For applicants with NCEA, Bursary (pre-2004), and University Entrance (pre-1986). Find out more about New Zealand University Entrance.
NCEA being awarded in 2020
An NCEA Level 3 Certificate | |||
14 credits at Level 3 in an approved subject | 14 credits at Level 3 in an approved subject | 14 credits at Level 3 in an approved subject | |
Literacy 10* credits at Level 2 or above | Numeracy 10* credits at Level 1 or above | ||
*From specified lists of NZQA standards
| NCEA approved subjects for entrance to university | |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Latin |
| Agriculture and Horticulture | Mathematics/Pāngarau |
| Biology | Media Studies |
| Business Studies | Music Studies |
| Calculus | New Zealand Sign Language |
| Chemistry | Ngā Mahi a te Rēhia |
| Chinese | Ngā Toi |
| Classical Studies | Ngā Toi Ataata |
| Construction and Mechanical Technologies | Ngā Toi Puoro |
| Cook Islands Māori | Pāngarau |
| Dance | Painting (Practical Art) |
| Design (Practical Art) | Photography (Practical Art) |
| Design and Visual Communication | Physical Education |
| Digital Technologies and Hangarau Matihiko | Physics |
| Drama | Printmaking (Practical Art) |
| Earth and Space Science | Processing Technologies |
| Economics | Psychology |
| Education for Sustainability | Pūtaiao |
| English | Science/Pūtaiao |
| French | Religious Studies |
| Geography | Samoan |
| German | Sculpture (Practical Art) |
| Hangarau | Social Studies |
| Hauora | Spanish |
| Health Education | Statistics |
| History | Technology/Hangarau |
| History of Art | Te Ao Haka |
| Home Economics | Te Reo Māori |
| Indonesian | Te Reo Rangatira |
| Japanese | Tikanga ā-Iwi |
| Korean | Tongan |
University Entrance
Exams must be taken in New Zealand.
For students completing CIE in 2020, University Entrance through Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) consists of:
- a minimum of 120 points on the UCAS Tariff at A or AS level from any syllabus groups in the following table, which are broadly equivalent to those in the list of approved subjects for NCEA, and
- a D grade or better in syllabuses from at least two different syllabus groups (excluding Thinking Skills).
For the literacy and numeracy requirements, you will need:
- an E grade or better in any one of AS English Language, Language and Literature in English, Literature in English, and
- a D grade or better in IGCSE or GCSE Mathematics
University Entrance
Exams must be taken in New Zealand.
University Entrance through International Baccalaureate (IB) consists of the full IB diploma (24 points minimum).
You will be admitted to the University if you have one of the following:
- a completed relevant Level 4 qualification from a recognised New Zealand tertiary provider
- a recognised university entrance qualification from New Zealand or overseas (for example, a Steiner School Certificate or A levels in the United Kingdom)
- an ATAR rank of 69.6 or better, or a Queensland OP rank of 14 or better (Australian students only)
- a Certificate of University Preparation from another New Zealand university with a B grade average or better; a grade average of B+ is required for guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies and the Bachelor of Building Science
- a Certificate of Foundation Studies from another New Zealand university.
If you have studied overseas or at a New Zealand tertiary institution at degree level, you may apply for qualification assessment above entrance level. You will need to supply an official academic transcript with your enrolment application, and you are also subject to admission on the basis of your previous academic performance. Transferring students are subject to selection on the basis of their academic performance in areas relevant to the programme for which they are applying.
You may wish to seek advice about possible options, including transfer of credit, from the appropriate faculty office.
You will be admitted to the University if you have one of the following:
To be considered for Discretionary Entrance to the University, you must have achieved the NCEA University Entrance literacy and numeracy standards. You will normally need to have an NCEA Level 2 Certificate endorsed with Merit or better. Each Discretionary Entrance application is considered on its own merits and is in no way guaranteed.
- If you are applying directly from Year 12, you will need to have very strong support from an adviser at your school. Your adviser’s confidential recommendation will support your maturity, motivation, capability, and readiness to undertake degree-level study.
- If you are applying after an overseas exchange, you will need to provide written evidence of your study overseas, and an adviser’s recommendation as above. You will need to complete Year 12 or NCEA Level 2 before you go overseas.
Discretionary Entrance is not available to international students.
If you are aged 20 or older, a New Zealand or Australian citizen, permanent resident, or diplomatic passport holder and do not hold a recognised University Entrance qualification, you may apply for Special Admission.
You will need to provide:
- a CV (of up to three pages) of your work and life experience to date—this is an opportunity to tell us about your achievements
- a one-page personal statement, which must be written by you, explaining your goals and objectives for university study
- academic transcripts of any secondary- or tertiary-level qualifications you have achieved
- proof of identity confirming you meet the age requirement.
We may also ask you to come to the University to complete an assessment of your English and mathematics skills.
If you are assessed as being ready for degree-level study, you will be accepted into your chosen programme.