What IELTS score do you need for the University of Waikato?

Bachelor of Laws (LLB): IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90 with writing 21, or PTE Academic 56 with no band below 46.

Initial Teacher Education (BTchg, GradDipTchg, PGDipTchg) and the MTchgLn: IELTS Academic 7.0 with no band below 7.0, including One Skill Retake results. PTE needs 69 overall with listening 61, reading 62, writing 73 and speaking 79. TOEFL iBT taken after 21 January 2026 needs 5 overall with listening 5, reading 5, writing 5.5 and speaking 4.5.

Waikato's entry page also flags additional English requirements for the Master of Nursing Practice and the Master of Clinical Practice; check those programme pages for the score. Nurses heading for registration should also read our IELTS for nurses in New Zealand guide.

All test results are valid for two years from the test date to your proposed start date at Waikato.

If you fall short, the University of Waikato College runs an Academic English language programme leading to the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English. A B grade at Level 7 meets the undergraduate standard and a B at Level 8 meets the postgraduate standard. There is also a Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation (Pre-Masters).

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. Waikato 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.