New Zealand Entrance Exam Guide 2026
Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying in New Zealand into reality.
New Zealand has consistently ranked among the top 10 countries for offering quality education that attracts global students. The country certainly offers several benefits to international students, starting from high education standards and excellent post-study opportunities to quality of life and rejuvenation in stunning landscapes. All these benefits come with a set of requirements for international admissions.
International students planning to study in the country are required to take New Zealand entrance exams to demonstrate their readiness to undertake the demanding coursework on an international platform. Before they begin their academic journey or even the application process, international aspirants must prepare for these exams. Let us delve into the major exams for New Zealand universities and colleges for their various undergraduate and graduate programmes.
What Exams are Required to Study in New Zealand?
When planning to study in New Zealand, international students must provide various exam scores to prove their ability to take up rigorous international coursework in a multicultural environment. From English proficiency tests to standardised aptitude and subject-specific entrance tests, a complete list of New Zealand entrance exams is listed below:
| Exam Type | Exams Accepted | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency Tests | IELTS Academic | Undergraduate and postgraduate courses |
| TOEFL iBT | ||
| PTE Academic | ||
| Duolingo English Test | ||
| CAE or CPE | ||
| NZCEL | Courses on all levels | |
| Undergraduate Aptitude Tests | SAT | General undergraduate admissions for all fields |
| ACT | ||
| UCAT ANZ | Undergraduate courses in Medicine, Dentistry, and Clinical Science | |
| Graduate Aptitude Tests | GRE | Graduate courses in Science, Engineering, Arts, and other fields |
| GMAT | MBA and other Business-related graduate degrees |
Let us explore each of the New Zealand entrance exam in detail.
English Entrance Exam for New Zealand
All New Zealand universities and colleges deliver several courses in the English language. Hence, applicants from non-English-speaking countries must provide a minimum specified score of at least one English exam for New Zealand to prove their language skills. The details of all English proficiency tests accepted in the country are given below:
IELTS Academic
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised English proficiency test designed to assess the language skills of individuals looking to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. It evaluates four key language areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The test is available in two formats: IELTS Academic, for those pursuing higher education, and IELTS General Training, for individuals migrating or seeking work opportunities. Accepted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide, IELTS is renowned for its fairness and reliability.
| IELTS Academic Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| IELTS Exam Fees | INR 18,000 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening) |
| Score Requirement | UG: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) PG: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) |
TOEFL iBT
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a widely accepted standardised test that measures the English proficiency of non-native speakers. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the TOEFL is primarily used by universities, colleges, and institutions to assess the readiness of applicants for academic programmes in English-speaking countries.
The test evaluates four key skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most common format, known for its focus on academic English used in classroom settings.
| TOEFL Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 1 hour 56 minutes |
| TOEFL Exam Fees | INR 16,900 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening) |
| Score Requirement | UG: 80 or above (a minimum of 20 in Writing) PG: 90 - 100 or above (a minimum of 21 or 22 in Writing) |
PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English proficiency exam designed to assess the skills of non-native speakers for study, work, or migration purposes. PTE is available in different versions, including PTE Academic, which focuses on academic English used in universities and institutions, and PTE General, intended for those seeking to demonstrate everyday language proficiency.
The test evaluates speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills through integrated and practical tasks. PTE Academic is recognised by universities, governments, and employers around the world for its fast results and accuracy. A unique benefit of taking the PTE is fast results that are available within 48 hours (faster than other major English proficiency tests).
| PTE Academic Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| PTE Exam Fees | INR 18,000 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening) |
| Level 7 Score Requirement | For General UG / Graduate Diplomas: 50 overall (no communicative skill score below 42) |
| Levels 8-10 Score Requirement | For General PG / Master's / Doctorate: 58 overall (no communicative skill score below 50) |
| PG / MBA Score Requirement | Competitive Programme Requirements: 65-70 overall (may require higher sectional scores (such as 65 in all sections) |
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an affordable and convenient English proficiency test to access the English language skills for various purposes. Its fully online testing model has gained wide acceptance among global universities post-pandemic. It is a comparatively short exam administered entirely remotely.
Although it is accepted for international student admission purposes by many New Zealand universities, it may not be accepted for a student visa by Immigration NZ. So, international aspirants may still need to submit an IELTS Academic or TOEFL score for the New Zealand Student Visa application.
| Duolingo English Test Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 1 hour (total time, including 45 mins for the Adaptive Test and 10 mins for the Writing/Speaking Sample) |
| Duolingo Exam Fees | 1 Test = US $59 2 Tests = US $100 (bundle purchase) |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Number of Sections | 2 main sections (Adaptive Test and Writing/Speaking Sample), scored across 4 sub-scores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production). |
| Score Requirement | UG: Overall score of 105 - 110 PG: Overall score of 115 - 120 or higher |
CAE or CPE: Cambridge English Qualifications
Both Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced (CAE) and C2 Proficiency (CPE) are high-level English certificates that are globally accepted by various institutions and organisations. Both CAE and CPE are accepted by New Zealand universities and colleges.
