How to Study in New Zealand Without IELTS? Detailed Guide for 2026

Yes, it is possible to study in New Zealand without IELTS if you meet the institution's specific English language requirements. These include studying in an English-medium school or college, submitting approved alternative test scores, or completing a recognised English language program.

Please note: Approval is always course-specific and depends on how clearly you can prove your English proficiency.

You can study in New Zealand without IELTS by proving your English ability through academic background, alternative tests, or university-approved pathways. 

Universities test English skills in multiple ways, and you only need to qualify through one valid route.
Below are the different pathways to study in New Zealand without IELTS scores.

Path 1: English-Medium Schooling (Class 8 to 12)

If you studied in an English-medium school from Class 8 to 12, many universities waive IELTS. The education board does not matter as long as English is the language of instruction.

Key Details:

• Minimum 5 years in an English-medium primary school, or
• Minimum 3 years in an English-medium secondary school
• Applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses
• The school must issue an official English-medium certificate
• Universities look for 60-75% or higher in English
• Some universities might take a short interview
• CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards are all acceptable

Path 2: Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

A Medium of Instruction certificate confirms that your previous degree was taught entirely in English. Many universities consider this for postgraduate admissions.

Key details:

• Issued by your college or university
• Most useful for Master’s programmes
• Accepted by universities on a case-by-case basis
• Visa officers may still request additional proof

Path 3: Alternative English Language Tests

New Zealand universities and Immigration New Zealand both accept tests like PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test (DET), and TOEFL iBT as direct proof of English ability. This reduces the chances of delays, interviews, or visa queries.

Key Details:

• PTE Academic: Results are available within 48 hours. Most universities require 50-58 overall for UG courses and 58-65 overall for PG courses.
• TOEFL iBT: Accepted by all major universities, and average requirements are 80+ overall for UG and 90+ overall for PG.
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Increasingly accepted as a flexible alternative. Universities ask for 105-120 for UG and 115-125 for PG.
• Immigration New Zealand treats approved test scores as strong evidence
• A good PTE score can also support plans like post-study work visas and permanent residency.

Path 4: University-Conducted English Interviews

Some New Zealand universities test English ability through a live interview instead of asking for IELTS. This is used when your academic background shows English exposure but lacks a formal test score.

Key Details:

• Interviews are conducted online and last 15-30 minutes
• Focus is on speaking clarity, comprehension, and basic academic communication
• Common for students with English-medium education or MOI certificates
• A successful interview can lead to a full IELTS waiver at the university level

Path 5: NZQA IELTS Exemption

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) allows IELTS exemptions for certain non-university tertiary programmes. This applies mainly to diploma and vocational courses.

Key Details:

• Applies to polytechnics and private training establishments, not universities
• Students must show a strong English academic background or prior study
• Some programmes might expect equivalent IELTS 5.5-6.0 proficiency for entry
• Institutions check English internally under NZQA guidelines
• Immigration might still interview the student during visa processing

Path 6: Bridging or Pre-Sessional English Programmes

Bridging or pre-sessional English programmes help students meet language requirements before starting their main course. These programmes replace the need for IELTS if completed successfully.

Key Details:

• Offered by universities or approved partner institutes
• Course length ranges from 4 to 20 weeks, based on skill level
• No IELTS required to enter the main programme after completion
• Also helps students adapt to academic writing, lectures, and assessments

Universities in NZ, like the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, do not rely on IELTS alone to see English proficiency. Many Indian students qualify through PTE or TOEFL score ranges in the mid-range, or through English-medium education and MOI certificates instead of a test score.

The table below shows leading New Zealand universities and the commonly accepted English alternatives in place of IELTS:

To study in New Zealand without IELTS, students must meet a minimum 60% academic score and submit clear proof of English proficiency through transcripts or other alternatives.

Eligibiity

New Zealand universities focus on academic performance and how reliably you can demonstrate English ability without IELTS.

• Minimum Academic Score: Most universities require at least 60% or equivalent in the last completed qualification.
• English Proficiency Route: You must qualify through English-medium education, an MOI certificate, or an accepted alternative test.
• Course-Specific Conditions: Professional, healthcare, or research programs may apply stricter language or academic criteria.
• Interview Requirement: Universities may conduct a short English interview if documents are unclear or scores are borderline.

Documents Required

Documents are used to verify your academics and confirm that IELTS is not required in your case.

• Academic Transcripts: Mark sheets for Class 10, 12, and graduation are required based on the course level.
• English-Medium Certificate: Issued by your school to confirm English was the language of instruction from Class 8 to 12.
• MOI Certificate: Provided by your college or university to confirm the degree was taught fully in English.
• Alternative Test Scores: Official PTE, TOEFL, or other approved test reports if applying through test-based routes.
• Offer Letter: A confirmed admission offer from a New Zealand university or institution.
• Passport and ID Proof: A valid passport and basic identity documents are mandatory for application and visa processing.

Yes, you can get a New Zealand student visa without IELTS if your university and Immigration New Zealand accept your alternative proof of English. The visa decision depends on how clearly your English ability is documented

• University Offer Letter: Your offer must clearly mention whether IELTS is waived or not required for your admission.
• Accepted English Proof: Immigration New Zealand accepts PTE, TOEFL, MOI certificates, or English-medium education when approved by the institution.
• Interview Possibility: A short visa interview may be conducted if officers need to confirm your speaking ability.
• Financial Proof: You must show funds to cover tuition fees and living costs for your stay in New Zealand.
• Full-Time Enrollment: The course must be full-time and approved by NZQA or a recognised university.
• Health and Character Documents: Medical checks and police clearance are required as part of the visa process.
• Genuine Student Intent: You must clearly explain why you chose the course, university, and career path in New Zealand.

Many students skip IELTS, thinking it will limit their options, but the real challenge is choosing the right alternative path and documenting it correctly. Universities and visa officers look for clarity, not assumptions, so missing one certificate or unclear proof can delay or weaken your application. Planning your English proof early saves time, money, and unnecessary stress later.

Yocket Premium helps you map the best IELTS-free route based on your academic background and target universities. From shortlisting universities that accept MOI or PTE to checking visa-safe documentation, experts guide you at every step. This way, you move forward with confidence, not guesswork.