New Zealand, Australia align qualifications for single market

New Zealand and Australia have begun aligning their recognized qualifications as part of the move to a single economic market between the two countries, according to a report on Friday.

The two countries, along with China's Hong Kong, were also the first territories outside the European Union to reference their frameworks to the EU's European Qualifications Framework, said a statement from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority which issued the report.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce said the report would allow employers and education providers on both sides of the Tasman to make informed judgements on the comparability of New Zealand and Australian qualifications.

Learners and skilled laborers would also find it easier to use their qualifications in both countries, Joyce said in a statement.

"The report is the result of a two year qualifications referencing project between the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the Australian government Department of Education and Training," Joyce said.

The project complemented the Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement, two key agreements between Australia and New Zealand.

More than 500,000 New Zealanders live in Australia, while 60,000 people born in Australia live in New Zealand. Endit