We all know English proficiency tests (like IELTS) play a crucial role for study abroad aspirants, especially in English-speaking countries like New Zealand.
New Zealand is witnessing a rise in the number of international students year after year. In fact, according to the New Zealand government stats, there were 59,306 international student enrolments in the country from January to August 2023. This marked a 43% increase compared to the full year in 2022.
If you intend to migrate to this country, knowing the IELTS requirement to study in New Zealand becomes important. The requirement differs per chosen program, university, and visa type.
In this article, I have jotted down various categories of the required IELTS score to study in New Zealand, like the IELTS scores for UG, PG, diploma programs, student visas, etc. Read on to learn more.
Here’s taking a look at the minimum IELTS score required for New Zealand in various courses:
1. Diploma Courses- This will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score being lower than 5.5. The minimum academic eligibility is successfully clearing High School.
2. Bachelors Degree- Aspirants who have successfully passed High School can apply for these degrees in New Zealand. The minimum IELTS score required is 6.0 with no band being lower than 5.5.
3. Post-Graduate Diploma- The minimum requirement for applying is a Bachelors degree. The IELTS score required is 6.5 at least with no band score being lower than 6.0.
4. Graduate Diploma- The minimum IELTS score required is 6.0 with no band score going below 5.5. The eligibility for applying is a Bachelors degree.
5. Masters Degree- A Bachelors degree is required for applying with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and no band score going below 6.0.
Getting a student visa for the 2021 or 2022 academic sessions in New Zealand will require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 as per latest reports.
What IELTS Score is Required for New Zealand
It is no news that proving English language proficiency through tests like IELTS is crucial for anyone wishing to migrate to New Zealand.
The IELTS requirement varies depending on the purpose for which you have opted to migrate to New Zealand. Hence, you must first check the New Zealand IELTS band requirement for that particular purpose.
Some of the most common purposes one can migrate to New Zealand and their respective IELTS scores are as follows:
1.Higher Education:
International students booking forward to studying abroad in New Zealand must check the IELTS score requirement per their chosen study program. For the diploma courses, the minimum IELTS score needed is 6.0, with a band score of not less than 5.5., while most bachelor’s degrees require an IELTS score of 6.0.
On the other hand, a minimum 6.5 IELTS score is usually required for admission to a master’s degree in New Zealand. For a postgraduate diploma, you must score an IELTS band of at least 6.5, with a minimum band score of 6.0.
New Zealand band requirement after 12
2.Immigration:
If you want to immigrate to New Zealand to live and settle there, one of the criteria you must fulfill is the IELTS requirement. Usually, a minimum band score of 6.5 is required for immigration purposes.
3.Professional Work:
If you want to work in the country, in that case, too, the IELTS requirement is applicable. The IELTS score for New Zealand for professional work is usually an overall score of 6.5., with 6.0 in each of the four modules (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Institution-Wise IELTS Score Required in New Zealand
Here’s taking a closer look at the minimum IELTS Score required in New Zealand’s leading universities and academic institutions.
1. Massey University
Students are required to have 5.5 as their overall IELTS score for applying for the Diploma in Business Studies course at the university. It is one of the youngest universities in the country and the only one to provide programs in aviation. The minimum IELTS score needed for postgraduate programs is 6.5 (overall). Every band should have a score of at least 6.0 in this case. The minimum IELTS score should be 6.0 (overall) for undergraduate courses while every band should have a minimum score of 5.5.
2. AUT (Auckland University of Technology)
The minimum overall IELTS score is 5.5-6.0 for students seeking foundation programs at this institution including diploma and undergraduate courses. The university started operations in the year 1906 and offers various courses including Health & Environmental Sciences and Culture & Society. IELTS Academic is the recommended examination to study at the university. Undergraduate courses require 6.0 as the minimum overall IELTS score and at least 5.5 for every segment. For postgraduate courses, the minimum score should be 6.5 (overall) and the score should not be lower than 6.0 for every band.
