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The Minimum IELTS Band Scores for New Zealand Universities

With its gorgeous natural landscape, high quality and British-style education system, New Zealand has been growing in popularity as a study destination.

Gaining entry to study in New Zealand colleges isn't all that difficult, though there are specific requirements you should meet, one of which is to prove that you have minimum proficiency in the English language.

The IELTS score requirements vary according to your intended program of study, and among the universities.

If you are still deciding between IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training, the answer is simple - universities accept only IELTS Academic!

Minimum IELTS Score to Obtain a Study Visa

To successfully obtain a New Zealand study visa, you need a minimum overall IELTS Band Score of 5.5.

The general New Zealand language and academic requirements are as follows:

Program of Study	IELTS Score Requirement	Minimum Academic Requirements
Diploma L5 & L6	6.0 with no band less than 5.5	Pass 12th Grade with 50-60%
Bachelor L7	6.0 with no band less than 5.5	Pass 12th Grade with 60%
Graduate Diploma L7	6.0 with no band less than 5.5	Bachelor with 55-60%
Post-graduate Diploma L8	6.5 with no band less than 6.0	Bachelor with minimum of 60%
Master Programme L9	6.5 with no band less than 6.0	Bachelor with 60% with two years of work experience

IELTS Requirements for New Zealand universities:

New Zealand has eight universities, all of which are within the world's top 3%!

1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's top university. With eight faculties and over 30,000 students, it is also its largest college.

The minimum IELTS Academic band score for undergraduate programmes is an overall score of 6.0 and 5.5 per band.

However, some programmes have a higher requirement. For example, the engineering program requires a minimum of 7.0 overall and per band. You may refer to this resource

for the degree-specific requirements in Undergraduate level.

For postgraduate programs, the minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall and 6.0 per section.

You can also refer to this resource for degree-specific requirements.

IELTS (Academic) : Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0

2. University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and boasts four faculties as well as an established research program!

The minimum IELTS (Academic) score for undergraduate programs is 6.0 overall and per band. But if you decide to pursue a degree in Teaching or Education Studies, do note that the minimum score is 7.0 overall and per band.

For postgraduate programs, the university requires prospective students to have a minimum overall score of 6.5 and 6.0 per section. However, for Dentistry, Law, and Public Health, there are more stringent requirements.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

The Victoria University of Wellington was established in 1897 and renowned for its Law and Humanities programs.

The minimum IELTS score for undergraduate programs is an overall band of 6.0 and no sub-score below 5.5. For postgraduate programs, it is an overall band of 6.5 and no sub-score below 6.0.

Some programs may have higher score requirements, do ask your Counselor for more information.

4. University of Canterbury

The University of Christchurch is located in Christchurch and offers a range of programs.

International students who wish to enroll in undergraduate programs should minimally have an overall IELTS score of 6.0. You should also get no less than 6.0 for writing and 5.5 for each of the other sections.

If you are applying for postgraduate programs, an overall score of 6.5 as well as 6.0 in writing and 5.5 for each of the other sections is required.

Do contact the admissions office to inquire if other language qualifications you already have met the requirement! Exceptions are given on a case-by-case basis.

5. University of Waikato

The University of Waikato was founded in 1984 and is one of New Zealand’s younger universities.

The minimum IELTS requirement is an overall score of 6.0 with no bands below 5.5 for undergraduate programs and a total score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0 for postgraduate applications.

6. Massey University

Massey University is one of New Zealand's younger universities and the only college to offer aviation programs!

For undergraduate programs, the minimum IELTS (Academic) requirement is 6.0 with no band less than 5.5. For postgraduate degrees, you need a score of 6.5 overall with no section less than 6.0.

7. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is well known for its agricultural programs and is New Zealand's 3rd oldest college.

To do an undergraduate course, you need a score of 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 per section. For postgraduate programs, a total score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 is expected.

8. Auckland University of Technology

Auckland university began in 1906 and offers a wide range of programs from Culture & Society to Health & Environmental Sciences.

For AUT qualifications, IELTS Academic is the preferred test. However, you may also take other tests such as GIE and TOEFL.

For undergraduate programs, the minimum IELTS score is 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 per section. To enroll in a postgraduate program, you need a total score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 per section.

Ready to Take the IELTS Test?

Taking the IELTS test is the first step towards getting into your dream college in New Zealand!

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