Minimum English language test results
You must achieve a satisfactory standard in one sitting within two years of the expected study start date.
If you are an international student applying for admission to UC, you must demonstrate your proficiency in written and spoken English. This can be achieved by providing evidence you have either gained University Entrance with a NZ-based qualification, completed an academic qualification substantially taught in English in a country where English is the predominant language, or passed an approved English language test to an appropriate standard.
Approved English language tests
UC recognises the following English Language tests and courses:
- International English Language Testing System Academic* (IELTS Academic) - including online and One Skill Retake
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) - including Home Edition and Paper Edition
- CCEL English for Academic Purposes Level 2 (EAP Level 2)
- C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))
- C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE) - including online
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
- FluentIQ (*FluentIQ should be used where IELTS Indicator or TOEFL cannot be used)
- LanguageCert
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)**
*Book your IELTS test directly through the IELTS website. If you are currently in NZ, there are several IELTS test locations around the country, including UC's own Centre for Assessment & Monitoring situated on the UC Dovedale campus in Christchurch. Select the location and time that suits you plus the test type and delivery format required. Please email ielts@canterbury.ac.nz with any queries related to your test.
**Once you receive your Duolingo test results, you will need to share them with UC so they can be viewed. Follow the instructions here.
Some departments and programmes may require higher results than those listed below. Please check specific course and qualification information for further details.
Providing evidence to UC
Upload an electronic copy of your English language test results when you apply in myUC.
If you receive an Offer of Place that is conditional on you passing an English language test, please upload your test results on the Information Required page in myUC. This will notify the Admissions team that you have uploaded your evidence.
Alternatively you can email a copy of your evidence to admission@canterbury.ac.nz.
Improving your English
If you need more time to get your English up to the minimum standard for study at UC, we recommend the English language programmes offered by CCEL College of English. Their courses are designed to provide you with the specific language and study skills needed to succeed in academic study.
The CCEL EAP2 programme has been approved as a non-IELTS university language entry standard for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
