New Zealand is one of the famous study destinations for Indian students. Diverse course options offered by top-ranked universities and budget-friendly fees attract students from across the world. However, it is important for students who belong to non-English speaking countries, to prove their proficiency in the English language.
Are you looking to study in New Zealand? Then, obtaining a New Zealand Study Visa is your starting point. However, it is also a popular destination for international students in pursuit of job-oriented education, especially their two-year diploma courses.
Many students want to study in New Zealand because of its good education and safe environment. But to get admission, you need to show your English skills. One common way is by taking the IELTS test. Some students get a 5.5 band score in IELTS and worry if they can still study in New Zealand. The good news is that some colleges in New Zealand accept students with a 5.5 IELTS band. In this article, we will share a list of those colleges and help you understand your study options.
- Minimum IELTS band score to study in New Zealand
- Universities in New Zealand accepting IELTS 5.5 and above
- Which test should I take?
- Other countries accepting 5.5 IELTS band
Minimum IELTS band score to study in New Zealand
| Program to Study |
Minimum IELTS Requirement |
Minimum Academic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma |
6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
Passed High School |
| Bachelors |
6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
Passed High School |
| Graduate Diploma |
6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
Bachelor’s degree |
| PG Diploma |
6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
Bachelor’s degree |
| Masters |
6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
Bachelor’s degree |
It is clear that an IELTS score of 5.5 bands, while acceptable, limits your scope significantly to pursue a course of your choice. Additionally, your choice of universities is also defined as the top ones that do not generally accommodate IELTS exam scores below 6.5 or 6. Which country accepts five bands in the IELTS exam is a question many international students seek an answer for. Let us check out the colleges in New Zealand that accept a 5.5 IELTS band score.
Universities in New Zealand accepting IELTS 5.5 and above
As already, discussed, the 5.5 IELTS band restricts the choice of Universities and Courses is evident in the list given below. Some good universities may still accommodate such students but will compel you to pursue special English courses like ELICOS for compensating the deficiency.
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| Universities |
IELTS Score |
Course |
|---|---|---|
| 6 |
For diploma only |
|
| 6 |
Only Diploma. |
|
| 6 |
For Diploma in Business Studies |
|
| 6 |
For diploma only |
|
| 6 |
For Diploma in Business Studies |
|
| 6 |
Pathway course leading to graduate studies |
|
| 6 |
Foundation course leading to graduate studies |
|
| 6 |
For diploma only |
Which test should I take?
There are two tests available: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. It depends on the requirement; the Academic test is usually for entry into university. General training is used for migration purposes. Before, applying for the test students have to check the minimum IELTS required for admission at the universities.
Other countries accepting 5.5 IELTS band
There are hosts of universities in the USA, Canada, and Europe that still consider the 5.5 IELTS band for admission, but the principles applied to New Zealand are also valid in these universities. Here is a list of such universities at random from the named countries for academic information. The list is not exhaustive but only indicative.
- University of Missouri (USA)
- Ohio University (USA)
- Washington State University (USA)
- Capilano University (Canada)
- Canadore College (Canada)
- Karlsruhe University of Technology (Germany)
- University of Essex (UK)
- Budapest Metropolitan University (Hungary)
While most top-notch universities across the world that use English as a medium of instruction seek either TOEFL or IELTS scorecard in the range of 6 or above, there are enough opportunities for students who score under 6 as many colleges and universities in New Zealand and other countries accept lower IELTS 5.5 band as mentioned above.
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With a 5.5 score, you can apply for European countries such as Poland, Greece, etc. where you can get an IELTS waiver, and the UK. Further, countries like New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, and Dubai includes colleges that accept 5.5 IELTS band score.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Canada Study Permit. A study visa for Canada requires the Student to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands requirements with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate & Diploma programs.
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To successfully obtain a New Zealand study visa, you need a minimum overall IELTS Band Score of 5.5.