3. University of Auckland
The IELTS score required in New Zealand’s famous University of Auckland is 6.0 (overall). No band should also have a score that is lower than 5.5. It is one of the leading institutions in the country, encompassing 30,000+ students and 8 faculties. Programs like engineering require 7.0 as the minimum IELTS score. The minimum score is 6.5 (overall) for postgraduate programs and 6.0 for every band.
4. University of Otago
The University of Otago is the oldest university in the country and comes with four faculties along with a solid research program. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 6.0 (overall) for undergraduate courses and this is also the minimum score requirement for each band. However, pursuing a degree in Teaching/Education Studies, the minimum IELTS score will be 7.0 (overall) and also 7.0 for each band. Prospective applicants should have a minimum overall score of 6.5 along with 6.0 as the per-band/section score in case of postgraduate courses. The requirements may be slightly more stringent in case of Law, Dentistry and Public Health among other courses.
5. Victoria University of Wellington
The Victoria University of Wellington was founded in the year 1897 and is famous for its Humanities and Law programs. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 6.0 (overall) for undergraduate courses and no band should have a score that is lower than 5.5. In case of postgraduate courses, the overall score requirement is 6.5 along with a minimum score of 6.0 in every IELTS band.
6. University of Christchurch
The University of Christchurch offers numerous course options for eligible applicants. Global students desirous of enrollment in undergraduate courses should have an overall IELTS score of 6.0. You should also not obtain lower than 6.0 for writing and 5.5 in each of the other IELTS sections. If you are applying for postgraduate courses, then 6.5 is the overall score required along with a minimum score of 6.0 in the writing band and 5.5 as the minimum score for all the other segments. Exceptions are however given to meritorious students and on the case-to-case mechanism.
7. University of Waikato
The University of Waikato was established in the year 1984 and is one of the youngest such institutions in the country. The minimum score requirement for IELTS is 6.0 and scores should not be lower than 5.5 in every band for undergraduate courses. For postgraduate courses, the overall IELTS score should be 6.5 while the score in every band should be at least 6.0.
8. Lincoln University
Lincoln University is popular for offering one of the country’s very first programs in agriculture along with being the third oldest university in the entire country. Undergraduate applicants will require 6.0 as their overall score and at least 5.5 for every band as part of their IELTS requirement for New Zealand. For postgraduate courses, an overall score of 6.5 will be required. The minimum score should be at least 6.0 for every band.
Students aspiring to study in New Zealand and follow the details above while planning to apply to some of the country’s top educational institutions.
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Reason to Study in New Zealand
Apart from being one of the safest and most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand also has some of the top and renowned educational institutions, known for their academic excellence. Below, I have enlisted some of the top reasons why you should consider New Zealand as on your study abroad destination:
World-renowned universities: TheUniversity of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University, Lincoln University are some of the world-famous universities in New Zealand. These universities rank are among the 400 universities per the QS World Rankings 2025
Course diversity: Apart from providing you with the best academic standards in terms of quality education and teaching methods, New Zealand also offers a wide range of courses to pursue at its universities. The courses match the industrial needs and standards, and a hands-on approach is followed irrespective of any course that you opt for.
Affordable educational costs: If you compare the cost of education in New Zealand with other nations like the UK, the USA, etc., you will find that the education cost is remarkably lower, making the student life stress-free. The miscellaneous costs including food, accommodation, and transportation are also manageable.
Stay-back period after completion of the course: New Zealand offers a stay back period of up to three years after you complete your studies. You can look for job options in New Zealand during this period. The determining factors for the length of your stay would be the nature of the course and its duration.
A pool of job opportunities: The employment rate in New Zealand reached an all time high of 69.80 percent in 2023. This represents a high probability of career progression for international students looking forward to working in New Zealand.
