University Entrance

University Entrance is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand university. To qualify for entrance to a New Zealand University you will need NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance.

Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance including Literacy Requirements this will appear on your Record of Learning. Credits - Credits can be accumulated over more than one year.

In addition to University Entrance, undergraduate applications for most New Zealand Universities will be assessed as follows:

1. University Entrance achieved

2. NCEA Level 3 achieved

3. NCEA Entry Score

4. Fulfill any other degree specific requirements, e.g. performance audition, portfolio of work

NCEA Entry Score

For most undergraduate degrees the entry score is currently a minimum of; 140 points University of Otago, 150 points Canterbury University, 150 points Victoria University, 150 points University of Auckland - this may be higher for specific degree areas within individual universities, e.g. 180 points Bachelor of Commerce and 250 points Bachelor of Health Science at University of Auckland. Students are advised to check the universities websites for specific details as changes can occur during the year.

How to calculate your NCEA rank score:

• An entry score will be calculated using a student's 80 best credits in up to five University Entrance subjects taken at Level 3 or above (including both achievement standards and unit standards).
• No more than 24 credits in any subject can be used in the entry score calculation.
• Credits will be weighted according to the level of attainment. Excellence 4 points, Merit 3 points, Achieved 2 points.
• If a student achieves fewer than 80 credits at Level 3 or above in up to five University Entrance subjects, the entry score will be based on the credits achieved.

Discretionary Entrance to University

Discretionary Entrance Regulations provides a route to university study for students who have not continued secondary education beyond Year 12.

Students who study overseas wishing to enter University directly – maybe subject to change.

New Zealand students who study overseas for all or part of their Level 8 year may still want to gain an entrance qualification in order to enrol at university in a subsequent year. Two options are available:

• Application to the university of their choice for a grant of admission ad eundem statum.
• Discretionary entrance (formerly known as provisional entrance) is also available for students who do not obtain the formal qualification by examination.

Students who wish to undertake tertiary study at an overseas University

This fact sheet from NZQA outlines how our New Zealand secondary education NCEA qualifications are recognised by overseas universities.

Fees Free tertiary study

From 1 January 2018 in New Zealand, tertiary education will be fees-free for eligible first time tertiary students for their first year of tertiary study. More detailed information can be found on the Tertiary Education Commission website.