[BadlyDrawnGirl]

Apologies if this is a dumb question, but the majority of info I've read about NZQA assessments has to deal with qualifications where there's some question over what level they are (i.e. trade qual's and such). I just read something which seemed to indicate that, if we are offered an ITA, I'd have to have my bachelor's degree assessed by NZQA regardless of whether it was on the list of recognised institutions. I went to university at NYU, which I would think is a pretty recognised institution. Am I going to have to shell out the money for an assessment anyway?

[CJ22]

It's not just the institution, but it's the course as well. Also, it's date sensitive. Even though my institution was on the list, as was the specific course, my degree was too early for their cut-off date (circa 1992 iirc). Basically it depends.

OH had a degree from a recognised place/subject/date (as principle applicant) and didn't have to do the NZQA routine.

[nippa&pippa]

OH had a degree from a recognised place/subject/date (as principle applicant) and didn't have to do the NZQA routine.

Me too but my OH (main applicant) can use my degree to gain more point :nice1

[BadlyDrawnGirl]

Well, I graduated in 2005 so I shouldn't have a problem with the date issue. So you figure I won't have to pay for an assessment in my case, then?

[Scibby]

My degree was from 1992. Bachelors degree, from an accredited institution. I got the 50 points but wasn't claiming any bonus points for a degree on the shortage list or for my occupation. I didn't have it assessed and was never asked to. I was approved in principle just over a week ago.

[CJ22]

I think it's very unlikely BDG.

I would have had to for mine as it was pre-92 (and the institution had changed from a polytechnic to a university), but in the end we didn't need the points so I didn't bother claiming for it. Remember you don't HAVE to claim for everything - you only need to get 140 points. Getting 200+ points doesn't get you a bonus ball or anything :)

[BkyMonster]

Both me and OH had US degrees on the list and the ITA didn't ask for NZQA assessments.
Don't know if the CO would have eventually as we up and went to NZ and got him a job before we were assigned a CO, but it didn't look like that at the time.

[BadlyDrawnGirl]

I think it's very unlikely BDG.

I would have had to for mine as it was pre-92 (and the institution had changed from a polytechnic to a university), but in the end we didn't need the points so I didn't bother claiming for it. Remember you don't HAVE to claim for everything - you only need to get 140 points. Getting 200+ points doesn't get you a bonus ball or anything :)
Well, I definitely need those 50 points for my qualification, I'm 26 and only graduated in 2005 which means that I don't have very many of possible years of full-time employment to claim (which I guess is what the extra few points for my age is supposed to compensate for, but still). So yeah, pretty much have to claim those points. :laugh

[np2nz]

According to this (http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/Listofrecognisedqualifications.htm), you do not need to be assessed by NZQA.

"We have compiled a list of qualifications that we recognise and for which you can qualify for points. If we believe your qualification aligns with any included on this list it will not need to be further assessed by NZQA."

It has another link to click. Pick USA and it will give you few associations and if your university is accredited by one of those, you should be fine.

NYU is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

My degrees were obtained in the US too (wish they were from NYU) and I am hoping that I do not have to go through NZQA.

[Kalla]

we have degrees from recognised universities on the list and had to have a full NZQA assessment HOWEVER, we were claiming bonus points for a qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage so i think that may have been why. so if you are claiming the same, then you will probably have to have assessment.
your ITA will tell you if you need one or not.
we did fast-track and it took only a few weeks (however, not everyone has been so lucky)

[np2nz]

we have degrees from recognised universities on the list and had to have a full NZQA assessment HOWEVER, we were claiming bonus points for a qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage so i think that may have been why. so if you are claiming the same, then you will probably have to have assessment.
your ITA will tell you if you need one or not.
we did fast-track and it took only a few weeks (however, not everyone has been so lucky)

I think I have claimed bonus points for my qualification too, otherwise I was not going to have enough points. How much did it cost you to do the fast-track assessement?

My university is on the list too (actually, not the university but the board that governs the university system in that area). I am applying as a Systems Analyst and I have master's degree in management information systems. Do you think they are going to make me go through NZQA?

[BadlyDrawnGirl]

I am not claiming any bonus points for my qualification, just the standard 50. So hopefuly they'll spare me! (Plus it takes ages to get transcripts out of the NYU registrar, so it would just hold up the works even more.)

[Kalla]

i think with IT stuff, the do ask for a full NZQA assessment - we are not IT so I'm not sure about this but i think with the IT occupations, it's the course content which matters too, not just the degree you do.

Fast track was an extra $150. it was worth it in our case because we only sent it off once we got our ITA - so we didn't have a lot of time to waste.

[np2nz]

Thanks JK&A.