Entrance Exams to Study in New Zealand

 logo

Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Apr 19, 2022 06:31 PM IST

Did you know that New Zealand can be a great place to live, study and enjoy life? The country is a mix of culture, economy and climate, the best combination for an Indian student. Let us check out the article to know what are the entrance exams or test requirements to study in New Zealand.

Entrance Exams to Study in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the top destinations to study abroad for international students as it is an affordable country and its education system is considered to be one of the best education systems in the world with a touch of modernity. The country's education system combines proven, traditional principles with innovation, creativity, and fresh thinking.

Education here is highly student-centred as it empowers students to gain hands-on experience by promoting various vocational and apprenticeships. It supports students to solve problems, process information, work as a team, and innovate. New Zealand gives a wide range of opportunities to every student to develop their potential along with several possible pathway options.

Want to Study in New Zealand? Get Expert Help Now!

Degrees from universities in New Zealand are globally recognised and the courses are accredited by major accreditation institutes. Even though it has only eight major universities, still all of them rank among the top 500 universities in the world. Thus, international students prefer to move to New Zealand to pursue their higher education across a variety of disciplines.

International students need to fulfil certain test requirements to study in New Zealand. While academic requirements are the first and foremost eligibility criteria, standardised exams or entrance exams are also an important aspect of studying in New Zealand universities. Luckily there are not many examinations required in terms of subject aptitude as the colleges and universities in New Zealand focus majorly on the academic scores of individuals. Apart from scores, there are other test requirements to study in New Zealand like English language proficiency. It is another important aspect of the admission process for New Zealand universities. 

English Proficiency Exams to Study in New Zealand

As we all are aware that New Zealand’s official language is English and so almost all the top universities or institutes conduct their programmes in English as a medium of instruction. If the applicant is not a native English speaker, then they are required to take an English proficiency test to prove that they have the appropriate English writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills.

This exam proof is not only mandatory for the admission process but also crucial while applying for a student visa. Many visas get rejected if the English proficiency is too low or there is no test score submitted. Therefore, it is advisable to always submit an English proficiency test score for New Zealand universities. Although the minimum score requirements vary as per university and course requirements, let us have a look at what all English proficiency exams are accepted by universities in New Zealand for both undergraduate and graduate programmes. 

IELTS

Most international students take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as proof of their English language proficiency test. If you want to study in New Zealand, you may take the IELTS Academic exam. This exam pattern consists of reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections that would cost INR 15,500.

In terms of score, most international universities require an overall band score of 6.0 that should not be older than two years. Immigration New Zealand generally asks for an IELTS score of 6.5. Do note that these scores vary as per programme and university. Generally, most New Zealand universities ask for minimum scores as given below: 

  • For Diploma Programmes: Overall band score of 5.5 with a 5.0 band in each component 

  • For Bachelor’s Programme: Overall band score of 6.0 

  • For Graduate Diplomas: Overall band score of 6.0 

  • For Master’s Programme: Overall band score of 6.5 

Note: These minimum score requirements may change with time. Students are advised to check the respective university website and course page for updated information. 

TOEFL

In terms of popularity, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) comes just after the IELTS as one of the highly accepted English exams by New Zealand universities or colleges. Several international students prefer to take the TOEFL iBT (internet-based) over the PBT (paper-based) or CBT (computer-based), which are different modes of the exam.

The examination contains four components of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Leading universities ask for an overall score of around 80-90, which should not be older than two years. All TOEFL exam variants are accepted by top universities in New Zealand except the iBT Home Edition. As of 2022, the TOEFL test costs around INR 14,500. 

PTE

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is regarded as one of the convenient language proficiency tests. It has three components - speaking & writing, reading, and listening. The test is completely computer-based and should be done within three hours at a recognised test centre.

Candidates can access their results within 48 hours post their exam. The result can be sent to multiple universities without paying extra than the standard exam fee of INR 14,700. Generally, top New Zealand universities ask for a PTE score of 50-58, while the requirement for a visa is usually 58.

OET

Candidates who are specifically looking to enrol in medical courses like MBBS or Nursing in any country may take the Occupational English Test (OET). This test is generally required for courses such as Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science. The OET's study in New Zealand exam pattern is based specifically on the type of English language required at the workplace for healthcare professionals. This test costs around INR 32,159 for Indian applicants.

How to Study in New Zealand without IELTS?

