SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (29/11/2010)

1. Two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification qualifies for five points providing the full-time study was over four semesters during a period of at least 16 months.
2. A recognised basic New Zealand qualification from level four up to and including level eight on the NZQF (see SM14.5) qualifies for five points.
3. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification that is at level nine or ten on the NZQF (see SM14.5) qualifies for 10 points.
4. Qualifications gained with New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) funding will not qualify for bonus points.

Note: Applicants who hold a recognised basic New Zealand qualification and a recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification are entitled to claim bonus points for both qualifications.

SM15.5.1 Definition of 'full-time study' for the purpose of the Skilled Migrant Category

For the purposes of awarding bonus points for two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification under the SMC, study undertaken in New Zealand is defined as full-time where:

1. an undergraduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in at least three papers per semester; or
2. a post-graduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in either a course of study:
   1. that resulted in at least 100 credits per calendar year; or
   2. with a workload of at least 20 hours per week; or
3. a student at a private training establishment was enrolled in a course of study that required attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Effective 29/11/2010