NZQA English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to show that your English is strong enough for study before you can enrol.

IELTS Academic is our preferred test. The score you need depends on the level of the programme you are applying for, and some programmes have higher requirements than the standard minimums. Please check your programme page for the scores you need, or see the NZQA English language requirements.

Accepted English tests

• IELTS – www.ielts.org
• TOEFL iBT – www.ets.org/toefl
• Cambridge English Qualifications (FCE / FCE for Schools, CAE, CPE) – www.cambridgeenglish.org
• OET (Occupational English Test) – www.oet.com
• NZCEL – New Zealand Certificate in English Language
• PTE Academic – www.pearsonpte.com
• LanguageCert – www.languagecert.org
• Trinity ISE – www.trinitycollege.com

Test rules

• Tests must be taken at an authorised, registered or approved test centre. Online tests are not accepted.
• Scores should come from a single test report or certificate, unless the test provider’s rules say otherwise.
• TOEFL iBT: tests taken from 21 January 2026 cannot currently be accepted, as NZQA has not yet approved the new scoring system. Tests in the previous format are still accepted.

Assessment and exemptions

Each application is assessed individually, and the assessment is final.

You may be exempt from providing a test result based on your country of origin, prior education or other criteria. See the NZQA entry requirements for full details.