With postcard-worthy landscapes, picturesque towns and a range of world-class education institutions, New Zealand has become a top choice of study destination for students from all over the world.
If you’re planning to further your studies in this beautiful country, it is important to note that New Zealand universities require you to prove your proficiency in the English language.
You’ll have to opt for a recognised English language test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and be assessed on your proficiency across different categories such as speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Once you attain the minimum IELTS band score required, you can use it to enrol in the university and course of your choice in New Zealand. It’ll also come in handy if you’re looking to work in New Zealand.
Minimum scores for New Zealand universities
With six prestigious universities in the country that fall within the top 500 institutions in the world, there’s no doubt New Zealand is a great choice for your study destination.
As an international student looking to study in New Zealand, you’ll have to score an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.0 to successfully make it to a university there.
For more specific details, read on to learn more about the minimum IELTS requirements according to the top-ranked universities in New Zealand.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2025
One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assess universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research quality, research environment, international outlook and industry income.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
1 | University of Auckland | 150 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
2 | University of Otago | 301 – 350 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
3 | Auckland University of Technology | 401 – 500 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
4 | Lincoln University | 401 – 500 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
5 | Victoria University of Wellington | 401 – 500 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
6 | University of Waikato | 401 – 500 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
7 | University of Canterbury | 501 – 600 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
8 | Massey University | 501 – 600 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
QS World University Rankings in 2025
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world rankings is also another global premier ranking system which rates universities by institution and subject through academic reputation, citation, faculty to student ratio, employer, international and sustainability indicators.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
1 | University of Auckland | 68 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
2 | University of Otago | 206 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
3 | Massey University | 239 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
4 | Victoria University of Wellington | 241 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Waikato | 250 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
6 | University of Canterbury | 256 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
7 | Lincoln University | 362 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
8 | Auckland University of Technology | 407 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
Your New Zealand study adventure awaits
Got your eye on beautiful New Zealand for the next chapter of your studies?
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