New Zealand is a popular study destination for international students because of its diverse environment and academic opportunities. Its location and natural landscapes can add to the student experience. Students may broaden their perspectives by learning from academic staff, building multicultural friendships, and exploring the country’s natural attractions.
When preparing your application to universities in New Zealand, you need to consider admission requirements. One important requirement for many international applicants is evidence of English-language proficiency. Universities accept several ways to demonstrate this proficiency, and IELTS Academic is widely accepted. Minimum scores vary by university and program. This article outlines general IELTS Academic score requirements at several universities in New Zealand; keep reading to learn more.
Minimum IELTS Band Scores for New Zealand Universities
The minimum IELTS Academic score depends on the university, degree, and program to which you are applying. The figures below are general requirements; some programs require higher scores. Check your program-specific requirements before applying.
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a higher education institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Founded in 1883, it is New Zealand’s largest university, with more than 40,000 students. The university describes itself as New Zealand’s leading world-ranked university.
Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency can use IELTS Academic. For most bachelor’s programs, the minimum score is 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5. For most postgraduate programs, the minimum is 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0. Some programs impose higher requirements: the Bachelor of Health Sciences requires 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, while the Master of Laws requires 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.5.
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 based in Dunedin. Founded in 1869, it is New Zealand’s oldest university.
Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency can use IELTS Academic. The standard requirement is 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, for undergraduate study and 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0, for postgraduate study. Some programs have higher requirements, so check the current program-specific rules before applying.
3. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is based in Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 1897 as Victoria College during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee year, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a range of disciplines.
For applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency, the standard IELTS Academic requirement is 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, for undergraduate study and 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0, for postgraduate study. Some programs have higher requirements, so check the current program-specific rules before applying.
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 Tadayonifar
“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 has campuses in Auckland, Wellington, and Manawatū. Its Manawatū campus is in Palmerston North. Massey is New Zealand’s only university with an aviation school and describes itself as the veterinary school for the whole of New Zealand.
International students whose first language is not English must provide satisfactory evidence of their English proficiency through IELTS Academic, an equivalent recognized English-language test, or other acceptable evidence. The standard IELTS Academic requirement is 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, for undergraduate programs and 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0, for postgraduate programs. Some programs have different English-language entry requirements.
5. University of Waikato
Our last university on the list is the University of Waikato, which has campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked equal 281st globally, placing it in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide.
Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency can use IELTS Academic. For most undergraduate qualifications, graduate certificates, and graduate diplomas, the standard requirement is 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5. For other graduate and postgraduate programs, including higher degrees, the standard is generally 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0. Exceptions apply, including the Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Nursing, and initial teacher-education qualifications, so check your program-specific requirements before applying.
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?
Applicants who have not yet met a program’s English-language requirement may still have pathway options. At the University of Auckland, students with a conditional offer can use pathways offered by the English Language Academy. The accelerated EPUS and EPPS pathways are 10 weeks long for applicants who have narrowly missed the English-language requirement. The academy also offers standard 20-week FCertEAP pathways. Students must successfully complete the relevant pathway with the required grade before beginning university study.
What IELTS score do I generally need to study in New Zealand?
At the five universities in this article, standard IELTS Academic requirements are generally 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, for undergraduate study and 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, for postgraduate study. Some programs require higher scores; for example, the University of Auckland lists 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.5, for the Master of Laws.
Can I get conditional admission or complete an English course instead of submitting IELTS right away?
Nohely reported that she chose IELTS and “took it twice,” but her admission to Auckland University of Technology’s master’s program in supply chain management was conditional on passing a three-month academic English course funded by the Manaaki Scholarship. After passing the course, she started her master’s program directly. This is one scholar’s experience; applicants should check their university and scholarship rules.
Do New Zealand universities accept alternatives to IELTS (e.g., TOEFL, PTE)?
Yes. The universities in this article list alternatives such as TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic alongside IELTS, although accepted tests and required scores vary by university and program. Always verify your target program’s current requirements.
We hope this article helps you search for a university in New Zealand. If you are interested in studying in the country, you may find it helpful to read our NZ Study Guide. If you are interested, check out these Available Programs for International Students.