Minimum IELTS Scores for New Zealand Universities
The IELTS score for New Zealand immigration is different from the university’s standard requirements. If you dream of enrolling in a particular institution, you must check its IELTS eligibility to meet their English proficiency criteria.
The table below shows some of the reputed universities and their academic requirements:
University
IELTS Score for UG Course
IELTS Score for PG Course
Auckland University of Technology
Overall (band) 6.0, and 5.5 in every segment
6.0 in every brand and overall 6.5
Massey University
6.0 (overall) with no band less than 5.5
Overall, 6.5 and at least 6.0 in every band
University of Otago
Overall score of 6.0, minimum 5.5 each band
Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0
University of Waikato
Overall 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5
At least 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each module
Lincoln University
Overall 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in each band
Overall 6.5 & minimum 6.0
University of Canterbury
Overall 6.0, with each module as 5.5 band
Overall 6.5, with minimum 6.0 in each module
Victoria University of Wellington
Overall 4.5-6.0
Overall 5.5-6.0
IELTS Requirements for New Zealand Student Visas
To study in New Zealand, you should be aware of different student visa categories and their requirements, such as IELTS scores, before applying.
Some of the New Zealand student visa categories are as follows:
Fee-Paying Student Visa: You can study full-time and work part-time if you get this visa. With other conditions, you must get a minimum 5.5 IELTS band score requirement for a New Zealand study visa.
Exchange Student Visa: In the student exchange program, you are permitted to study full-time for up to 4 years. The IELTS requirements are similar to the fee-paying student visa.
Foreign Government-Supported Student Visa: According to the foreign exchange program and rules, the IELTS requirement varies. On the contrary, the visa is granted for up to 4 years.
Pathway Student Visa: This visa allows you to study for up to five years for three consecutive courses on a single student visa, along with working part-time. IELTS band score requirement is 5.5 for this visa.
How to Study in New Zealand with a 5.5 Band Score
As already established above to study in New Zealand, you should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above for postgraduate courses and an IELTS score of at least 6 for undergraduate courses. Does this mean if you score an IELTS overall band lower than 6.0, you cannot apply for New Zealand study programs?
Well, the good news is you can still study in New Zealand if you score an IELTS score 5.5 or even lower. Some universities like Massey University and Auckland University of Technology,Victoria University, and Wellington Institute of Technology which have the requirement of 5.5 as their IELTS requirements.
IELTS Band Requirements for New Zealand Work Visas
New Zealand offers several types of work visas through which anyone can work. The IELTS score requirement for New Zealand is one of the most sought-after criteria you must have. These types include:
1. Entrepreneurial Work Visa
You must have a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 or higher for an entrepreneur work visa. You will not qualify to apply for this visa if you score less than the given band score.
2. Residence from Work Visa
If you have worked in New Zealand in a Green List Tier 2 in-demand role for two or more years, you are eligible for this visa that allows you to stay in the country indefinitely. You must achieve an overall IELTS score of 5.0 or higher to apply for this visa.
3. Post-Study Work Visa
Anyone eligible for this visa after completing any course at any Kiwi university. Per the qualification, it lasts for one, two, or three years. As these students would have previously fulfilled the IELTS band requirement for the New Zealand study visa, no particular band is needed here.
Is IELTS Mandatory for Immigration to New Zealand
As established earlier, people who wish to immigrate to New Zealand must meet certain requirements, including English proficiency. This proves your ability to communicate smoothly in the English language for different purposes in daily life, academic environment, or work life. IELTS is one of the most commonly accepted English tests, while other popular tests like TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE, etc. a re also acceptable to live in New Zealand.
Migration to New Zealand
The New Zealand government asks for an IELTS score as evidence of English language proficiency for various visas, under the categories of Skilled Migrant, Business, Parent, and Residence from Work.
