Some qualifications skipped assessment
Certain overseas teaching qualifications were on NZQA's pre-approved list.
For teachers
Teaching in New Zealand starts with a Teaching IQA.
NZQA no longer pre-approves overseas teaching qualifications, so every overseas-trained teacher needs NZQA to assess their teaching qualification before registering with the Teaching Council. We prepare and submit your Teaching IQA with you, then guide you through registration.
2025Teaching IQA became compulsory
~10 weeksNZQA's reported average wait
3 stepsIQA, registration, then job and visa
What changed
Why every overseas teacher now needs a Teaching IQA.
Many teachers in Ghana still hear the old rules. Watch what changed, step by step.
Free Teaching IQA closed
NZQA announced the end of the zero-fee Teaching IQA programme.
Pre-approved list removed
NZQA no longer pre-approves overseas teaching qualifications. Every overseas-trained teacher now needs a Teaching IQA before registering.
Now requiredPlan for the fee and the wait
Budget for NZQA's fee and allow time for assessment before registration.
Based on NZQA and Teaching Council notices. Dates are confirmed on official pages before launch.
Your pathway
Four steps up to a New Zealand classroom.
Each step unlocks the next. Registration needs your Teaching IQA, and most schools want you registered (or close to it) before they hire.
Step 1
Teaching IQA
NZQA assesses your teaching qualification against the New Zealand framework.
We prepare & submit it with you
Step 2
Teaching Council registration
Register and get your practising certificate to teach in New Zealand.
We help with your application
Step 3
Job offer
Apply to New Zealand schools with a CV and interview ready for the local market.
You, with our career prep
Step 4
Visa
Apply with a licensed immigration adviser or directly with Immigration New Zealand.
Immigration NZ decides
Real costs and timelines
Know the numbers before you start.
Official fees are paid directly to NZQA and the Teaching Council. Our fee is separate and confirmed in writing at your free review.
Estimated official feesNZ$1,597Official fees · checked 4 Nov 2026
NZQA Teaching IQANZQA fees page · includes up to 2 extra Standard IQAsNZ$746
Teaching Council: new practising certificateTeaching Council fees page · overseas-trained teachersNZ$851.35
Transcripts, courier, translationsSet by your institution and providersVaries
GHS
Enter today's rate to see the official fees in cedis.
Typical timeline
Gather documents
2 to 6 weeks*
NZQA Teaching IQA
~10 weeks avg
Teaching Council
Varies
Job search
Can overlap
*Depends mostly on how fast your institution sends documents. NZQA's clock only starts once your file is complete.
Biggest time saver: request your transcripts the week you decide to apply.
Documents
What you'll need, and who sends it.
Some documents come from you. Others NZQA may need directly from your college or university.
- Your teaching certificates (B.Ed, Diploma in Basic Education, PGDE)
- Passport bio page
- Teaching practice (practicum) records
- Up-to-date CV with teaching experience
- Official academic transcripts, often sent directly to NZQA
- Confirmation of award, if NZQA requests it
- Course details or syllabus, if NZQA requests it
- Marriage or name-change documents, if your name has changed
- Certified English translations of any document not in English
- Top-up degree documents, if you upgraded a diploma
Getting documents from your university
- Contact your institution's registrar or exams office.
- Ask for official transcripts sent directly to NZQA, if NZQA requires it.
- Pay their fee and keep the receipt.
- Follow up every week until it's confirmed sent.
- Tell us the date it was sent, so we can track it.
You remain responsible for following up with your institution. We tell you exactly what to ask for.
Hands-on supportWe do the paperwork with you
How QualiPath helps teachers
From "where do I start?" to registered.
- 01Free pathway review
We confirm the Teaching IQA applies and map your exact steps.
- 02Document review
We check every document and tell you what's missing.
- 03Teaching IQA application
We prepare and submit it with you, then track it.
- 04Result explained
We explain your recognition statement and what it means for registration.
- 05Teaching Council application
We guide you through registration and your practising certificate.
- 06Career preparation
CV, cover letter and interview prep for New Zealand schools.
Teacher stories
Real teachers. Real stories. Coming soon.
As our first teachers complete their Teaching IQA, their stories appear here with their permission. We never publish invented reviews.
Example layout
A real teacher's words about their Teaching IQA journey will appear here.
?
Verified client
Teacher nameSecondary teacher · Accra
Example layout
?
Video storyBasic school teacher · Kumasi
Experiences vary. NZQA, the Teaching Council and Immigration NZ make all decisions.
Be one of our first teachers
Get a free 30-minute pathway review and a one-page summary of your Teaching IQA steps.
Claim a free review
Scam warnings for teachers
Three offers that should make you stop.
"Pay us for a guaranteed school job"
Real New Zealand schools hire through their own processes. Nobody can sell you a guaranteed teaching job.
"We guarantee your IQA level or registration"
Only NZQA and the Teaching Council decide. A guarantee is a warning sign.
"Leave your original certificates with us"
Never hand over originals or send your passport on WhatsApp. Use certified copies and secure uploads.
Teacher FAQ
Questions teachers ask us.
Still unsure? Ask our assistant or chat with us on WhatsApp.
I have a B.Ed. Do I still need a Teaching IQA?+
Yes. NZQA no longer pre-approves overseas teaching qualifications, so you need a Teaching IQA before you can register with the Teaching Council, including degrees from well-known universities.
What comes first: the job, registration or the IQA?+
The Teaching IQA comes first, then Teaching Council registration. You can look at jobs early, but registration depends on your IQA, and most schools want registration underway before they hire.
How long does the Teaching IQA take?+
NZQA reports average waits of about 10 weeks, counted from when your file is complete. Missing documents are the most common cause of delay.
Can my college or university send documents directly?+
Often NZQA needs some documents directly from your institution. We tell you exactly what to request and how, and we track it with you.
I teach early childhood. Does this apply to me?+
Early childhood, primary and secondary teachers all register with the Teaching Council. We confirm your exact requirements at your free review.
Do you handle the visa too?+
No. We help with your Teaching IQA and Teaching Council applications. Visa applications need a licensed immigration adviser under New Zealand law, or you can apply directly with Immigration New Zealand.
Get started
Ready to start your Teaching IQA?
A free 30-minute call and a one-page summary of your exact steps. Pathway guidance only, no obligation to continue.
Book my free pathway reviewFree 30-minute callOne-page summaryNo obligation
Not ready yet? Get the teachers' checklist by email
Check your inbox. On the live site the teachers' checklist is emailed automatically. (Prototype: nothing was sent.)