Career research shows that most students cement their career ideas when they are 15-16, although some can be as late as in their early twenties. Students should pick a subject because they enjoy it and can see several pathways that they are interested in, rather than focussing on one.
An approach of “putting all your eggs in one basket” can be stressful, if students do not fulfil all the criteria, or if students change their minds later. It is also good to look at all the levels of ability so that students they can see that there are pathways for them.
For information about how NCEA works please see here.
Check the Careers Website for up-to-date entry requirements: https://wc.careerwise.school/page/200
Universities and polytechnics often require English or another writing subject in the first year courses. The University of Auckland requires 17 English credits at Level 2 or Level 3 for most first year courses. Australian universities require Level 3 English. UE literacy of 5 Reading and 5 Writing credits at Level 2 are now a pre-requisite for many polytechnic and vocational courses.
Very good results in NZ Scholarship subjects may mean that some first-year university courses can be started at 200 level. However, credit is not given for the 100 level courses not taken. Direct entry to 200 level papers is at the discretion of the university faculty concerned. If a student is awarded a scholarship in any subject, the purpose of the monetary reward is to put it towards study in New Zealand. If recipients go overseas, they can only gain the scholarship status in name.
University Entrance: Students studying at levels 1, 2 and 3 will need to meet the following UE requirements to gain entry to university:
attain NCEA Level 3
achieve 14 credits at level three in each of three subjects from the list of approved
subjects that can be viewed at: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/approved-subjects/
achieve UE numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above from specific achievement standards through a range of subjects, or a package of three unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three are required)
achieve UE literacy - 10 credits (five in reading and five in writing) at Level 2 and above from specific standards. Standards that meet UE literacy requirements from can be viewed at: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/literacy-requirements/
Guaranteed Entry Score (GES): Some NZ universities have introduced a GES requirement. Students must attain a minimum GES points score for guaranteed entrance to undergraduate courses. This points score is based on the grade levels students gain in NCEA level 3 subjects. In preparation for entry to university, students must access the websites of appropriate NZ universities where they are intending to apply, to be sure of the requirements for guaranteed entry to the courses they wish to undertake. Students planning to attend Auckland University must take note of their Literacy requirements – 17 English credits at either Level 2 or Level 3.
Please note that these recommendations are subject to change, depending on the various providers so undertake research to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.