English language entry requirements

Ngā herenga whakauru reo Pākehā

Our courses are taught in English, so you need to be able to read and write well in English to understand the course materials and submit written assessments.

If you are an international learner, or a domestic learner and English or Māori is not your first language, you must meet the English language entry requirements for the qualification you are enrolling in.

Use the information below to check the level of English needed for each programme type. You should also check the admission requirements on the qualification page, as some may have higher requirements than outlined on this page.

Use the links to go to the section you need:

International learner English language entry requirements

This list shows the minimum English language requirements for international learners by programme level.

We will accept test results from:

IELTS
TOEFL internet -based test (iBT) - single report for a single test date
Cambridge English Qualifications
Occupational English Test (OET)
NZCEL
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
LanguageCert
Trinity ISE

Usually test results must be from a single report.

Please note
You must have achieved, within the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment one of the internationally recognised proficiency test outcomes specified in the list above for the level of the programme in which you want to enrol in.

Certificate at Level 3

IELTS test – a General or Academic score of 5.0, with no band score lower than 5.0.
Cambridge English Qualifications – B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill.
NZCEL – Level 3 (General).

Exceptions

New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3) requires an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.

Certificate at Level 4

IELTS test – a General or Academic score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.
Cambridge English Qualifications – B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.
NZCEL – Level 3 (Applied).

Exceptions

New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician - Core) (Level 4) requires an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 6.0, or equivalent.

Certificate or Diploma at Level 5

IELTS test – an Academic score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.
Cambridge English Qualifications - B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.
NZCEL – Level 4 (General) or (Employment).

Exceptions

New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician - Advanced) (Level 5) requires an IELTS (Academic)of score 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 or equivalent

Certificate or Diploma at Level 6, Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma at Level 7

IELTS test – an Academic score of 6.0, with no band score lower than 5.5.
Cambridge English Qualifications - B2 First, or B2 First for Schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill.
NZCEL – Level 4 (Academic).

Exceptions

The Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) requires a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0) with no band score lower than 7.0, or equivalent.
The Bachelor of Social Work requires a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5 or a TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) score of 85 or higher, with a writing score of 22.
The Teacher Education Refresh requires a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no band score lower than 7.0, or equivalent.

Existing English language proficiency

You may also provide evidence of your English skills from one of the criteria below.

Previous secondary school study in New Zealand

If you have achieved NCEA Level 3 and have met New Zealand University entrance requirements, you may be eligible for enrolment at all levels of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

Previous study in English

If you can provide evidence that you attended a school or tertiary education provider where English was the language of instruction you may be eligible for enrolment at all levels of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

Evidence includes:

If you have completed all of your primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8), and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13); or
If you have completed at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13); or
You have been awarded a Bachelor’s degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, or Doctoral degree

To be eligible to enrol under the ‘Previous study in English’ criteria you must have studied in one of the following countries:

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)

If you can provide evidence that you have gained a Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages(CELTA), you may be eligible for enrolment at all levels of the NZQF.

Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL)

If you can provide evidence that you have gained a Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL), you may be eligible for enrolment at all levels of the NZQF.

International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A-Level Qualification

If you can provide evidence that you have gained an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A-Level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English, you may be eligible for enrolment at all levels of the NZQF.

Teaching Council requirements for Teachers

From 1 January 2019, Teaching Council shifted their approach to focus on evidence-based English language proficiency. Many people seeking to register as teachers speak a number of languages. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the teaching profession. This is recognised in their approach to language competency by providing opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their competency in English or te reo Māori. They accept a broad range of specified evidence. Please ensure you meet their requirements for registration by reviewing their website page below.

Teaching Council website - Language competency requirements

Need help?

If you have any questions about English language entry requirements please get in touch or check the NZQA website.

English language requirements for international students - NZQA website (Opens in new window)

Related information

How to apply
International learners