Planning to Study in New Zealand in 2026? What Do the New EER-Based Visa Rule Mean for You

As dedicated immigration professionals, we provide a complete, authoritative breakdown of how New Zealand’s updated education quality assurance system will affect your New Zealand Student Visa application in 2026. With New Zealand preparing to shift from the long-standing Evaluative Quality Assurance Framework (EQAF) to the new integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF), students must understand how visa conditions will continue relying on External Evaluation and Review (EER) ratings throughout 2026.

This comprehensive guide ensures that students, families, and education partners clearly understand the transitional rules, their impact on New Zealand Student Visa rights, and what to expect when enrolling in 2026.

Introduction to New Zealand’s 2026 Student Visa Updates

1. Understanding the Transition from EQAF to iQAF

New Zealand will introduce the modernised iQAF framework in 2026 for private training establishments (PTEs) and institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs). This updated system will eventually replace EQAF, enhancing quality assurance, oversight, and monitoring.

2. Importance of EER Ratings for Students in 2026

Even with the launch of iQAF, EER ratings will continue to influence visa conditions during the transition, ensuring that students experience stability and predictability when applying for their visas in 2026.

New Zealand’s 2026 Quality Assurance Transition Explained

1. Changes Under the iQAF Framework

The integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) consolidates various evaluation tools, improving transparency and consistency in provider quality assessments.

2. Providers Affected and Unaffected by the Shift

• Affected: Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs)

• Unaffected: Schools and universities, which continue under existing quality assurance systems

3. Ensuring a Smooth Transition for International Students

The NZQA-led transition ensures that international student enrolments and visa outcomes remain uninterrupted during 2026.

Check this out: New Zealand Student Visas Are Now Online

Why EER Ratings Still Matter for 2026 New Zealand Student Visas

1. INZ’s Continued Use of EER Ratings

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will continue using EER ratings from the end of 2025 for all NZ student visa decisions for 12 months into 2026.

2. Benefits of the EER-Based Approach During Transition

• Predictable visa decision-making

• Consistent assessment criteria during the iQAF rollout

• Stability for students and education providers

3. Important Rule for All 2026 Applicants

All visa conditions will be based on your provider’s EER rating as of the end of 2025, aligning with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and preventing mid-year surprises.

EER Ratings and Work Rights for English Language Students

1. Eligibility for Part-Time Work Rights

EER categories determine part-time work eligibility for English language students, typically up to 20 hours per week.

2. Work Conditions by Programme Duration and Level

Visa conditions can depend on:

• Programme length and level

• Study intensity and attendance requirements

• Progression expectations

3. Ensuring Fairness and Consistency

By retaining EER ratings throughout 2026, students benefit from clarity, fairness, and predictable visa outcomes while NZQA finalises the iQAF framework.

Don’t miss this: Can I Get PR if I Study in New Zealand?

New Providers Entering the Sector in 2026

1. NZQA Requirements for New Providers

To enrol international students, new providers must secure:

• Programme approval from NZQA

• Provider accreditation

• Signatory status to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice

2. New Zealand Student Visa Eligibility for New Providers

Once accredited, students enrolling in these institutions can apply for a New Zealand student visa without restrictions.

This blog has been officially published - view it here