Raka Maui Programme for Overseas Psychologists 2026

Overseas-trained psychologists approved by the New Zealand Psychologists Board from 1 July 2026 must complete the Raka Maui Competence Programme within two years. This requirement applies only to those who meet the Board's eligibility criteria, including English language and country-of-training rules, as published in September 2026.

Key takeaways

• Required for eligible overseas-trained psychologists approved from 1 July 2026
• Within two years of approval
• Academic IELTS only, 7.5 overall, no section below 7.0, one sitting, within two years
• Canada, Ireland, South Africa, UK, USA
• NZD 720 (prescribed countries), NZD 1,080 (non-prescribed countries)

In this guide: Decision table: Raka Maui Programme for Overseas Psychologists 2026 | Eligibility and exemptions | English language requirements | Fees and timing | Scenario: eligibility in practice | Action checklist | How we researched | Sources

Decision table: Raka Maui Programme for Overseas Psychologists 2026

Eligibility and exemptions

To join the Raka Maui Competence Programme, you must be an overseas-trained psychologist approved by the New Zealand Psychologists Board from 1 July 2026. The Board's eligibility criteria include:

• Holding a recognised overseas qualification in psychology
• Meeting the Board's English language requirements, unless exempt by training country
• Paying the correct application fee based on your country of qualification

The training-country exception applies to applicants from Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. If your psychology qualification is from one of these countries, you are exempt from the English test requirement. All other applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency as specified by the Board.

For full eligibility details, see the NZ Psychologists Board overseas route.

English language requirements

The Board currently accepts only the Academic IELTS test for English language evidence. The minimum required score is 7.5 overall, with no section below 7.0, achieved in a single sitting within the last two years. No other English tests are accepted as of September 2026.

• Only Academic IELTS is accepted
• Minimum score: 7.5 overall, no section below 7.0
• All scores must be from one sitting
• Test must be taken within two years of application

Applicants who completed their psychology training in Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, or the USA are exempt from this English test requirement. For more on exemptions, see NZ Psychologist English Exemptions for Overseas Applicants.

For official IELTS results, visit IELTS results.

Fees and timing

The 2026 application fee for the Raka Maui Programme is NZD 720 for applicants from prescribed countries and NZD 1,080 for those from non-prescribed countries. The Board does not publish a guaranteed processing time for applications or for completion of the Raka Maui Programme.

• Application fee (2026):
  • NZD 720 (prescribed countries)
  • NZD 1,080 (non-prescribed countries)
• Raka Maui must be completed within two years of approval

For the latest fee details, see NZ Psychologists Board fees.

Scenario: eligibility in practice

Consider an applicant who completed their psychology qualification in India and applies for registration in August 2026. They must:

1. Provide evidence of their overseas qualification
2. Achieve an Academic IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with no section below 7.0, in one sitting within the last two years
3. Pay the NZD 1,080 application fee (as India is a non-prescribed country)
4. If approved, complete the Raka Maui Competence Programme within two years

If the same applicant had trained in the UK, they would be exempt from the English test and pay the NZD 720 fee (if the UK is a prescribed country).

Action checklist

1. Confirm your eligibility on the NZ Psychologists Board overseas route.
2. Check if your training country qualifies for the English test exemption.
3. If required, book and complete the Academic IELTS test, aiming for 7.5 overall and no section below 7.0 in one sitting.
4. Gather all required documentation, including qualification evidence and English test results.
5. Pay the correct application fee for your country.
6. Submit your application to the Board.
7. If approved, enrol in the Raka Maui Competence Programme and complete it within two years.

Related guides

• New Zealand Psychologist English Requirements 2026
• IELTS Scores for NZ Psychologist Registration 2026

How we researched

This guide is based strictly on the official rules and evidence published by the New Zealand Psychologists Board and IELTS as of September 2026. All requirements, exemptions, and fees are drawn from the Board's public documents and the IELTS official site. SpeakShark does not issue official evidence or guarantee outcomes. For formal decisions, always consult the Board directly.

Sources

1. NZ Psychologists Board overseas route, checked 2026-09-06
2. NZ Psychologists Board fees, checked 2026-09-06
3. IELTS results, checked 2026-09-06
4. Council of Europe CEFR, checked 2026-09-06

FAQ