The IELTS score is required for New Zealand universities to measure the English language proficiency of individuals. Generally, the IELTS band required for New Zealand universities can range from 6.0 to 7.0. A good IELTS score helps students to gain more admission opportunities in New Zealand universities. While considering the study visa, the requirement IELTS score for a New Zealand student visa in 2026 is 6.5 bands. As the course of instruction in New Zealand is in English, the universities require the student's English language test scores. However, many international students choose the IELTS exam to study in New Zealand. For study purposes, the candidates should take the IELTS Academic exam type. Some universities even accept the score of IELTS online format. All these requirements can be checked by candidates prior to the university application process and proceed accordingly.
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Many universities accept the IELTS exam for admission purposes. This New Zealand band requirement for IELTS varies for each university and course. Generally, the required IELTS score for New Zealand's top universities is 6.0 to 7.0. Whereas, some of the cheapest universities in New Zealand require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5.
As the IELTS exam measures skills like reading, writing, speaking and listening, so along with the overall IELTS scores the individual section scores are also considered as the admission criteria.
University Name | Min IELTS Score (UG courses) | Min IELTS Score (master courses) |
6.0 | 6.5 | |
6.0 | 6.5 | |
6.0 | 6.5 | |
6.0 | 6.5 | |
6.0 | 6.5 | |
6.0 | 6.0 | |
6.0 | 6.5 | |
6.0 | 6.5 |
As tuition fees at the top New Zealand universities can be expensive, international can also check for the IELTS score requirement at the cheapest universities in this country. In general, the IELTS score required to study at the cheap universities in New Zealand is 6.0 to 6.5.
University Name | Min IELTS Score (UG courses) | Min IELTS Score (masters courses) |
Victoria University of Wellington | 6.0 | 6.5 |
University of Waikato | 6.0 | 6.5 |
Southern Institute of Technology | 6.0 | 7.0 |
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology | 6.0 | 6.5 |
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) | 6.0 | 6.5 |
There is no separate IELTS band requirement for a New Zealand study visa. Candidates applying for the New Zealand student visa have to meet the course-based English language requirements given by the university. A general 5.5 to 6.5 IELTS band is required for New Zealand universities depending on the course enrolled by the student. The list of course levels and their New Zealand band requirement for IELTS are mentioned in the table below.
The IELTS score can vary for each course even within the same university. Some specialised courses or dual degree courses can also have varied IELTS requirements. However, there are certain factors involved in bringing up this variation.
Course Level | Min IELTS Score Requirement | Individual IELTS Section Scores |
Bachelors | 6.0 | 5.5 |
Masters | 6.5 | 6.0 |
PG courses | 6.5 | 6.0 |
Diploma | 6.0 | 5.5 |
Graduate Diploma | 6.0 | 5.5 |
Post-Graduate Diploma | 6.5 | 6.0 |
International students who are planning to study in the school sector or study English language courses need not be required to submit any English language test score for visa purposes.
The possible factors that can affect the IELTS qualifying score for courses are mentioned below.
First, each university has its own English proficiency requirements depending on its academic requirements and teaching standards.
As the course level increases, there are chances of varied vocabulary and technical terminology usage.
Few language or literature courses require high usage of English speaking and writing skills, depending on the curriculum requirements.
International students who completed their studies in New Zealand have the opportunity to work and stay in this country for up to 3 years by applying for a post-study work visa. There is no separate requirement for an IELTS score for a New Zealand post-study work visa. Students can directly apply for a post-study visa based on the level of study or education qualification secured in New Zealand.
Students who fail to meet the IELTS score for New Zealand universities by a few bands can opt to enrol on English pathway programs. The English language pathways programs in New Zealand universities help the student improve their IELTS score and help in achieving admission to their preferred New Zealand universities.
The IELTS score for New Zealand is not the only English language proficiency proof required to study in this country. There are universities in New Zealand that accept admission without the IELTS. Here are the alternatives to study in New Zealand without IELTS.
Prior study in English - Students who have completed their previous education (recently within two years) in an English medium of instruction in the selected colleges or universities in their home country.
Provide the other English proficiency test reports like PTE, CAE, CPE, TOEFL, etc.
Completed any graduate diplomas from New Zealand universities or polytechnic institutes.
Passport holders of English-speaking countries like USA, Canada, etc.
The IELTS alternative options can differ for each university. So, candidates can check each university requirement separately before applying for IELTS.
While checking universities' English language requirements, cross-check the following details.
IELTS Test Type - Few universities will not accept the IELTS one-skill retake scores. So, check the university website to confirm its acceptance.
IELTS Score Validity - Only the recent IELTS scores of the last two years will be accepted.
Time limit to Submit IELTS Scores - Students waiting for their IELTS score can still apply for university application. However, candidates are admitted only after meeting the IELTS qualifying score.
Know more about IELTS:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply for PR in New Zealand, the candidate needs to have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 bands. While the applicant partners and dependants require an IELTS score of 5.5 bands.
To study nursing courses in New Zealand students need to achieve an expected IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for admission purposes. For UG level nursing course it is 6.0 bands and for PG level nursing course it is 6.5 IELTS bands.
To work in New Zealand, candidates have to meet the minimum English language requirements. So, for this purpose, individuals need to attempt English language proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.
To apply for PR in New Zealand, the candidate needs to have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 bands. While the applicant partners and dependants require an IELTS score of 5.5 bands.
Yes, some universities and courses accept the 5.5 IELTS score in New Zealand. However, to seek admission into the top universities students have to score at least 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS score.
On Question asked by student community
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Private universities in Germany are more flexible than public ones. You can apply for courses in management, business, or IT fields. However, you must justify
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Here are the links where you can get study material for IELTS :
2. IELTS Preparation books and study materials 2025
Hope it helps !
The national test dates are September 6, 13, 18, and 27 for ielts academic exam.
Test centers and their addresses are decided by IDP Education and are available in major cities across the country.
You can get address here IELTS TEST CENTRES
You are running short of time usually the
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It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements
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