Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Whitecliffe English scores by level
From Whitecliffe's English proficiency requirements 2026.
| Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | 5.5 (General or Academic), no band below 5.0 | 42, no band below 36 | 46 (writing 14) |
| Level 5 | Academic 5.5, no band below 5.0 | 42, no band below 36 | 46 (writing 14) |
| Level 6 and 7 (diplomas, bachelor's) | Academic 6.0, no band below 5.5 | 50, no band below 42 | 60 (writing 18) |
| Level 8 to 10 (postgraduate, master's) | Academic 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 58, no band below 50 | 79 (writing 21) |
Test rules
IELTS must be taken at an official test centre, with scores from a single test report form; the One Skill Retake can be accepted. TOEFL iBT must be taken entirely at a test centre, so the paper edition and MyBest scores are not accepted. PTE must be taken at a test centre, from a single score report.
Cambridge English (169 with no skill below 162 at Level 6-7; 176 with no skill below 169 at Level 8-10), OET, NZCEL, LanguageCert and Trinity ISE are also on the table. Duolingo is not.
Free test: are you at Whitecliffe's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Exemptions and how to check
School leavers from Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden can use set English grades from their school certificates instead of a test. Academic entry requirements are set by each programme.
Requirements vary by programme and change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your Whitecliffe programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Whitecliffe publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does Whitecliffe need for a bachelor's degree?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5 for Level 6 and 7 study.
What IELTS does Whitecliffe need for a master's?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for Level 8 to 10.
Does Whitecliffe accept the IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes. Its 2026 requirements say the One Skill Retake can be accepted.
Does Whitecliffe accept TOEFL Home Edition?+
No. TOEFL iBT must be taken entirely at an authorised test centre, and MyBest scores are not accepted.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in New Zealand accepting IELTS 6.5
- IELTS for New Zealand
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- Media Design School IELTS requirement
- Yoobee College IELTS requirement
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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