New Zealand is a popular learning destination among international students for its diverse environment and academic excellence. New Zealand’s unique location presents a thrilling student life experience in which students can broaden their perspectives in various ways: studying with the most experienced academic members, building multicultural friendships, exploring the natural treasures in the country, and perhaps much more.
When preparing your application to the universities in New Zealand, you need to consider several admission requirements; one of the most crucial ones is proof of English language proficiency. Non-native English speaker applicants must prove their English level through several language test scores to study in New Zealand. IELTS is an English language test widely accepted by New Zealand universities, yet each university can have different band requirements for admission. This article portrays general IELTS band requirements at the top universities in New Zealand; keep reading to find out more.
Minimum IELTS Band Scores for New Zealand Universities
The minimum IELTS band range can depend on the university, degree, or program to which you’re applying; therefore, it’s important to check the program-specific requirements before applying. Below we provide the general IELTS score range of several New Zealand universities.
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a prestigious higher education institution offering a wide range of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Established in 1883, the university is regarded as the largest university in New Zealand with over 35,000 students. Besides its diverse and large student body, the University of Auckland is often considered the top university in New Zealand and is among 1% of the top global universities in the world.
The University of Auckland requires and accepts IELTS Academic scores from international students whose first language isn’t English. For bachelor’s applicants, the minimum IELTS score is Band 6.0 for most programs, yet for specific programs like the Bachelor of Health Sciences, the minimum band requirement is 6.5. Similarly, for postgraduate programs, the minimum IELTS score is Band 6.5, yet for Master’s in Law, the minimum IELTS score goes up to 7.0.
Here is what University of Auckland Scholars say about IELTS:
“I was invited to take the IELTS Academic Test, and I achieved an overall band score of 6.5.”
Maria Delavega Afriani
“Basic criteria include a GPE of 5.0 and an IELTS score of 7.0 (no band less than 6.5).”
Siv Eang Chea
“Most universities in New Zealand require an overall IELTS band score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0.”
Nutnicha Limboonngam
2. University of Otago
The University of Otago is a public research university located in Dunedin, Otago. The University of Otago is also the oldest in New Zealand, established in 1869. The university is respected particularly for its psychology, clinical medicine, and agricultural sciences programs.
The University of Otago mandates proof of English language proficiency from non-native English speakers. Among several English language test options, students at the undergraduate level must obtain a minimum score of Band 6.0 in IELTS, whereas for postgraduate students, the minimum IELTS score is Band 6.5. Before applying to the university, check the validity of your IELTS certificate. It must be valid within two years from when you obtained it.
3. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is a public university located in Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 1897, the university was originally named Victoria University College, dedicated to Queen Victoria. It is one of the top global universities in New Zealand with quality education in all its programs, yet, particularly its programs in law and humanities particularly give the university its prestige.
Like many other universities in New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington requires an adequate level of English language proficiency for international students whose first language isn’t English, and IELTS is one of the accepted tests for admission. For undergraduate applicants, the minimum IELTS score is Band 6.0, and for graduate applications, the minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
Here is what Victoria University of Wellington scholars say about IELTS:
“I also took the IELTS exam to meet English language proficiency requirements. I prepared for it by using official IELTS preparation materials, practicing regularly, and taking mock tests to build confidence and improve my performance.”
Mojtaba xTadayonifar
“In terms of requirements, most New Zealand universities expect international students to have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0, though this may vary by program. While I was asked to submit my IELTS score at a later stage of the selection process, I would strongly recommend that future applicants take the IELTS early, as it can help strengthen both scholarship and university applications.”
Sovannvatey Khlaing
“Since my program required an IELTS score, I booked my exam and prepared using online study materials. As my study subject required an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and no band less than 6.0, I was eligible with the IELTS overall Band Score of 7.5 and over 2 years of working experience.”
Chantarapeach UT
4. Massey University
Massey University is a public research university with several campuses in New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, and Palmerston North. The university has a large student population with more than 27,000 students; furthermore, it is the only university in New Zealand to offer aviation and veterinary science programs.
Students at Massey University must show evidence of their English language proficiency via several language test scores, including IELTS Academic. The minimum IELTS score to study at Massey University is 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for postgraduate students.
5. University of Waikato
Our last on the list is the University of Waikato, situated in Hamilton city. Priding itself as a university that allows its students to achieve more than they thought, the quality of education offered matches the institution’s reputation. It has ten faculties and seven research institutes. Out of 26,000 universities in the world, the University of Waikato is consistently ranked among the best.
As with the other institutions mentioned, the university requires international students to prove their English language proficiency. One of the tests accepted is the IELTS score and applicants must be able to obtain a minimum score of 6.0 for undergraduate study and 6.5 for postgraduate level.
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in New Zealand
FAQs: IELTS Acceptance in New Zealand
Do Universities in New Zealand Consider Students Who Have Not Passed the IELTS Exam?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. If you’ve passed the IELTS exam but you meet other entry requirements, some New Zealand universities have conditional offers to give you more time to show an adequate IELTS score; the University of Auckland is one example.
Alternatively, you can enroll in English preparation programs to improve your English skills in one or two semester periods, and eventually start your degree program once you pass the preparation program. The University of Auckland’s English Language Academy can be of interest in this regard. In short, you must prove your English language ability either way to be able to start your program in New Zealand since most programs are taught in English.
What IELTS score do I generally need to study in New Zealand?
Most New Zealand universities set a minimum of IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate programs and 6.5 for master’s/Ph.D. programs. Some programs require higher bands; for example, the University of Auckland lists 6.5 for Bachelor of Health Sciences and 7.0 for the Master of Laws.
Can I get conditional admission or complete an English course instead of submitting IELTS right away?
Nohely (Auckland University of Technology, Master’s in Supply Chain Management) chose IELTS and “took it twice,” but her admission was conditional on passing a three-month academic English course funded by the Manaaki Scholarship. After passing, she started the master’s directly. Universities like the University of Auckland also run pathway options such as the English Language Academy (ELA) for applicants who need language preparation.
Do New Zealand universities accept alternatives to IELTS (e.g., TOEFL, PTE)?
Yes. New Zealand universities commonly accept other English tests. Global Scholarships highlights multiple NZ universities that accept TOEFL iBT, and school pages often mention several recognized options alongside IELTS. Always verify your target university’s accepted tests and score tables.
We hope this article will help in your search for the best university to apply to in New Zealand. If you are interested in this country, you may find it helpful to read our articles on our NZ Study Guide! You can also search for courses on our Available Programs Page!
