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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended to provide advice on migrating to New Zealand and all immigration programs should be checked on the Immigration New Zealand website or with your migration consultant or lawyer.
Whether you’re planning to study at a world-class university, grow your career or build a new life in one of the world’s most liveable countries, New Zealand is a top choice for many.
With its stunning natural beauty, welcoming culture and safe reputation, it’s easy to see why so many people from around the world are attracted to New Zealand.
But before you pack your bags, there’s one important step you’ll likely need to take: an English proficiency test. Recognised by all major New Zealand institutions and immigration authorities, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can open the door to study, work and residency opportunities across the country.
In this article, we’ll explain how IELTS can help you not only arrive but thrive in New Zealand.
What is IELTS? Understanding IELTS for New Zealand
IELTS is the world’s most popular English test for study, work and migration. It is recognised by over 12,500 organisations globally, including the New Zealand government. Educational institutions, employers, professional organisations and immigration authorities in New Zealand may ask for IELTS test results to check your level of English. If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, you can take IELTS Academic, which assesses how well you can use English in an academic environment. This test is also accepted by all professional associations that have set minimum language requirements for registration in New Zealand. If you’d like to work on New Zealand or apply to live there permanently, you can take IELTS General Training.This test focuses on language that is used in both daily life and work situations. IELTS is more than a test—it helps you develop real-life English skills you’ll use every day, from participating in class tutorials to chatting confidently with your New Zealand neighbours.
Why choose IELTS for studying in New Zealand?
IELTS has always been popular among students and working professionals who want to study in New Zealand. Here’s why:
Quality and fairness: Take a test that is trusted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world. IELTS is carefully researched and designed by international language testing experts to make sure it is reliable and accurate
Global availability: Choose from test centres in more than 4,000 locations in 140 countries.
Flexible test options: Take IELTS your way. Our test centres offer IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer. Depending on the organisation you’re applying to, you may also have the option to take IELTS Online from home.
Face-to-face Speaking test: Take your IELTS Speaking test with a real human examiner in a quiet room – free from noise and distraction.
Real-world language skills: Build valuable academic skills like following lectures and writing essays to help you succeed at university in New Zealand.
IELTS One Skill Retake: Retake any section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) if you want to improve your score without resitting the whole test.
Free preparation resources: Choose from a wide variety of trusted preparation materials to help you achieve your desired score.
IELTS score requirements for study in New Zealand
Although New Zealand is a small country, its universities rank well internationally due to their high-quality education, strong research focus and welcoming environment for international students.
Minimum IELTS score needed for New Zealand top universities
There are a total of eight universities in New Zealand and all of these accept IELTS results as proof of English language proficiency. To study at a New Zealand university, you'll typically need an IELTS score between band 6 and 7, depending on the program and the level of study you're applying for. It’s always a good idea to check the exact IELTS score you’ll need with the university or institution you’re applying to.
IELTS for New Zealand Visa and immigration
Depending on your country of residence, you might have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency to the New Zealand government. You can take IELTS for immigration to New Zealand. The score you need will depend on the visa you are applying for. New Zealand provides various visa options, depending on whether you want to study, work or stay long term. If you need assistance with your immigration and visa application process, the team of migration experts at IDP will be able to offer free help.
IELTS for New Zealand Student Visa
The New Zealand student visa is a temporary visa and the length of stay is determined by the type and length of the course you will be studying.
The IELTS requirements for New Zealand study visas are set by Immigration New Zealand. Learn more about study visas for New Zealand.
IELTS for New Zealand Work Visa
New Zealand offers a variety of work visas to suit different goals. Some let you work for almost any employer, while others are linked to a specific job offer. Your visa conditions will explain your work rights. If you are aged 18 to 30 and come from a country that has a working holiday agreement with New Zealand, you may have the option to apply for a working holiday visa. Learn more about the different types of work visas for New Zealand. For some visas, you will need to show that you can speak and understand English. Immigration New Zealand accepts IELTS for New Zealand work permits.
How to choose the right resources to improve your IELTS Score for New Zealand
Our IELTS Prepare Hub offers preparation materials you can trust – all in one place.
Get to know IELTS: Our IELTS Prepare by IDP video podcast series takes you through everything you need to know about IELTS including the test structure, question types and what to expect on test day.
Take a practice test: Try one of our mock tests to assess your current level and identify areas for improvement
Create a study plan: Set your study goals, allowing time to practise all four skills. Allow more time to focus on your weak areas. You can search for preparation materials by test type, test skill, topic and band score in our IELTS preparation library.
Our resources and guidance help you feel prepared, confident and ready to take on whatever comes next. IELTS.
Your success starts here. Find your closest IELTS test centre.