The NCEA requirement for undergraduate entry at a New Zealand university is a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher. Specific courses will have individual subject and level requirements. Students must also have 8 literacy credits at Level 2 or above (4 in reading and 4 in writing) and 14 numeracy credits at Level 1 or above. See section 4.2.1 for international equivalents.
All students must be fluent in English to succeed at university. International students will need to provide proof of English language skills. In general, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) levels required for university study are:
• Foundation: 5.5
• Undergraduate: 6.0
• Postgraduate: 6.5.
The other recognised test is TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Undergraduate English
The following chart outlines undergraduate English language requirements:
|
Institution |
IELTS Overall Score req. |
Minimum score for IELTS sub-components |
TOEFL iBT, Overall | Minimum score for TOEFL sub-components |
| AUT University | 6.0 |
5.5 | 80 | Not stated |
| Lincoln University | 6.0 | 5.5 | 79 | Not stated |
| Massey University | 6.0 | 5.5 | 80 | W=19 |
| University of Auckland | 6.0 | 5.5 | 80 | W=21 |
| University of Canterbury | 6.0 | 6.0 | 80 | L, R & W = 19 |
| University of Otago | 6.0 | 6.0 | 80 | W=20 |
| University of Waikato | 6.0 | 6.0 | 79 - 80 |
W=20 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 6.0 | 5.5 | 80 | Not stated |
However English Language requirements will vary depending on the chosen programme. For example, at the University of Auckland a Bachelor of Commerce requires IETLS scores of 6.0 + bands 5.5. However a Bachelor of Education requires an IELTS score of 7.0. Students will need to check with the individual university for each programme.
Postgraduate English
The following chart outlines general guidelines for postgraduate English language requirements however students need to check specific guidelines for each individual programme:
| University
|
PG IELTS |
Minimum score for IELTS sub-components | TOEFL iBT, Overall | Minimum score for TOEFL sub-components |
| AUT University | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 90 | W=22 |
| Lincoln University | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 100 | |
| Massey University | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 90 | W=20 |
| University of Auckland | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.5 | 90 | W=24 |
| University of Canterbury | 7.0 |
R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 100 | R&L=23, W=19 |
| University of Otago | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 90 | W=22 |
| University of Waikato | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 90 | W=22 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 6.5 | R, W, L & S = 6.0 | 90 | W=20 |
As an alternative to English Test scores, International Students can take a Foundation Studies course and enter university based on these grades. All 8 universities accept New Zealand Certificates in Foundation Studies.
Foundation Studies range from 6 months to 1 year. In addition to English language skills, they will provide an introduction to the New Zealand education system and courses.
Foundation Studies have an English Language requirement of IELTS 5.5.