Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Guide minimum scores
The Manaaki eligibility page (nzscholarships.govt.nz) says each university or institution sets the minimum English level and that some courses ask for more. It gives these guide minimums.
| Test | Postgraduate | Undergraduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 6.0, no band below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90, writing 21 | 80, writing 21 |
| PTE Academic | 58, no communicative skill below 50 | 50, no communicative skill below 42 |
| Cambridge Academic English (advanced) | 176, no band below 169 | 169, no band below 162 |
When you take the test and who pays
Testing happens in the final selection stages. If you already passed an approved test in the last 12 months, your institution may accept it; if not, you are told when to sit one (Manaaki). This rule does not apply to candidates applying for tertiary study in the Pacific.
Manaaki organises and pays for IELTS for shortlisted applicants from a listed group of countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and several Pacific nations. Everyone else books and pays for their own test, and the institution reimburses the cost on arrival in New Zealand if you are selected. IELTS applicants need a valid passport.
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English training if you are close
Some preferred candidates whose scores are close may get English training paid by the scholarship: up to one year for Pacific and Timor-Leste candidates, and up to one semester in New Zealand for most other countries. The page says training is not available for PhD applicants (Manaaki).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS to apply for Manaaki?+
No. Only shortlisted applicants for tertiary study in New Zealand must provide an English test score.
What IELTS score does Manaaki need for a master's?+
The guide minimum is 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Your university may ask for more.
Does Manaaki accept PTE?+
Yes. The postgraduate guide minimum is PTE Academic 58 with no communicative skill below 50.
Is an older IELTS result accepted?+
The page says scores from the last 12 months may be accepted by your institution.
Can PhD applicants get English training?+
No. The page says English language training is not available for PhD scholars.
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Guide updated on 31 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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