NZQA provides checks for migrant students

Students who are planning to study overseas can get an exemption from paying the interest on their student loan.

If someone is overseas for six months or more, they otherwise have to pay interest on their student loan.

NZQA has a role in this process by providing a check of the overseas institution and the course/ qualification.

Manager Qualification Recognition Services Pamela Hulston says 151 people have applied to have a Study Assessment since it's been available for those doing post-graduate study, from April 2006. From this April, the opportunity has been extended to level 7, or undergraduate level, on the NZ Register of Quality Assured Qualifications.

"Our usual role is to check the qualifications of immigrants, so it makes sense to also be involved in checking the value of qualifications our students will be studying offshore," Pamela says.

She acknowledges that some applicants see the Study Assessment as an imposition but her assessors have already picked up one application to a ‘diploma mill' (non-registered) institution.

"We need to ensure our students are studying for qualifications that will be recognised back in New Zealand as well as in other countries."

The assessment involves using websites and databases to ensure that the institution where the student intends to study is accredited and the qualification registered.

Students need the Study Assessment, as well as enrolment confirmation, to give to Inland Revenue. Studylink says students can only get a new student loan to study overseas if they are studying via a New Zealand institution or are on an exchange.

The application form is available online.