If a candidate is planning to pursue higher studies in New Zealand but hasn't appeared for an English proficiency test like IELTS, an important requirement may check other alternatives. There are other various parameters through which New Zealand universities assess foreign students' English proficiency. 

The country offers several options to international students who can fulfil the test requirements to study in New Zealand. Check out some of the eligibility criteria to study without IELTS in New Zealand:

  • Proof of studying in English medium school from class 8-12. 

  • They may also submit a proof that shows five years of English medium education at the primary level or three years at the higher secondary level

  • Qualify for the interview conducted by New Zealand Immigration authority or a university

  • Several universities also accept TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc.

There are also certain documents that an International candidate must have while applying to a university in New Zealand without IELTS:

  • Academic transcripts and mark sheets showing English medium education for primary, secondary and senior secondary

  • A Bonafide certificate by the school to validate that the candidate has appeared for all the exams in English medium as presented in the mark sheet

  • Certificates of other English proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CPE, etc if required.

Top universities to study in New Zealand without IELTS for Indian students

There are several universities in Newzealand that provide alternatives for IELTS to Indian students. Here are some of the top universities for Indian students to study in New Zealand without IELTS:

  • University of Canterbury

  • University of Auckland

  • Lincoln University

  • University of Otago

  • Unitec Institute of Technology

Entrance Exams for Bachelors in New Zealand

New Zealand has only eight universities and all of them are ranked among the top 500 educational institutes worldwide. International students prefer to migrate to the country to pursue their dream courses. And to fulfil these dreams, one needs to meet all the criteria set by both the private and government universities. Here are some of the entrance exams to study in New Zealand for bachelors courses:

SAT

If a student wants to pursue an undergraduate degree from a New Zealand university, then one of the entrance exams like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) can help them to get into consideration. This exam is mainly taken by a student after completing 12th. There is no special requirement to take the SAT. Candidates can register themselves for the test online at College Board's website. It takes hardly 30 minutes to complete the application process.

ACT

American College Testing (ACT) is yet another entrance exam to study in New Zealand. The test is taken to measure the skills and knowledge acquired from high school. The skills areas in which the ACT gauges international students are - English, Math, Reading and Science. Students below the age of 13 are not eligible to take the test. Indian students can register for ACT online and select the desired time, date and centre. 

UCAT ANZ

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is an admission test widely popular in New Zealand amongst students who want to pursue medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes. This test helps to select students with appropriate abilities and professional behaviours for the respective field. The computer-based test's fee is INR 21,475. After the declaration of results, it will automatically be passed on to the NZ universities that are part of the UCAT Consortium - the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.

Entrance Exams for Masters in New Zealand

Students applying for graduate programmes in New Zealand may be required to take certain tests. Standardised exam scores like GRE or GMAT may be required for certain graduate programmes in New Zealand universities. So, apart from a strong academic background, achievements, and work experience, graduate applicants from India can be asked to submit these exam scores to determine their aptitude and readiness for a rigorous curriculum.  These tests are mostly applicable to students enrolling in business and medicine programmes.

GRE

Candidates who are looking forward to pursuing a Science stream in New Zealand may need to send their Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores to the university of their choice. The GRE test depends on what course the applicant wants to do. Some of the common streams are biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and mathematics. This exam would cost around INR 16,256.

GMAT

If a candidate wants to pursue an MBA in New Zealand, he or she should take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). This exam can be taken for any other graduate-level management course as well. Not being a mandatory one, but still, many top business colleges in New Zealand give preference to candidates who have taken this test. On average, business schools in New Zealand ask for a GMAT score of 550. The exam could cost somewhere INR 18,500 for each applicant.

Now that you are aware of all the entrance exams to study in New Zealand, you can start planning accordingly. Working hard and making a career is what New Zealand has been known for. It is a well-developed country that offers a plethora of opportunities to advance and broaden careers. New Zealand is about balancing a day’s hard work with socialising, spending time with family and friends and hence making the best out of the recreational activities.

Get Help in Acing GRE and GMAT!

If you are also looking forward to studying in New Zealand, feel free to reach out to us for any queries at abroad@collegedekho.com to get the best suggestions and advice.

You can share this post!

Admission Open 2024

Related Articles

Aug 18, 2023 04:28 PM IST

How to Apply for Masters in USA?

Aug 03, 2023 01:18 PM IST

Documents Required for TOEFL

Our Study Abroad Offerings

Related Institutes

Planning to study abroad?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.