Category
IELTS Score Requirements (General or Academic)
Skilled Migrant
6.5 (the dependents on the skilled migrant (parents or children) need to have a score of 5 in IELTS)
Business
Employee of a Relocating Business: An overall band score of At least 5 in the General or Academic module
Entrepreneur Work Visa: An overall band score of at least 4 in the General or Academic
Investor: An overall band score of at least 3 in the General or Academic
Parent
IELTS certificate with at least two competencies bearing the band score 4
Residence from Work
Overall band score of at least 5 in the IELTS General or Academic
How to Prepare for IELTS to Meet New Zealand’s Requirements: 8 Tips
Now you clearly know the detailed answer to the question, is IELTS required for New Zealand? The next step is to ensure an effective preparation strategy to ace the test.
Essential preparation tips include the following points:
Deep dive into the IELTS structure to get a complete idea of the exam. Familiarity with the test format (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) can reduce exam anxiety.
Reading is a key factor in achieving success in IELTS. Read newspapers, journals, novels, and magazines daily to sharpen your reading skills.
Speaking is an important part of IELTS, and you must practice it regularly. Record yourself answering the sample questions and revisit the recordings to understand where to focus to achieve fluency.
Daily listening to English audio (songs, news) helps you better grasp the English language. Hence, you are accustomed to English ascent too.
Creating a study schedule plays a pivotal role in acing the exam. You must dedicate sufficient time to each section, covering its different question types.
Regularly take full-length practice tests. It gives you an examination-like environment. You will also become familiar with the time limit and be able to speed up as required.
Mastering English language intricacies is an important aspect before sitting for the actual exam. Proper usage of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax improves your English skills.
Seeking feedback on your practice set is also significant. One can also hire a tutor to evaluate the practice set.
Meeting the New Zealand IELTS requirements for study, work, and migration is crucial. I hope this article provides you with the necessary IELTS score requirements in New Zealand for different purposes. You can now prepare for the test accordingly, ensuring a smooth start to your study abroad journey.
Disclaimer: All information has been mentioned per current stats from official immigration and university websites and is subject to change at any time.
How much IELTS band score is required for New Zealand?
IELTS is an important requirement for studying abroad in English-speaking countries. The IELTS score requirements in New Zealand for various purposes are as follows:
For the Skilled Migrant Category, an overall band score of 6.5 in the IELTS General or IELTS Academic module is required.
For the Business Categories, The required IELTS band score for the principal applicant depends on which category the person applies under.
1. Employee of a Relocating Business Category: at least 5 in the General or Academic module.
2. Entrepreneur Residence or Entrepreneur Work Visa categories: at least 4 in the General or Academic module.
3. Investor: Overall band score of at least 3 in the IELTS General or Academic module.
4. Residence from Work Category: At least 5 in the IELTS General or Academic module. The same follows for their partner and children.
Is IELTS required for New Zealand?
Yes, meeting the IELTS score criteria is mandatory if you are going to work or study in New Zealand. The IELTS requirements for New Zealand are different for various categories. You can check those in the information mentioned above.
How much IELTS score is required for nurses in New Zealand?
If you are a nurse working in New Zealand, you must achieve a minimum score of 7 in each section of IELTS Academic.
How much IELTS band score is required for PR in New Zealand?
To become a permanent resident of New Zealand, you require an IELTS score of 6.5 or more.
Can I go to New Zealand without IELTS?
Yes, you can go to New Zealand without IELTS, but other English proficiency tests, such as TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo, are required to study in New Zealand.
What IELTS score is required for a New Zealand job?
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 and a band score of 6.5 are required for jobs in New Zealand.
What is a good IELTS score for New Zealand?
A good IELTS score gives international students the chance to take admission to the universities of New Zealand. 6.5-7 is a good score on the IELTS test. However, the good score also depends on the purpose (study, work, migration) for which one goes to New Zealand.
Is IELTS required for NZ PR?
Yes, IELTS is one of the essential criteria for permanent residency in New Zealand; a minimum 6.5 IELTS score is needed for PR in New Zealand.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience.
She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.
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