Academic requirements for New Zealand education
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and safest countries in the world and offers the best education anyone can wish for. The tuition fees are also much affordable in New Zealand when compared to other destinations like the UK and the United States.
New Zealand universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University are ranked among the best in the world.
Language tests and requirements are mandatory for all courses and universities in New Zealand. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are the most popular English language proficiency tests used in the country.
For postgraduate education, it is important to have good academic results and sufficient money to prove you can take care of yourself and your education expenses in New Zealand. It is also important to produce all the required documents and a valid visa for New Zealand Education.
Qualifications equivalent to NCEA Level 3 or New Zealand year 13 is deemed as the minimum academic requirement for most undergraduate courses in the country. A minimum of 5.5 IELTS band score is required for ug studies in New Zealand. Courses like MBA asks GME or GMAT results for education in New Zealand.
Language Proficiency Tests
International students must have to pass any of the required English language proficiency test if you are planning to study in New Zealand. IELTS or TOEFL or PTE is the most necessary admission requirement for all New Zealand courses.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is the most widely accepted English language eligibility test for studies in New Zealand. IELTS scores required for different migration to NZ are: –
| Category | Minimum Score |
| Skilled Migrant | 6.5 |
| Business (Entrepreneur) | 4 |
| Parents | 4 |
| Residence from work | 5 (with partner and children) |
Both Bachelor courses and Master courses, an applicant must score a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS overall band score. Depending on courses and certain universities, New Zealand student visa IELTS requirements differ in scores for eligibility. The overall reading, writing and speaking scores should at least be 6.0 to get admission in good institutions.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL test measures the ability to speak and understand English among non-native English speaking international students. TOEFL test holds a great reputation that no other test has and can get you anywhere around the world. That means students need to prove their command of the language. TOEFL Threshold scores for a different level of Programs in New Zealand are: –
Program Level (1 – 10)
Updated Scores
Level 3
35 (writing score – 14)
Level 4 – 5
46 (writing score – 14)
Level 6 – 7
60 (writing score – 18)
Level 8 – 10
79 (writing score – 21)
TOEFL is a required eligibility criterion for education and immigration in New Zealand. The purpose of the visit to New Zealand determines the minimum eligibility score required for a certain occasion.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
PTE has been the most recent addition in the English language proficiency tests list accepted in New Zealand. It is accepted by all New Zealand Universities and other tertiary educational institutions in the country.
PTE tests are considered prestigious and are widely recognized around the world. The examinations are used to evaluate an individual’s ability to speak, write and read in English. PTE Threshold score for different types of Visas in New Zealand are-
| Visa Type | Overall PTE Academic Store |
| Skilled Migrant | 58 |
| Religious workers, partners, and dependent children | 36 |
| Parent Resident Visa | At least 29 in two of the skills or overall 36 |
| Entrepreneur | 29 |
A minimum PTE score of 50 is accepted for undergraduate courses and 64 for Masters Courses as eligibility to study in new zealand for international students. World’s largest examining body Edexcel is behind the administration of this test.
How to apply?
The next step required for New Zealand travel is successful student visa applications. In order to apply for a student VISA or apply online, the student needs to have good academics.
To apply for a visa, certain criteria must be met. Requirements like offer letter from the institution, proof of funds, PCC(police clearance certificate ), proof of accommodation, medical examination certificate, health Insurance & things like that. Lately, the government introduced the Pathway Student Visa pilot program is also gaining a lot of traction in international circuits. This program allows an international student to study 3 consecutive courses on a single visa and presents them with a lot of job opportunities.
Educareer can help you with all the New Zealand student visa checklist. With our help and guidance, you don’t have to constantly check the status of visa approval and all the other updates. We will do that for you. Apart from a student visa, Educareer also provide guidance in securing jobs in New Zealand. Thus, ultimately helping to pay off the cost of studying expenses to a small extent. We also provide consultancy in securing tourist visas, visitor visa and visas for work in New Zealand.
The New Zealand student visa fees depend on the universities, courses, and country of residence of the student. As of 2016, to study in new zealand for Indian students, the New Zealand visa fees have been raised to Rs. 14600. And New Zealand student visa processing time is about 3 to 6 weeks.
