

Outline of changes

 Bachelor’s degree (Level 7)

A bachelor’s degree at NZQF Level 7, or higher qualification with the minimum equivalent of 360 credits, which includes the requirements of a New Zealand major in [name of field].

 
 Graduate Diploma (Level 7)

A Graduate Diploma NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Graduate Diploma in the focus area of [name of field].

 
 Diplomas (Level 5 & 6)

A Diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, with the minimum equivalent of [120 for Level 5 / 240 for Level 6] credits, which includes the knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Diploma in the focus area of [name of field].

 
 Certificates (Level 4)

A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Certificate in [name of field] (Level 4).

 

 •A major is defined as a substantial component of a degree (usually at least one-third and often consisting of one subject only) selected by the individual, in accordance with the regulations, as the principal area of study for the degree. In addition, a major normally includes outcomes at the highest level of the degree.
•The named Engineering-type degrees will remain unchanged as these are professional degrees that cannot be defined by a major.
•The requirements involving a professional registration body remain unchanged as the professional bodies are the competent authorities in their respective fields.
•The changes will apply to the Immediate Skill Shortage List also.