Unlike the IELTS Academic or TOEFL, the Cambridge English certificate has indefinite validity. However, some institutions require the scores from the last 2-3 years.
| Exam Details | C1 Advanced (CAE) | C2 Proficiency (CPE) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Duration | Nearly 4 hours (over multiple papers) | |
| Exam Fees | NZ $460 in New Zealand; varies by country and centre | Slightly higher than CAE; varies by country and centre |
| Score Validity | Indefinite, but most universities enforce a 2-year rule for admission | |
| Number of Sections | 4 Papers: Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking | |
| Score Requirement | UG: 169 overall (Grade C) with no band below 162 PG: 176 overall with no band below 169 | UG: 169 overall (Grade C) PG: 176 overall with no band below 169 |
NZCEL
The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) is used as a pathway for international students for direct entry into a higher-level degree without the need for IELTS Academic or TOEFL. It is an in-country option offered by various providers (universities, polytechnics, and private schools) within New Zealand.
A structured English course, NZCEL is not a standardised exam but a full-time course that takes about 16 - 19 weeks per level, which is equivalent to a full semester. International students can opt for this course to improve their English in New Zealand before starting their main degree.
| NZCEL Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 16 to 19 weeks per level (a full semester) |
| NZCEL Exam Fees | NZ $6,000 - $8,000 per level for international students |
| Score Validity | Indefinite validity (most institutions require the scores from the last 2 years) |
| Number of Sections | 2 sections, assessing 4 skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking |
| Score Requirement | Pass the specified NZCEL Academic Level to suit your course requirement: UG: Level 4 Academic is equivalent to IELTS 6.0 bands PG: Level 5 Academic is equivalent to IELTS 6.5 - 7.0 bands |
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Undergraduate Aptitude Tests
New Zealand universities assess international undergraduate applications based on the NZQA assessment for academic equivalence and applicants’ on their school-leaving qualifications from their home country. These include A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, or a foreign high school diploma. The SAT and ACT scores are optional and may be submitted to support an application.
Additionally, certain medicine and healthcare courses in New Zealand require applicants to prove their knowledge and suitability to undertake the demanding international coursework in medical studies. The commonly accepted New Zealand entrance exams are described below:
SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardised test for undergraduate admissions in international colleges, mostly in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Administered by the College Board, the exam is accepted by over 4,000 institutions in more than 85 countries.
SAT is a digital, computer-based exam designed to evaluate college-level readiness. It assesses Reading, Writing, and Mathematical skills. The exam is not mandatory, but optional for most institutions, hence its score is used as a way to boost an application or qualify for international scholarships in New Zealand.
| SAT Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
| SAT Exam Fees | Registration Fee = US $68 International Fee = US $43 Total SAT Fee = US $111 |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Number of Sections | 2 (Reading & Writing, and Mathematics) |
| Required Score | 1200 - 1400+ |
ACT
The American College Testing (ACT) is a standardised test used for undergraduate admissions in the United States. It is designed to test international applicants’ readiness and measure general educational development for rigorous and demanding college-level coursework.
Scored on a scale of 1 to 36, the ACT evaluates candidates’ knowledge in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional essay for Writing skills. Though New Zealand universities go test-optional for this exam, ACT scores can be used to enhance the international applicants’ profiles.
| ACT Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 55 minutes (additional 40 minutes for the optional Writing section) |
| ACT Exam Fees | US $186.50 (without Writing) US $211.50 (with Writing) |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Number of Sections | 4 (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science) |
| Required Score | 25+ on the 36 scale |
UCAT ANZ
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is a 2-hour computer-based standardised test that assesses medical aspirants based on their skills and abilities to study and practice medicine in Australia and New Zealand.
The score of this exam is required by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of Universities in Australia and New Zealand for all dental, medical, and clinical science degree programmes. Designed specifically for these two countries, this exam is widely accepted by all medical institutions in both countries.
| UCAT ANZ Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 111 minutes (under 2 hours) |
| UCAT ANZ Exam Fees | AU $395 (for tests taken outside Australia/New Zealand) |
| Score Validity | 1 year (valid only for the admission cycle immediately following the test) |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Situational Judgement) |
| Required Score | 1200 - 3600 (for competitive scores, 80% or higher for admission interviews) |
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Graduate Aptitude Tests
New Zealand entrance exams for graduate admissions include the commonly accepted global GRE and GMAT for demanding graduate coursework in the field of Engineering, Business and Management, Finance and Investment, Science and Technology, and many more.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used for admission to graduate programmes, business schools, and professional institutions worldwide. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE assesses analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.
Available in two formats: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests, the exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's readiness for graduate-level academic work. The GRE General Test is the most widely taken, and it is accepted by thousands of universities globally, including many in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
| GRE Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| GRE Exam Fees | INR 22,000 for General Test INR 14,500 for Subject Test |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning) |
| Required Score | 310 - 325 overall (competitive for top programmes) |
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam designed to assess the analytical, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills of individuals seeking admission to graduate management programmes such as MBA, Master of Finance, and other business-related degrees.
Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT is accepted by over 7,000 business and management programmes worldwide. The exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's preparedness for advanced business studies.
| GMAT Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| GMAT Exam Fees | US $275 (INR 23,500) for Test Centre version US $300 (INR 25,600) for Online exam |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights) |
| Required Score | 550 - 650 (waived for MBA applicants with significant work experience) |
The scores of the aforementioned exams play a crucial role in the selection for not only university admissions but also various scholarships for international students. A good standardised exam score, especially the English proficiency test score, can go a long way in increasing your chances of student visa approval.
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