What IELTS score do you need for a New Zealand student visa?

NZQA sets these in Rule 21 of its Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules, for programmes leading to qualifications at levels 3 to 10 on the NZQCF (NZQA). Scores are copied from NZQA's table of internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes. A New Zealand bachelor's degree is level 7; postgraduate study is level 8 and above.

IELTS must be taken at an official IELTS test centre, all scores must come from a single Test Report Form, and the IELTS One Skill Retake can be accepted. The result must be achieved in the two years before the programme's start date. PTE must be taken at a PTE test centre, from a single score report.

A new TOEFL iBT format launched on 21 January 2026. NZQA says its scores do not align with the table, so non-university tertiary providers cannot accept it; tests taken before that date, and the TOEFL iBT Australia / New Zealand test, can be accepted.

Instead of a test, providers can accept other evidence, including NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, a degree taught in English from a listed country (such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK or the US), or 5 years of secondary schooling in English in a listed country. English language programmes are exempt from these rules.

NZQA's table is a minimum. Where a programme's own entry requirement is higher, "the student must meet that higher level". Check your course page before booking. Our IELTS for New Zealand overview collects typical university requirements.

Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the NZQA English language entry requirements page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates that page as read on 6 October 2026; it is not migration advice.