Minimum English scores at AUT
Figures come from AUT's bachelor's degree and master's degree English requirement pages. AUT publishes separate pages for other levels, such as graduate diplomas, postgraduate diplomas and doctorates. You must meet the score in a single sitting.
| Test | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (not IELTS Online) | 6.0 overall, all bands 5.5 or higher | 6.5 overall, all bands 6.0 or higher |
| PTE Academic (not PTE Online) | 50, all other scores 42 or higher | 58, all other scores 50 or higher |
| TOEFL iBT | 80; reading 15, listening 15, speaking 18, writing 20 | 90; writing 24, reading 20, listening 20, speaking 20 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169, no band below 162 | 176, no band below 169 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | 120 |
One Skill Retake, validity and higher requirements
AUT states that IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted. The retake must be completed within 60 days of your original test and booked as a One Skill Retake.
Results are valid for two years from the date on the test certificate to the time you apply to AUT. Note that AUT counts to your application date, not your start date. Some AUT programmes ask for more than these minimums; the programme page gives the score, and these two pages name no examples.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free scored IELTS mock →AUT Academic English and the student visa
If you do not meet the requirement yet, you can study AUT Academic English (AUT AE) first. A B overall with all skills C+ or higher meets the bachelor's standard; a B+ overall with all skills B or higher meets the master's standard. Some AUT programmes do not accept AUT AE for entry.
The New Zealand student visa does not set an IELTS band of its own: the university decides whether your English meets its entry standard, and its offer of place is what you submit. So the scores on this page are the ones that matter. AUT can change them for a new intake; check the linked page before you book a test. This guide restates the university's pages; it is not admissions advice.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do I need for AUT?+
6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher for a bachelor's degree, and 6.5 with all bands 6.0 or higher for a master's degree.
Does AUT accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes, if it is completed within 60 days of the original test and booked as a One Skill Retake.
Does AUT accept IELTS Online or PTE Online?+
No. AUT states that IELTS Academic Online and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
What PTE score does AUT need?+
50 overall with all other scores 42 or higher for a bachelor's degree, and 58 with all others 50 or higher for a master's.
Does AUT accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 105 for a bachelor's degree and 120 for a master's degree.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for New Zealand: universities and visas
- PTE for New Zealand compared
- University of Auckland IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy