Admission Requirements for International Students

International students can gain admission to New Zealand universities in the following ways:

For admission to study at the first-year level

1. By completing in their home country a qualification which is recognised in New Zealand as equivalent to the New Zealand university entrance standard. (See this list for examples.)
2. By attending secondary school in New Zealand and achieving the university entrance standard.
3. By completing a foundation programme at a university in New Zealand.
4. By completing a recognised* university foundation programme offered by a non-university provider in New Zealand.

* Programmes must be recognised by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara. Providers seeking recognition click here.

English language requirements

A minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS is required for admission at the first-year level. An alternative is TOEFL (iBT): minimum score 79-80. Each university can provide details of its own requirements.

For admission to complete a New Zealand degree after starting university study elsewhere

Applications should be made direct to the universities.

For admission to postgraduate study

Applications should be made direct to the universities.

English language requirements

A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS is required for admission at the graduate level. An alternative is TOEFL (iBT): minimum score 90-100. Each university can provide details of its own requirements.