What a Teaching IQA is
An International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is NZQA's evaluation of an overseas qualification against New Zealand's qualifications framework. The Teaching IQA is the version for teacher education qualifications, such as a B.Ed, a Diploma in Basic Education or a PGDE.
The result is an electronic recognition statement showing how your qualification compares in New Zealand. The Teaching Council uses it when you apply to register.
What changed in 2025
Until the end of 2024, some overseas teaching qualifications were on a pre-approved list, so teachers with those qualifications could skip a separate assessment. NZQA also ran a zero-fee Teaching IQA programme, which closed in late 2024.
- The pre-approved list no longer applies.
- Every overseas-trained teacher needs a Teaching IQA before registering with the Teaching Council.
- The Teaching IQA now carries a fee.
If someone tells you that you can skip this because your university is well known, check with the Teaching Council directly. The rule applies to everyone.
The order of steps
- Teaching IQA with NZQA.
- Teaching Council registration and a practising certificate.
- A job offer from a New Zealand school.
- A visa, with a licensed immigration adviser or directly with Immigration New Zealand.
You can research schools and jobs early, but registration depends on your IQA, and most schools want registration at least underway before they hire.
Costs and timing
NZQA's fee for a Teaching IQA is NZ$746, and it includes up to 2 extra Standard IQAs. The Teaching Council's fee for an overseas-trained teacher's new practising certificate is NZ$851.35 (both checked on the official pages on 4 November 2026). Fees change, so always confirm on NZQA's and the Teaching Council's official pages before you pay.
NZQA reports average IQA waits of about 10 weeks. The clock only starts once your file is complete, so missing documents are the biggest cause of delay.
Documents
- Your teaching certificates (B.Ed, Diploma in Basic Education, PGDE)
- Official transcripts, which NZQA may need directly from your institution
- Teaching practice (practicum) records
- Passport bio page
- Marriage or name-change documents, if your name has changed
What to do this week
- Contact your college or university's registrar or exams office about official transcripts.
- Gather scans of your certificates and passport in one folder.
- Check the current fees on the official pages.
- Book a free pathway review if you want us to confirm your steps and prepare your application with you.
NZQA: Teaching IQA and qualification evaluation fees pages; NZQA notice on the zero-fee Teaching IQA closure (29 Nov 2024); Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand: overseas-trained teachers. Figures marked "about" are from third-party sources.
