- Skilled Migrant
- PTE 58
- Partner / child
- PTE 36
- University entry
- 50 UG · 58 PG
- Fee
- NZD 505
Skilled Migrant Category: the English minimum
| Test | Skilled Migrant principal applicant | Partner or dependent child |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (General Training or Academic) | 6.5 overall | 5 overall |
| PTE Academic | 58 overall | 36 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 overall | 35 overall |
| B2 First / B2 First for Schools | 176 overall | 154 overall |
| OET | C+ in all four skills | C in all four skills |
Immigration New Zealand sets these minimums for skilled residence visas, including the Skilled Migrant Category. The result must be no more than two years old when you apply, and the test must be sat in person at a test centre: remote tests are not accepted. IELTS One Skill Retake is on INZ's approved list. An English test is one route; citizenship or a qualification at level 7 or above completed in English can also meet the requirement.
Student visa: the provider assesses your English
For the Fee Paying Student Visa (from NZD 850), INZ does not publish a test band. Your offer of place must include a declaration from the education provider that it has assessed your English and academic capability to pass the course. INZ says test results are not mandatory for the visa but can help show you genuinely intend to study.
University minimums in PTE
| University (own admissions page) | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | PTE Academic 50, no communicative score below 42 | 58, no communicative score below 50 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 50, communication score no lower than 42 | 58, communication score no lower than 50 |
These are the standard minimums. Some programmes ask more; check the programme page before you book.
PTE fees in New Zealand
| Test | Fee (Pearson price finder, 30 Sep 2026) |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic | NZD 505 |
| PTE Academic UKVI | NZD 505 |
| PTE Core | NZD 505 |
Pearson lists seven test centres in New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Invercargill. IELTS on computer at IDP Auckland is NZD 490 for comparison.
BandLadder pricing in NZD for New Zealand
BandLadder in NZD
One-time access, no automatic renewal. Free practice needs no card. Prices are shown in your currency at checkout as well.
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Pass | 7 days | NZD 11.99 |
| Quick Pass | 15 days | NZD 19.99 |
| Boost | 30 days | NZD 34.99 |
| Ascent | 60 days | NZD 59.00 |
| Elite | 90 days | NZD 79.00 |
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Practice PTE Academic →Frequently asked questions
What PTE score do I need for New Zealand PR (Skilled Migrant)?+
PTE Academic 58 overall for the principal applicant and 36 for a partner or dependent child, from a test sat in person and no more than two years old.
What PTE score is required for a New Zealand student visa?+
INZ sets no score: the provider assesses your English. Auckland and Victoria accept PTE Academic 50 (communicative skills at least 42) for undergraduate and 58 (at least 50) for postgraduate study.
Does New Zealand accept PTE?+
Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists PTE Academic for skilled residence, and the universities above accept it for admission.
IELTS or PTE for New Zealand?+
Both work for Skilled Migrant: 6.5 IELTS or 58 PTE. PTE is NZD 505 and IELTS NZD 490 at IDP Auckland. Choose by a timed mock of each.
How much does PTE cost in New Zealand?+
NZD 505 for PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Core, per Pearson's price finder on 30 September 2026.
Official sources
Reviewed 30 September 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
- Immigration New Zealand: English requirements for skilled residence visas
- Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa
- University of Auckland: undergraduate English requirements
- University of Auckland: postgraduate English requirements
- Victoria University of Wellington: standard undergraduate English
- Victoria University of Wellington: standard postgraduate English
- IDP IELTS New Zealand: Auckland test centre sessions and fee
- Pearson: test centres and fees (price finder)
- IELTS for New Zealand compared
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- IELTS band score calculator
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