With an increased requirement for international students to submit ELP or English language proficiency tests to study abroad, there are a few exceptions which come along with this. Those applying to study in New Zealand and not willing to submit an IELTS score, can either submit some other test score or might be exempted based on their previous academic background. This also differs on a case-by-case basis at New Zealand universities.
These tests just aim to determine the eligibility of students in terms of English language proficiency, reasoning, analytical writing, verbal and reading skills, and mathematical knowledge. However, for non-English speaking students achieving a high in English language proficiency tests can be challenging. Hence, to give a fair chance to all students irrespective of English language skills, many foreign universities have exempted IELTS scores as a prerequisite in the admission process.
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Exceptions to Study in New Zealand Without IELTS
As per recent reports by study abroad experts, New Zealand is joining the league of most sought-after countries for abroad studies. Along with destinations like the US, UK, Europe, and Canada, New Zealand has a number of institutions that you can apply to without the requirement of an IELTS score. However, to get into the universities without IELTS, the student would be subjected to certain conditions fulfilling the following given criteria:
- Applicants can submit HSE or class 8-12 proof of English medium study.
- Or submit 5 years of English medium study in primary school and 3 years in senior school.
- Qualify for the interview conducted by New Zealand authorities applying without IELTS scores.
- Those applicants who come from the following countries and fulfil tertiary study requirements are also exempted from submitting IELTS scores to study in New Zealand:
Does New Zealand Require IELTS
It's not mandatory to submit IELTS for New Zealand university admissions. However, there are other English language proficiency exams accepted besides IELTS in New Zealand for admission to universities. They are as follows:
| ELP Tests Accepted in New Zealand Except for IELTS | Minimum Scores Required |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | iBT: 90 | paper-based: 68 |
| CAE / CPE | 176 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| MELAB | 85 |
| English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment | Assessment Level 3 overall and no skill below Level 2 |
The following universities in New Zealand accept the above-given exceptions for non-acceptance of IELTS:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Lincoln University
- University of Canterbury
- Unitech Institute of Technology
International students, whose first language is not English, are granted particular exceptions for IELTS by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for non-university tertiary education providers in New Zealand. Institutions under Category-I have their own process of analysing the English language competency of internal students, hence, IELTS and TOEFL scores are exempted from admission eligibility.
Related Article: What are NZQA/NZQF Level Systems in New Zealand?
These individual exams conducted by the institutions prove to be a boon for international students seeking admission without IELTS scores as the designated exams and conditions are relatively more manageable than that of IELTS. Institutions from Category II onwards have made IELTS scores mandatory for admission of international students whose first language is not English.
New Zealand Study Visa Without IELTS
The application procedure and documents required can be different. This depends upon all proofs the applicant gives during his/her study visa interview. Those not submitting an IELTS score for study, while appearing or applying for a student visa in New Zealand, applicants are advised to check the respective websites for special instructions and guidelines and apply accordingly:
- IELTS can be exempted for students who have studied in an English-medium school from Grades 8 to 12. The medium of instruction in school should have been English irrespective of the education board.
- This is applicable to those seeking admission to Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. However, students without IELTS score proof would plausibly be interviewed by New Zealand Immigration. Hence, one needs to be prepared accordingly.
- Compulsory five years of education in the primary section (Grade I to V) or at least three years during higher secondary.
- Institutions under Category I need to evaluate the English proficiency of international students through their own respective examinations and as per the guidelines set by NZQA.
- In case IELTS is accepted for admission across New Zealand universities and the student is not comfortable appearing for this test, can choose alternative options like TOEFL or PTE or even Duolingo in some cases.
For students not hailing from an English-medium background, the institutions would conduct interviews, which can be either face-to-face, on-call or through other electronic communication means to check their English proficiency.
Apart from the generic documents necessary for applications (SOP, Essays, LORs, and CV), the following documents are also required for admission without IELTS:
- Marksheets from school showcasing that your medium of study was English (complete schooling)
- Marksheet from the school confirming that the medium of education was English from Grade VIII to XII, if not the entire schooling
- A Bonafide certificate that can validate your duration of study that you have mentioned and appeared in all relevant exams conducted by the schools, as presented in the mark sheet
POINTS TO REMEMBER
- During the visa interview, even though the New Zealand visa officials are well informed about Category-I universities without IELTS, you can expect them to test your English language proficiency.
- If you fail to impress them with your English knowledge and communication skills, you may be asked to reappear.
- On the other hand, if they are content with your English language skills then there would be no issues regarding a visa due to the absence of an IELTS score.
- Else applicants must ensure that they can be exempted from submitting IELTS scores if UG applicants have scored between 5.5 and 6.5 while PG applicants must have scored between 6.0 and 6.5.
Also Read: Study Abroad Without IELTS
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
Armed with B.Com from Delhi University, Anuradha Sharma has accumulated rich experience as an education counsellor. She is especially adept at handling Australia and NZ admission procedure. Before becoming a GTE Exp... Read Full Bio
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