ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR

UNIVERSITY (TERTIARY) EDUCATION

Tertiary Release

What is "Tertiary Education"?

Tertiary Education refers to study options after Level 3 study including further study, getting prepared for work, on-the-job training and more.

In relation to Universities, tertiary study includes studying for diplomas, degrees, graduate and postgraduate qualifications, research, and vocational study such as nursing, law, engineering or teacher education. This study is usually done in universities, institutes of technology, polytechnics, wānanga and Private Training Establishments (PTEs).

"University Entrance" explained

Your level of academic success at secondary school determines which tertiary education level you can first enter into.

The highest point of entry into tertiary study, directly from school is a Bachelor's Degree, which requires you to have completed NCEA Level 3 AND achieved University Entrance. University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go from school to a New Zealand university. Being awarded University Entrance also opens doors to tertiary study in other countries.

What are my options if I don't achieve "UE"?

There are a range of options available for students who don't achieve UE. If you want to progress to a degree, most New Zealand universities offer courses which will prepare you for your next steps, and allow you entry to your choice of degree on completion of the course. These are usually referred to as "Bridging" or "Preparation" courses.

Other providers also offer alternative preparation courses, such as Unitec, Open Polytechnic and more. Please book an appointment with Mrs Packer to discuss available options.

Entry into Diploma courses requires sound achievement at Level 2 NCEA or above.

Entry into Certificate courses usually requires 3 to 4 years completed secondary schooling.

What about Diploma & Certificate requirements?

Entry into Diploma courses requires sound achievement at Level 2 NCEA or above.

Entry into Certificate courses usually requires 3 to 4 years completed secondary schooling.

Click here to see the New Zealand Qualification Framework.

Is it important to study English and/or English Language Rich Subjects?

No matter the level of course (Certificate, Diploma or Degree); most tertiary courses require evidence that you have the appropriate level of literacy skills.

This means your results in English and other English language rich (ELR) subjects are important.

English Language Rich Subjects 2025

Geography Classical Studies

English History

History of Art Social Studies

Te Reo Māori Te Reo Rangatira

What else do I need to know?

IMPORTANT – always check the course information on the website of the tertiary institution you are interested in study at; this will give you the most update information on entry requirements.

Subject Choices for Future Pathways

There are some university degrees which require you to study either a specific subject or a specific combinations of subjects. Approved University subjects list and recommended subjects are shown below, but for more information, click on "2025 Key Information for Tertiary Study".

RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS FOR SPECIFIC STUDY AREAS

If you do not have the "Recommended Subjects" for the area in which you want to study, book an appointment with Mrs Packer, as there are often alternative pathways which can be explored.