New Zealand is an English-speaking country, and to study there, students need to score well on the IELTS exam. The higher the band score, the greater the chances of getting selected for admission. Generally, the IELTS band required for New Zealand universities can range from 6 to 7.0. It is an important eligibility for higher studies in NZ.
International applicants applying for admission to New Zealand universities are required to submit English language proficiency scores. IELTS scores for New Zealand universities and institutions either vary per course or may be common for a specific level of study across all programs. To study in New Zealand, candidates need to score 6.0 or above in IELTS for undergraduate courses. If any candidates are looking to study a master's in New Zealand, they should aim for an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
It is an important requirement to submit IELTS scores in New Zealand for higher studies in this country. An IELTS scorecard is required not only for university admission but also at the time of student visa application. This article will discuss in detail New Zealand IELTS requirements based on study levels and for student visa applicants.
- New Zealand IELTS Band Requirement
- New Zealand IELTS Requirement
- New Zealand Student Visa IELTS Requirements
New Zealand IELTS Band Requirement
Applicants seeking admission to New Zealand have to submit an IELTS exam score in case they do not want to submit any other English language proficiency score. Overall, a minimum of 6.0 on IELTS is required for admission in New Zealand. But there are exceptions where, in some cases, a band score of 5.5 is accepted for admission.
IELTS Requirements for Study in New Zealand
To study in New Zealand, your IELTS score matters. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs require different minimums.
🎓 Undergraduate Studies
- Minimum Overall Score: 6.0
- Minimum Band Score (each): 5.5
🎓 Postgraduate Studies
- Minimum Overall Score: 6.5
- Minimum Band Score (each): 6.0
💡 Note: Some specialized programs, like engineering or teaching, may require higher scores.
Check: How to Study in New Zealand Without IELTS Test?
New Zealand IELTS Requirement
International students who come from countries where English is not their first language have to submit an English proficiency test. IELTS commonly referred to as (the International English Language Testing System) is a popular English language test option among international students.
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Check: IELTS Eligibility Criteria
Indian students applying for admission in New Zealand can check the minimum requirement of IELTS scores and band level and then apply for admission to their course of choice. Technically, a band of 6.0 on IELTS is acceptable for both study and visa applications in New Zealand. Check out the sections below for more details.
New Zealand IELTS Requirements for Diploma Courses
For those applying for diploma courses in New Zealand universities require the following IELTS band scores to fulfil the admission criteria:
| New Zealand Universities |
IELTS Score for Diploma Courses |
|---|---|
| 5.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
In some cases, the IELTS score may vary per course also, thus, it is mandatory to check the admission requirements beforehand. It may also be possible that IELTS scores change over a period of time.
Read more about: IELTS Preparation Tips
New Zealand IELTS Requirements for UG Courses
Applying for undergraduate courses in New Zealand? Check out the following IELTS scores that are usually accepted at the following universities
| New Zealand Universities |
IELTS Score for Undergraduate Courses |
|---|---|
| University of Auckland |
6.0 |
| University of Otago |
6.0 or no individual band below 5.5 |
| Massey University |
6.0 or no individual band below 5.5 |
| Victoria University of Wellington |
6.0 or no individual band below 5.5 |
| University of Waikato |
5.5 |
| University of Canterbury |
6.0 no individual band below 5.5 |
| Lincoln University |
6.0 no individual band below 5.5 |
| Auckland University of Technolgy |
6.0 |
Apparently, the IELTS scores for undergraduate applicants at all major New Zealand universities require an overall band score of 6.0. There may be a few exceptions here and there, which should be addressed at the start of the application process only.
New Zealand IELTS Requirements for PG Courses
Those applying for postgraduate courses across New Zealand universities will have to submit IELTS scores between 6.0 to 6.5, more details are as follows:
| New Zealand Universities |
IELTS Score for Postgraduate Courses |
|---|---|
| University of Auckland |
6.5 |
| University of Otago |
6.5 or no individual band below 6.0 |
| Massey University |
6.5 or no individual band below 6.0 |
| Victoria University of Wellington |
6.5 or no individual band below 6.0 |
| University of Waikato |
5.5 |
| University of Canterbury |
6.5 or no individual band below 6.0 |
| Lincoln University |
6.0 or no individual band below 6.0 |
| Auckland University of Technolgy |
6.5 |
The above-given data covers a majority of the courses offered at the postgraduate level at these universities. But there may be certain cases where applicants may be required to submit a higher IELTS band score instead of the above-mentioned ones already. Check out the Rrequirements for Master's in New Zealand.
New Zealand IELTS Requirements for PTEs
PTEs or Private Training Establishments in New Zealand are vocational training institutions which offer certificate and diploma-level courses along with undergraduate courses to international students. The following table throws light on the list of PTEs in New Zealand and the IELTS band scores that they accept:
| List of PTEs in New Zealand |
IELTS Band Score Accepted |
|---|---|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 5.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 5.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 5.5 |
|
| 5.5 - 6.0 |
|
| 5.5 |
There are various levels of educational study at these PTEs and in the majority of the cases, the IELTS band score requirements for New Zealand are more or less similar. There may be cases when the IELTS band score may differ.
Must check out: IELTS Sample Papers
New Zealand Student Visa IELTS Requirements
Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand will also have to prove their English language proficiency. New Zealand's band requirement for a student visa is around 6.0 and above. This is the ideal IELTS score for New Zealand student visa applicants, however, higher is always acceptable but no scores should be lower than this.
Thus, while applying for a student visa application in New Zealand, international applicants must ensure that they have a good score in IELTS and try and score above the 6.0 band if possible.
| Listening Tips for IELTS | Reading Tips for IELTS |
| Writing Tips for IELTS | Speaking Tips for IELTS |
Hence, in this article, we could cover the list of New Zealand institutions which accept IELTS scores and also the accepted IELTS band scores wherever possible. For any queries, write to us in the comments section below. For admission-related queries, sign up for Shiksha Counselling
IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.
Actually, there is no limit to appear for IELTS exam. You can re-take it as many times you want. But experts say, you should not take the test more than once in a period of two months. Also, you have to pay the fee everytime you take the test, which can be very expensive also. But if you are okay with paying the fee infinite times you can take the test unlimited number of times. Also, it does not make any sense taking the test again and again. After a maximum of 3 attempts, you should know that your scores are not going to change. So, try hard and give your best the first attempt.
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Yes, New Zealand accepts an IELTS band score of 5.5 for certain purposes. For example, some universities and colleges may allow admission with a score of 5.5, but typically this would come with additional requirements or conditions. For student visas, a minimum overall score of 5.5 is also acceptable, provided that no individual component falls below 5.5.