Study in New Zealand: Admissions

Eligibility for New Zealand Universities

To study at a New Zealand university, you must meet English and academic entry requirements. Each course sets its own, so check the course page too.

Example Eligibility Check

Example: Master's applicant

Degree

Verified

Example: a degree that counts the same as a New Zealand bachelor's degree

English

Verified

Example: IELTS 6.5, no part below 6.0

Documents

In Progress

Example: certified copies (copies an approved person has stamped as true)

Visa money

Required

Example: 20,000 New Zealand dollars (NZD) for each year of study

Example Status

Conditional

Example only. Conditional means you may get a place if you meet some conditions. Your result depends on your course.

Key Entry Requirements

These are the main things universities check.

Academic qualification

Postgraduate study (a master's or PhD) needs a degree that counts the same as a New Zealand bachelor's degree, from a recognised institution.

English

International students whose first language is not English must show proof of English.

Grades

Some courses set a Grade Point Average (GPA). The University of Auckland (UoA) Master of Science asks for a GPA of 5.0 on UoA's scale.

No GMAT or GRE at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)

VUW does not ask for GMAT or GRE scores (extra entry exams some universities use).

Recognition

VUW uses two outside services, UK ENIC and NOOSR, to decide which institutions and qualifications it accepts.

Each Course Is Different

At UoA, each course page gives its own IELTS score. Some applicants may need higher marks to get a place.

Requirements by Study Level

Rules depend on your level of study. Always check your course page.

General Rules by Level

1Bachelor's

VUW: a recognised high school qualification, a recognised foundation programme (a course that prepares you for a bachelor's degree), or at least one year of university study
VUW English: IELTS 6.0, no part below 5.5
VUW's Foundation Studies can help if you do not meet the entry rules

2Master's

A degree that counts the same as a New Zealand bachelor's degree
UoA Master of Science (taught): GPA of 5.0 on UoA's scale; some applicants need higher marks
UoA and VUW English: IELTS 6.5, no part below 6.0

3Doctoral (PhD)

UoA: a short note on what you want to research (the Statement of Research Intent), your CV and your transcripts
Two referees (people who write about you) from academic staff, if you have not studied at UoA in the last five years
VUW: apply through its graduate research office (the Faculty of Graduate Research)

Other Tests

Standardized Testing Requirements

Note: No GMAT or GRE scores are needed at VUW.

English Requirements

English Proficiency Requirements

If your first language is not English, you must show proof of English.

Test	Undergraduate	Graduate	Notes
IELTS Academic	VUW: 6.0	6.5	UoA and VUW postgraduate: no part below 6.0. VUW undergraduate: no part below 5.5.
TOEFL iBT	VUW: 80 (older 120-point scale)	90 (older 120-point scale)	Since January 2026, TOEFL iBT uses a 6-point scale. UoA asks for 4.5 overall and 4.5 in writing. On the older 120-point scale: UoA postgraduate writing 21, VUW postgraduate writing 20.
PTE Academic	VUW: 50	58	The four parts are listening, speaking, reading and writing. UoA: no part below 50. VUW: 50 (postgraduate) or 42 (undergraduate).
Duolingo English Test	VUW: 105, no part below 95	VUW: 120, no part below 105	Accepted at VUW.

Important Considerations

Score Validity

Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:

At UoA, if you are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the UK or the USA, you are usually exempt (you do not need to show an English test).

Courses With Extra Requirements

Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in New Zealand.

Creative courses

UoA may ask for extra forms, interviews, portfolios or auditions.

Teaching and midwifery at VUW

IELTS 7.0 with no part below 7.0 for the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Looking for Other Fields?

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other academic disciplines have specific requirements. Always check with your target universities in New Zealand for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your specific program of interest.

Extra Rules for International Students

International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in New Zealand and comply with immigration regulations.

Certified documents

Your copies must be certified (stamped as true by an approved person).