[damonfreemanza]

Hi there

I was wondering if anyone has any advice regarding upgrading a qualification -is it possible?

Basically, I have a graphic design qualification (one year diploma). At the time it was one of the only qualifications in graphic design obtainable in South Africa.

It has been pre-assessed as a level 4 qualification by NZQA so obviously I don't qualify for any points. Does anyone know if it's possible to do a further course to "upgrade" the qualification? Basically, it'll mean combining 2 qualifications in order to be assessed at level 5 (or above).

I have over 10 years experience, but I cannot claim points on the EOI without the level 5 qualification and I'm trying to find ways to get the points without doing another 3 year course in something I already know. Ideally, I'd do a one or two year part-time course. Has anyone done this or heard of someone else who has?

Thanks in anticipation.

Warmest regards
Damon

[KelvinAng]

Damon,

I'm in a similar situation. Wonder if anyone here can advice further.

After waiting for three months my NZQA assessment finally came - with my Bachelor's from Open University, UK, graded as a Level 6, the NZ equivalent of a Diploma (!). This is despite having read somewhere (prolly NZIS web site) that Open University, UK, is a NZ University equal.

The only reason that I can think of is that perhaps my degree is a part-time degree. However that's how Open University works... there's no full-time degree programmes at the Open University as far as I'm aware of.

My ITA document states that I require a Level 7 before the application will be considered. I have no job offer.

I've written to the NZIS officer who sent me the ITA to seek her advice, but I think it's very likely that my EOI will be returned to the pool or be rejected.

I feel really bad right now.

[JandM]

Sorry to hear of your problems, both of you. Someone ought to state plainly what is NZQA's issue with the OU degree. Part-time shouldn't be a problem - having the grit to work alongside your main occupation is a recommendation. And other people http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/archive/index.php/t-10917.html have said they've been all right.

[KelvinAng]

My EOI officer wrote back (she's always been very prompt in email response, and I'm very glad for it) confirming that unless I've obtained a Level 7 grading for my NZQA assessment there's basically no way I can apply for PR because all points relating to foreign job experience in IT requires an accompanying Level 7 certification.

I wrote to NZQA requesting for a reason as to why it was graded Level 6 and not 7, but I don't know if NZQA will ever write back. I have never heard from my assessor in the entire exercise.

Something just struck me that perhaps it was because of the Business minor I took in the degree course, and NZQA interprets that as an "incomplete" Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.

[ricktee]

Hi Kelvin. Since you are in the I.T. industry, I would suggest you get a job offer from employers in NZ. Once you get a job offer, you will get 50pts as a substitute on the lost 50pts from your bachelor's degree. I'm pretty sure you can get a job offer with your skills.

Rick

[damonfreemanza]

The job offer is always an alternative, it's just not ideal. I have 10 years working experience in graphic design and own a successful design company that employs 14 people but don't have the "correct" qualification.

I can't see myself working for someone else, but if it has to be that way, then so be it.

Of course, the other option is the long-term business visa, however that has it's own problems - mainly that it takes 2 years until you can apply for PR (which is a problem if you intend sponsoring parents to come to NZ - adds 2 years to that process).

Surely there must be a way to 'upgrade' a qualification - essentially it's just furthering your studies to get the extra levels. It would really be ideal to get PR without requiring a job offer, just so that one could figure out what to do once living in the country.

Does anyone know - can a combination of related courses qualify as a higher level single course (Can level 4 + related level 4 = level 7)?