SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (to 27/08/2017)

Note: The instructions in this section cease to be effective from 28/08/2017.

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. If (a), (b), and (c) above do not apply, the principal applicant may 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 programme 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.

SM15.5.5 Definition of 'full-time study' for the purpose of the Skilled Migrant Category

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 programme 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:
   1. a programme of study that requires attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week; or
   2. at least three papers, or equivalent, per semester if the programme of study is at Level 7 or above on the New Zealand Qualification Framework.

Effective 02/12/2013