SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (25/07/2011)

1. A recognised New Zealand bachelor degree (level seven on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) requiring a minimum of two years of full-time study in New Zealand qualifies for 10 points, providing the full-time study was over four semesters during a period of at least 16 months.
2. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification requiring a minimum of one year of full-time study in New Zealand (levels eight, nine, or 10 on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) qualifies for 10 points.
3. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification requiring a minimum of two years of full-time study in New Zealand (level nine or ten on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) qualifies for 15 points.
4. Qualifications gained with New Zealand Aid Programme funding will not qualify for bonus points.
5. Despite (a), (b), and (c) above, the principal applicant will be eligible for New Zealand qualification bonus points under SM15.5.1 if they:
   1. gained the qualification before 25 July 2011; or
   2. had commenced a course of study towards a recognised New Zealand qualification on 24 July 2011.

SM15.5.1 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications commenced in or completed before 25 July 2011

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 qualifies for five points.
3. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification that is at level nine or ten on the NZQF qualifies for 10 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.

SM15.5.5 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 25/07/2011