Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
IELTS and other minimums by scheme
Immigration New Zealand accepts seven tests: IELTS General or Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, B2 First, B2 First for Schools and OET. You must sit the test in person at a test centre, at-home tests are not accepted, and the result must be no more than 2 years old when you apply. (INZ)
| Scheme | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (test required) | Overall 5.5 | Overall 42 | Overall 46 |
| Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam | Overall 4.5 | Overall 30 | Overall 32 |
| Peru (optional) | 5.0 speaking and 1 other skill | 36 speaking and 1 other skill | 14 speaking and listening 4, reading 4 or writing 14 |
When you can skip the test
Philippines and Turkey applicants can instead show a tertiary qualification from an institution where all tuition was in English. Thailand applicants can provide other evidence that they already speak and understand English. China and Vietnam applicants must take a test.
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 mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
B2 First and OET minimums
B2 First and B2 First for Schools minimums are 162 overall for China, 147 overall for the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam, and 154 in speaking plus one other skill for Peru.
OET needs grade C or higher in all 4 skills for China and the four other required schemes, or grade C in speaking plus one other skill for Peru.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the INZ working holiday English page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does the UK or Canada working holiday scheme need IELTS?+
No. INZ says there are no English requirements for any working holiday visas other than those listed.
Is IELTS General Training accepted?+
Yes. INZ lists the IELTS General or Academic module.
Why would a Peru applicant take a test?+
INZ says showing English for the Peru scheme reduces the amount of money you need to bring for living costs.
Can I take an at-home test?+
No. You must sit it in person at a test centre.
Keep reading
Related
- Australian 417 Working Holiday and English
- IELTS for the 462 Work and Holiday visa
- IELTS test centres in New Zealand
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages 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