IELTS Score for New Zealand, Top Universities, Colleges, Minimum Score
Silki Joshi5 Apr, 2025
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IELTS Score for New Zealand: Universities in New Zealand require students to achieve a minimum IELTS band score to qualify for admission. This test evaluates proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, ensuring that students can effectively communicate in an academic environment. In this guide, we will cover the minimum IELTS requirements for universities in New Zealand, visa eligibility, and essential information for international students.
IELTS Score for New Zealand
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students and skilled workers, offering high-quality education, excellent job opportunities, and a great quality of life. If you plan to study, work, or migrate to New Zealand, you must meet specific English language requirements. The majority of the student choose IELTS to demonstrate their qualification. This guide will help you understand the IELTS band score criteria for universities, work visas, and immigration in New Zealand.
Minimum IELTS Scores for Universities in New Zealand
New Zealand has eight prestigious universities, many of which rank among the popular 500 institutions globally. Each university has its own IELTS requirements based on the program level (undergraduate or postgraduate). Below is a detailed list of the minimum IELTS scores required for admission into prestigious New Zealand universities.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
| Minimum IELTS Scores for Universities in New Zealand | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
University |
Global Rank |
IELTS Requirement (Undergraduate) |
IELTS Requirement (Postgraduate) |
|
1 |
University of Auckland |
150 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
2 |
University of Otago |
301 – 350 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
3 |
Auckland University of Technology |
401 – 500 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
4 |
Lincoln University |
401 – 500 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
5 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
401 – 500 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
6 |
University of Waikato |
401 – 500 |
5.5 |
6.5 |
|
7 |
University of Canterbury |
501 – 600 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
8 |
Massey University |
501 – 600 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
QS World University Rankings
|
Rank |
University |
Global Rank |
IELTS Requirement (Undergraduate) |
IELTS Requirement (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
University of Auckland |
68 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
2 |
University of Otago |
206 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
3 |
Massey University |
239 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
4 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
241 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
5 |
University of Waikato |
250 |
5.5 |
6.5 |
|
6 |
University of Canterbury |
256 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
7 |
Lincoln University |
362 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
8 |
Auckland University of Technology |
407 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
| IELTS Reading Band Score | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| IELTS Speaking Band Score | IELTS Writing Band Score |
IELTS Score Requirements for Colleges in New Zealand
In addition to universities, several colleges in New Zealand also accept students with an IELTS band score of 5.5 or above. Below is a list of institutions and their minimum IELTS requirements.
|
University/College |
IELTS Overall |
IELTS Writing |
IELTS Reading |
IELTS Listening |
IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Auckland University of Technology |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
Lincoln University |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
Massey University |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
University of Auckland |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
University of Canterbury |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
University of Otago |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
University of Waikato |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
Victoria University of Wellington |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
Minimum IELTS Score for New Zealand Student Visa
You must meet specific English language requirements to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. The general IELTS requirements for different study programs are as follows:
|
Program of Study |
Minimum IELTS Requirement |
Minimum Academic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
|
Diploma |
6.0 (no band less than 5.5) |
Passed High School |
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
6.0 (no band less than 5.5) |
Passed High School |
|
Graduate Diploma |
6.0 (no band less than 5.5) |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
Postgraduate Diploma |
6.5 (no band less than 6.0) |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
Master’s Degree |
6.5 (no band less than 6.0) |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Can I Study in New Zealand with an IELTS Band of 5.5?
Yes, some universities and colleges in New Zealand accept applications from students with an IELTS band of 5.5. However, you may need to meet additional requirements, such as:
-
Enrolling in an English language preparatory course before starting your main degree.
-
Providing proof of other English proficiency tests or qualifications.
-
Demonstrating strong academic performance in previous studies.
All New Zealand universities, colleges, immigration authorities, and professional organizations widely accept the IELTS exam. If you plan to study in New Zealand, taking IELTS is one of the primary ways to meet English language requirements and secure admission. With multiple test centers, free practice materials, and a well-structured format, IELTS helps students succeed in their study-abroad journey.
Also Read:
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
| What is IELTS Exam? | Documents Required for IELTS Registration |
| IELTS exam eligibility requirements | IELTS Exam Fees |
| IELTS test results | IELTS Exam Pattern |
IELTS Score for New Zealand FAQs
Is IELTS 5.5 bands eligible for New Zealand?
What is a good IELTS score for New Zealand?
What IELTS score is required for a New Zealand visa?
Can I get PR in New Zealand with the IELTS Exam?
Is the IELTS 4.5 band eligible for New Zealand?
What is the minimum IELTS score required for a student visa in New Zealand?
Is a 7.5 IELTS score good for New Zealand?
Can I apply to New Zealand universities with an IELTS 5.5 band?
Do all New Zealand universities accept IELTS?
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