New Zealand is a top study destination for international students, with at least 37,800 students visiting the country for academic purposes. The land of Kiwis is well-known for its quality education, remarkable facilities, and impressive research and career prospects.
English proficiency exams, like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, play a significant role in determining an international student’s eligibility to study in New Zealand. However, some educational institutions in the country accept students without their IELTS scores. This article will help students know and understand how one can study in New Zealand without IELTS.
Table of Contents
- Why study in New Zealand?
- Is it possible to study in New Zealand without IELTS?
- Alternatives to IELTS to study in New Zealand
- Eligibility criteria to study in New Zealand without IELTS
- Documents required to study in New Zealand without IELTS
- Study in these top New Zealand universities without IELTS
- Frequently asked questions
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Why study in New Zealand?
Before we move on to study in New Zealand without IELTS, let’s see why international students should choose the country as their study destination.
- New Zealand is a preferred study destination as the educational institutions provide an outstanding academic experience for international students.
- The courses and research opportunities are structured to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their field of interest.
- The country is also well-known for its quality of life and diverse, welcoming society.
- New Zealand is in high demand for graduates in various industries across the global market. International students contribute widely to New Zealand’s economy, and the country offers students some of the highest-paying professions after graduation.
Is it possible to study in New Zealand without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study in New Zealand without taking the IELTS. English proficiency exams play a major role in evaluating an international student’s eligibility to pursue higher education in New Zealand. However, the country has eased some requirements so they can apply for the desired course without these scores.
Here’s a breakdown of how one can study in New Zealand universities without IELTS.
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If the student studied in an English medium school from classes 8 to 12
If the school's official instruction medium is English, students can obtain a certificate clearly stating that they finished schooling in an English medium school from classes 8 to 12. This official letter would be proof of their English language proficiency.
In addition to the letter from the school, some universities also require students to attend an interview as a part of the admission process to assess their language skills.
Important note: The school board (CBSE, ISCE, or State board) does not matter as long as the instruction medium is English.
If the student studied in an English medium school during primary or secondary school level
Alternatively, students can be eligible if they studied in an English medium school.
- For a minimum of five years at the primary school level or
- For a minimum of three years at the secondary school level.
International students can also submit proof of any one of the above as proof while applying to any university in New Zealand. Students should submit additional documents like school mark sheets and a bonafide certificate from the institution attesting to their English language skills.
Also read: Study a Bachelor’s in New Zealand
Alternatives to IELTS to study in New Zealand
Other standard English proficiency tests are available for international students to prove their skills in the language. Students can check the exam and choose one they find easy.
Here are some of the standard English tests accepted by New Zealand universities.
- TOEFL
- PTE
- Duolingo
- NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in the English Language)
- CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)
- CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)
Eligibility criteria to study in New Zealand without IELTS
We now know it is possible for international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand without IELTS. Still, they should fulfil certain eligibility requirements for institutions to proceed with their applications.
- The student should have pursued English-medium schooling from classes 8 to 12.
- They should attend and qualify for the interview set by the institution.
- The student should submit scores of other English proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or others.
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Documents required to study in New Zealand without IELTS
Once international students satisfy the eligibility criteria, New Zealand universities require some documents for the application process. Here are the standard documents required by educational institutions in the country.
- Academic transcripts
- Academic documents that prove the student studied classes 8 to 12 in an English-medium school.
- Alternative English language test scores (TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- Proof of work experience
- Application form
- Passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
- Financial aid documents
- Admissions test results
- Medical test results
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Can you get a New Zealand study visa without IELTS?
Yes, international students can get a New Zealand study visa without taking the IELTS.
The New Zealand Immigration Authority will conduct an interview to check their English communication skills before approving their visa.
Study in these top New Zealand universities without IELTS
| University name | QS Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | 65 |
| University of Otago | 214 |
| Massey University | =239 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 |
| University of Waikato | 235 |
| Lincoln University | =371 |
Data updated as of December 2025 | Source: QS World University Rankings 2025
1. The University of Auckland
Being the highest-ranked university in New Zealand, The University of Auckland hosts over 7,000 international students from around 120 countries every year. The university is known for its academics, research facilities, and remarkable teaching.
The University of Auckland is one of the leading universities in New Zealand to accept international students without IELTS. Students should submit their academic transcripts from schools or take other English proficiency tests as an alternative to the exam.
2. University of Otago
University of Otago is a top choice for international students planning to study in New Zealand. Offering over 117 undergraduate and 167 postgraduate programs, the university is well-known for its excellence in education and research.
The University of Otago has also eased the English language requirements by accepting alternative exams and methods for students to showcase their fluency.
3. Massey University
Massey University has a rich heritage in New Zealand, helping international students get the best academic experience in the country. Hosting over 3,000 overseas students from around 100 countries, the university is praised for its academic programs, flexibility in learning, and excellent research opportunities.
Massey University accepts various English proficiency exams like TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo so that students can study in New Zealand without IELTS.
4. Victoria University of Wellington
International students often prefer to join the Victoria University of Wellington for its excellence in learning, research, and hands-on experience in their field of interest. The university requires applicants to submit either IELTS or TOEFL scores for admission, easing the requirements for students.
5. University of Waikato
Ranked 1st in New Zealand for research in QS University Rankings, the University of Waikato offers over 95 undergraduate and 140 postgraduate programs for international students. The university excels in academics in arts, psychology, law, and social sciences.
International students at the university have the option to take alternative assessments or provide proof of studying in an English-medium school if they want to study in New Zealand without IELTS.
6. Lincoln University
Welcoming thousands of international students from over 80 countries, Lincoln University strives to offer the finest academic and professional experience for a hopeful career. The university has over 46 UG and 21 PG programs, with the finest curriculum and research opportunities.
If students do not prefer to take the IELTS, they can go with alternative exams like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
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Frequently asked questions
1. Can I study in New Zealand without IELTS?
You can study in New Zealand without IELTS. Here’s how to apply to your desired university in the country.
- If you studied in an English medium institution from classes 8 to 12
- If you studied in an English medium school during primary or secondary school level
- Take alternatives to IELTS to study in New Zealand
2. How can I move to New Zealand without IELTS?
Here are the requirements for you to move to New Zealand without IELTS.
- Official academic transcripts from your school and university
- Proof of work experience
- Passport
- Alternative English exam results (TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- Medical test results
3. Is New Zealand cheap to study?
New Zealand is often considered an affordable study destination for international students. It costs around an average of NZ $25,000-$45,000 for an international student to pursue higher education in New Zealand.
4. Can students apply for PR in New Zealand?
Students can apply for PR in New Zealand if they satisfy the requirements set by the NZ Government.
- They should have had a Residence Visa for over two years.
- They should have a valid passport.
- They are required to have good character
- Students should have a good command of English
- Have a job offer in hand
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