Thinking about university?
A guide for Aotearoa New Zealand students and whānau

University Entrance through NCEA | Don't have UE? | Other school-leaver qualifications |
Additional entry requirements | Other pathways
Other school-leaver qualifications
Universities also accept a number of other school-leaver qualifications for admission to an undergraduate degree.
CAIE | International Baccalaureate (IB) | New Zealand Certificate in Steiner Education (Level 3) |
NZ Christian Education | Overseas school-leaver qualifications


Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE)
To be eligible for admission, 2022 school leavers must achieve the following*:
Part A
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A minimum of 110 points on the New Zealand CAIE Tariff (see table) at A or AS level from any syllabus groups broadly equivalent to those in the list of approved subjects for NCEA.
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A D grade or better in syllabuses from at least two different syllabus groups (excluding Thinking Skills).
Part B
Literacy and numeracy must be satisfied as follows:
Literacy
EITHER
An E grade or better in any one of AS English Language, English
Language and Literature, English Literature or English General Paper.
A D grade or better will satisfy one of the syllabus requirements of
Part A.
OR
As prescribed for University Entrance (UE) with NCEA.
Numeracy
EITHER
(i) A D grade or better in IGCSE or GCSE mathematics, or
(ii) Any mathematics passed at AS level. A D grade or better will satisfy
one of the syllabus requirements of Part A.
OR
As prescribed for UE with NCEA.
* Requirements were modified for 2022 school leavers because of Covid-19 impacts. Modifications for 2020 and 2021 school leavers, along with normal requirements, are here.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
2022 school leavers* who have completed the IB Diploma with 24 or more points, including at least 11 points across their three Higher Level subjects, qualify for University Entrance.
An IB Diploma with English as Language A1 at either Higher or Standard Level and including any mathematics subject satisfies the literacy and numeracy requirements for University Entrance.
* Requirements were modified for 2022 school leavers because of Covid-19 impacts. Modifications for 2021 school leavers, along with normal requirements, are here.
New Zealand Certificate in Steiner Education (Level 3)
A completed Steiner School Certificate Level 3, including nine points in each of three approved subject areas, seven points in literacy (four writing and three reading) and nine points in numeracy.
New Zealand Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Level 3 Certificate (Year 13)
A completed ACE Year 13 Certificate that includes at least four subjects (i.e. 16 credits) designated Level 3 and passes in Algebra 1 (1097–1108) and English 1 (1097–1108).
Christian Education New Zealand (CENZ) Level 3 Certificate
A completed CENZ Level 3 Certificate that includes at least four subjects designated Level 3 and passes in Algebra 1 (1097–1108) and English 1 (1097–1108).
Overseas school-leaver qualifications
Universities accept a wide range of overseas school-leaver qualifications for admission.
Check university websites for up-to-date information.
Additional entry requirements
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Some courses require you to have taken specific NCEA-approved subjects and gained a minimum number of credits.
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Some courses require you to have taken specific achievement standards in certain NCEA-approved subjects.
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Some courses also have other entry requirements such as a portfolio, audition and/or interview.
Selective entry
Selective entry might apply to some courses, especially for those with limited or competitive entry.
Guaranteed or preferential entry scores
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Some universities use a rank score system for guaranteed or preferential entry into some courses, especially for those with limited or competitive entry. The score is based on the number of Level 3 credits you gain with Excellence, Merit or Achieved.
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You may still be accepted into a course if you don’t meet the rank score but meet the UE standard. Check with the university for specific details.
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Get the right advice: Check with the university to see if the rank score applies to you and how to calculate your score for that university.
Targeted entry pathways
Some universities have special entry pathways for specific student groups – e.g., Māori, Pacific and students with disabilities.