University Entrance 

To be awarded UE, you need:

• NCEA Level 3

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

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

  • 5 credits in reading

  • 5 credits in writing.

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

  • co-requisite Level 1 Numeracy unit standard 32406 or Te Pāngarau unit standard 32412, or

  • certain achievement standards.

Note 1: NZQA recommends you continue your mathematical studies beyond this foundational level to keep your future pathways open. University Entrance numeracy requirements are a minimum for entry to university-level study, and some degrees have specific prerequisites from Level 3 Mathematics standards.

Note 2: Auckland University have introduced an Academic English Language Requirement (AELR). This means you need at least 17 credits in English at Level 2 and/or 3, otherwise you will need to pass an academic English language course during your first year of study at Auckland Uni.

More information

List of approved University Entrance subjects

Please note, the following Mastery (Level 3) courses offered at RSHS contribute credits towards your NCEA Level 3 Certificate, which is part of the requirement for UE, but are NOT included in the list of approved UE subjects that you need 14 credits or more in:

• Mastery Outdoor Education

• Mastery Sport and Recreation

• Mastery Hospitality

• Empowered 3

Literacy requirements for University Entrance

Numeracy achievement standards for University Entrance [XLSX, 12 KB]

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa University Entrance subjects

Entrance to overseas tertiary courses

Specific entry requirements of Universities in Aotearoa

Auckland University subject guide

Auckland Technology University guide

Waikato University subjects guide

Massey University guide

Victoria University of Wellington guide

Canterbury University subject guide

Lincoln University guide

Otago University subject guide