Minimum IELTS Scores for New Zealand Universities: New Zealand is a popular destination for international students due to its reputable education system, safe environment, and globally recognized qualifications. However, if you are an international student from non English-speaking countries and wish to study in prestigious universities in New Zealand, you must demonstrate strong English proficiency through IELTS exam. IELTS is accepted by the majority of New Zealand universities, immigration authorities, and the government to check ELP. Here, we have offered the minimum IELTS scores for New Zealand universities for international students.
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Minimum IELTS Scores for New Zealand Universities
IELTS is accepted for both study purposes and visa registration. Here, we have provided the minimum IELTS scores for New Zealand universities as well as student visa requirements.
Minimum IELTS Score for New Zealand Student Visa
The minimum IELTS scores for New Zealand study visa is 6.0 band. Students must score at least 6.0 band score to apply for a New Zealand visa. This is the minimum requirement for international students, however, the cutoff may vary depending on specific universities or programmes.
Also Read: IELTS Score for New Zealand, Top Universities, Colleges, Minimum Score
IELTS Requirements by Programme Level
Each academic level in New Zealand has its own IELTS band score and academic eligibility criteria.
| IELTS Requirements by Programme Level |
|
Program Level
|
Minimum IELTS Score
|
Academic Requirements
|
|
Diploma (Level 5 & 6)
|
6.0 overall, no band less than 5.5
|
Completed 12th grade with 50–60%
|
|
Bachelor’s Degree (Level 7)
|
6.0 overall, no band less than 5.5
|
Completed 12th grade with minimum 60%
|
|
Graduate Diploma (Level 7)
|
6.0 overall, no band less than 5.5
|
Bachelor’s degree with 55–60%
|
|
Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8)
|
6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0
|
Bachelor’s degree with at least 60%
|
|
Master’s Degree (Level 9)
|
6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0
|
Bachelor’s with 60% + minimum 2 years work experience
|
IELTS Requirements for Popular New Zealand Universities
New Zealand is home to eight major universities. The majority of these universities are listed among the top 500 world universities by QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Rankings. The IELTS cutoff and minimum requirements may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for specific universities. Below are the minimum IELTS scores for New Zealand universities based on Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings (2025).
|
THE 2025 Rankings & IELTS Requirements
|
|
University
|
THE Global Rank
|
Undergraduate IELTS
|
Postgraduate IELTS
|
|
University of Auckland
|
150
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
University of Otago
|
351–400
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Auckland University of Technology
|
401–500
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Lincoln University
|
501–600
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Victoria University of Wellington
|
401–500
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
|
University of Waikato
|
401–500
|
5.5
|
6.5
|
|
University of Canterbury
|
501–600
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
|
Massey University
|
501–600
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
Below are the minimum IELTS score requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at New Zealand's prestigious universities, based on the QS World University Rankings 2025:
| QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|
University
|
QS Global Rank 2025
|
Undergraduate IELTS Requirement
|
Postgraduate IELTS Requirement
|
|
University of Auckland
|
65
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
University of Otago
|
214
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Massey University
|
235
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Victoria University of Wellington
|
239
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
University of Waikato
|
244
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
University of Canterbury
|
261
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Lincoln University
|
371
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
|
Auckland University of Technology
|
412
|
6.0
|
6.5
|
IELTS Academic vs General – Which One to Choose?
Which test to take between Academic and IELTS General Training depends on the goal of the candidate.
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IELTS Academic test: For a diploma, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree.
-
IELTS General Training test is not accepted for university or college admissions in New Zealand.
IELTS Academic is mandatory for all university-level studies in New Zealand for international students. The minimum IELTS scores for New Zealand is 6.0 for a student visa. The majority of the undergraduate programmes require 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5. Postgraduate programmes generally expect 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. Requirements can differ between universities and even specific faculties, so always confirm with your target institution.
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
