The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administers NCEA and sets the NCEA requirements for University Entrance nationwide. 

NCEA REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE

• • NCEA Level 3

  • 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of three approved subjects

  • Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

    • 5 credits in reading

    • 5 credits in writing

  • Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:

    • achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or

    • unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required), or

    • numeracy unit standard 32406 OR te pāngarau unit standard 32412.

When you gain University Entrance with NCEA, it will appear on your NZQA Record of Achievement and your application to enrol at UC will be processed. 

More information about University Entrance is available on the NZQA website. 

EXCEPTIONAL YEAR 12 NCEA RESULTS

If you are a Year 12 student with an exceptional academic record applying for entry to UC before completing Year 13, or you have been on an official exchange programme (such as ASF or Rotary) studying overseas for 20 weeks or more, you will need to apply for Discretionary Entrance. 

For Discretionary Entrance with Year 12 NCEA results, you would be expected to achieve at least:

• 72 credits at NCEA Level 2, including a minimum of 14 credits in each of four subjects (three of which must be approved subjects) and a minimum of 60 Merit and Excellence credits

• the literacy and numeracy standards for University Entrance

More info about Discretionary Entrance.

Falling short of University Entrance through NCEA

If you haven’t achieved University Entrance through NCEA, you may choose to complete a Transition Programme such as the Certificate in University Preparation to gain admission to UC.