What are the IELTS and TOEFL score requirements for admission to New Zealand universities?
You need IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for undergraduate admission in New Zealand, and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 for a Master's or PhD. Nursing, medicine, and teaching demand IELTS 7.0 or higher, and your scores stay valid for two years.
Your required score in New Zealand depends on your degree level and your chosen field, not a single blanket number. A standard Master's needs IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90, but if you are heading into nursing, medicine, law, or teaching, expect that bar to rise to 7.0 or higher across every section. Keep in mind your scores are only valid for two years from your test date.
Minimum Scores by Degree Level
| Degree Level | Minimum IELTS Academic | Minimum TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma or Foundation | 5.5 overall, no band below 5.0 | 46 or higher, Writing minimum 14 |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor's) | 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 | 80 or higher, Writing minimum 19 to 20 |
| Postgraduate (Master's/PhD) | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | 90 or higher, Writing minimum 21 |
Exceptions You Need to Know
- Education and teaching programs need IELTS 7.0 to 7.5 or TOEFL iBT 98 or higher, with strict requirements on every component
- Nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry require IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0
- Postgraduate law and specialized engineering courses often raise the baseline to IELTS 7.0 as well
- Major universities like Auckland accept the IELTS One Skill Retake if completed within 60 days of your original exam
My Advice
Do not assume the standard 6.5 applies to every course; check your specific department page before you book your test, since nursing and education applicants routinely get caught out by the higher 7.0 requirement. If you narrowly miss one band, ask your target university whether they accept the One Skill Retake before you commit to a full re-sit.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which does NZ accept?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
More IELTS questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
- Do I need to score well in GRE, GMAT, or IELTS to get good scholarships in top business schools for a MBA?
- Is it possible to get an IELTS exemption if my transcript states that my medium of instruction was English?
- Will you help with the IELTS application process and provide guidance on the required documents and deposits?
- Do I need an IELTS scorecard for the APS certificate required for Germany university applications?
More New Zealand questions
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can you add preferences for good digital marketing and performance marketing courses in New Zealand for a Master's?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Have you discussed your abroad education plan with your parents in UK/Australia?
- Will my work experience from a small company be accepted in New Zealand/Germany for a Master's?
- In New Zealand, how is the job market for HR? Are there good openings for HR or is it more for medical fields for a Master's?
- What is the cost and budget criteria for studying in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore for a Master's?