Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
AIS English scores by programme
From AIS's Bachelor of Information Technology, Master of Information Technology and MBA pages.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Information Technology | 6.0, no band below 5.5 | PTE 50 (no band below 42); TOEFL iBT 60 (writing 18); NZCEL (Academic) Level 4 |
| Master of Information Technology | Academic 6.5, no band below 6.0 | PTE 58 (no band below 50); TOEFL iBT 79 (writing 21); NZCEL (Academic) Level 5 |
| Master of Business Administration | Academic 6.5, no band below 6.0 | PTE 58 (no band below 50); TOEFL iBT 79 (writing 21); NZCEL Level 5 |
TOEFL warning and AIS English levels
AIS says TOEFL iBT is accepted only for tests taken before 21 January 2026, because the new TOEFL format is not currently accepted by New Zealand tertiary providers. The Australia-format TOEFL iBT on the original scale remains acceptable. If you are booking a test now, IELTS or PTE is the safer choice.
AIS's equivalent qualifications page maps its own English course levels to test scores: Advanced level equals IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or PTE 50 (42), and Upper Intermediate equals IELTS 5.5 (5.0) or PTE 42 (36). It also lists Cambridge, TEP and LanguageCert equivalents.
Free test: are you at AIS's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Fees and how to check
AIS lists 2027 international tuition of NZ$22,000 per 120 credits for the Bachelor of Information Technology and NZ$42,834 for the Master of Information Technology, plus resource and enrolment fees.
Requirements vary by programme and change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your AIS programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does AIS need for the Master of IT?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or PTE Academic 58 with no band below 50.
What IELTS does AIS need for the Bachelor of IT?+
IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or PTE Academic 50 with no band below 42.
Does AIS accept the new TOEFL iBT?+
No. AIS accepts TOEFL iBT only for tests taken before 21 January 2026, or the Australia-format TOEFL iBT.
Can I study English at AIS instead of taking IELTS?+
Yes. AIS maps its own English levels to IELTS, so completing the right AIS level can meet the requirement.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in New Zealand accepting IELTS 6.0
- IELTS for New Zealand
- University of Auckland IELTS requirement
- NZSE IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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