Liaison Office

Liaison Office

University Entrance

How do I get into university?

There are several ways you can gain University Entrance if you have attended school in New Zealand, or you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. (If you are an International student who has not attended school in New Zealand, you should go to the International students site for information on University Entrance).

NCEA

Here is the minimum you need to achieve in NCEA to qualify for University Entrance:

ncea ue diagramm

The 14 credits at Level 3 in both Subject A and Subject B must be in approved subjects (go to the NZQA website for a list of approved subjects). The final 14 credits at Level 3 can be from no more than two approved subjects or additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework.

The 8 credits at Level 2 Reading and Writing need to be from the NZQA approved list of Standards.

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

A or AS levels - a minimum of 120 points on the UCAS Tariff and a minimum grade of D in each of at least three subjects equivalent to those on the approved list; Literacy requirement - E grade or better in AS English; Numeracy requirement - D grade or better in IGCSE mathematics.

International Baccalaureate (IB):

The diploma must have been completed (24 points minimum) before gaining admission at entrance level.

Adult Entry

You can enter university if you are a domestic student who is 20 or older on or before the official start date of your course. We have, however, introduced a new admission pathway to ensure you are given accurate advice on your preparedness for university study. The Liaison Team will interview all adult students after they apply to enrol. See admission information for adult students to find out more about this process.

Admission Ad Eundem Statum

This is admission through an overseas/ international equivalent of a New Zealand University Entrance qualification.

  • High School Exchange students: If you have achieved a minimum of 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 have spent a year overseas studying on an official exchange such as AFS or Rotary and have evidence of at least 20 weeks of study from the overseas institution, you can apply for admission to the University. Contact the liaison office for details, preferably before you go overseas. Admission of New Zealand and Australian Students Application form (PDF, 119 KB)

Discretionary Entrance

  • If you have achieved a minimum of 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 number of Merits and Excellence and are under 20 years of age, you may apply for Discretionary Entrance (PDF, 154 KB). You need to have achieved University Entrance standards for numeracy and literacy (see above).
  • If you have achieved a minimum of 24 points from International Baccalaureate (IB) but have not been awarded the Diploma, you may apply for Discretionary Entrance (PDF, 154 KB).
  • You can make applications through your principal if you are still at school. Contact the Liaison Office if you have left school. The last date for accepting applications is two weeks before the official course start date.
  • Application information for Discretionary Entrance (PDF, 158 KB)

Special Admission

  • In exceptional cases, e.g. home schooling, where you are ineligible to apply for admission using one of the above options, you may apply for Special Admission. The last date for accepting applications is two weeks before the official course start date.
  • You will be required to provide evidence of your readiness for university study; that you have met the appropriate academic, numeracy and literacy standards for entrance.
  • Special Admission is open to domestic students who are under the age of 20 and to International students.

For further entrance information including details about the Certificate in University Preparation course (CUP) see our Entrance FAQ's.