New Zealand Qualification Levels Explained: What Level 7, 8 and 9 Mean

TL;DR: New Zealand ranks every qualification on a 10-level framework run by NZQA, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Level 7 covers bachelor's degrees and graduate diplomas, Level 8 covers postgraduate diplomas and honours degrees, Level 9 is a master's and Level 10 is a doctorate. The level and the length of your course shape your entry requirements, your workload and what you can do after you graduate, so check both before you accept an offer.

New Zealand course pages and offer letters mention levels constantly: "Level 7 Graduate Diploma", "Level 9 Master's". To a student used to another system, the numbers can look like grades. They are not. They describe how advanced a qualification is, and they matter for planning.

Students checking New Zealand qualification levels from Sri Lanka, or anywhere else, usually want to know one thing: which level is right for my next step? This guide explains the framework and how to use it.

Not sure which New Zealand qualification level fits your degree and plans? Check your eligibility with Prosper.

The New Zealand qualifications framework

NZQA runs the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Every quality-assured qualification in New Zealand sits on it, from Level 1 certificates to Level 10 doctorates.

Each qualification also carries a number of credits. NZQA treats one credit as about 10 hours of learning, and a full-time year of study as about 120 credits. So the level tells you how advanced a course is, and the credits tell you how big it is.

The levels international students use most

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Two levels that surprise applicants

Two points surprise many applicants. First, a graduate diploma is Level 7, the same level as a bachelor's, because it lets a graduate learn a new subject at degree level. Second, a postgraduate diploma at Level 8 is often the first year of a two-year master's, so you can sometimes start with one and move into the other.

How the level affects your plans

Entry requirements. Level 8 and Level 9 courses usually ask for a bachelor's degree in a related subject, sometimes with a minimum grade. Level 7 graduate diplomas are designed for graduates moving into a new field, so they often accept any bachelor's.

Workload. A one-year Level 9 master's packs 120 credits into twelve months or less. Our guide to the one-year master's in New Zealand explains the credit and entry rules.

After you graduate. Immigration New Zealand links post-study work options to the level and length of what you studied, so two courses with similar names can lead to different outcomes. Read our guide to the graduate diploma and post-study work before you choose a Level 7 course for that reason.

Family plans. The level of your course can also decide whether a partner can apply for a work visa. Our guide to the partner of a student work visa lists which courses qualify.

Studying more than one course. If you plan a diploma then a degree, the pathway student visa can cover up to three courses on one visa.

How to check a course's level

• Your offer letter and the course page should state the NZQCF level and the total credits. If they do not, ask the admissions team in writing.
• The provider must be allowed to enrol international students, which means following New Zealand's code of practice for the pastoral care of international learners. Ask the provider to confirm this in writing if you are unsure.
• The name is not enough. "Diploma" can mean Level 5, 6 or 7. Always read the level.

Applying from Sri Lanka

• New Zealand universities assess Sri Lankan degrees course by course. A three-year general degree and a four-year honours degree may be treated differently for Level 8 and Level 9 entry, so send your full transcript when you ask.
• If your bachelor's is in an unrelated field, a Level 7 graduate diploma is often the practical way into a new subject before a master's.

FAQ

What level is a master's degree in New Zealand?
Level 9 on the NZQCF.

Is a graduate diploma the same level as a bachelor's?
Yes. Both are Level 7. A graduate diploma lets a graduate study a new subject at degree level, usually in one year.

What is the difference between Level 8 and Level 9?
Level 8 covers postgraduate diplomas and honours degrees. Level 9 is a master's degree.

How many credits is a year of study?
About 120 credits, with one credit equal to about 10 hours of learning.

Can I move from a postgraduate diploma to a master's?
Often, yes. Many master's are built so the postgraduate diploma forms the first year. Check with the university.

Does the level affect post-study work?
Yes. Immigration New Zealand links post-study work options to the level and length of your study.

PS: In New Zealand, the level on your offer matters as much as the course title. If you would like help choosing the right level for your degree, budget and plans, check your eligibility with Prosper.

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