Study in New Zealand Without IELTS

Discover Top Universities, Flexible Requirements, and a World of Opportunities With Ixora

New Zealand is a fantastic destination for international students, offering top-notch education that meets global standards and is regularly checked by the government. Its schools blend traditional teaching with modern technology, resulting in qualifications respected worldwide and recognized in 50 countries. All eight universities are impressively ranked, and international students can work full-time during holidays and apply for a six-month work permit for residency points. Plus, with its stunning landscapes, you can enjoy adventures like bungy jumping, skiing, and hiking in your free time.

What is IELTS?

IELTS, which stands for the International English Language Testing System, is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. Every year, over 4 million people take it to prove their English skills for higher education and international migration.

IELTS is the go-to test for many reasons. Thousands of top universities and colleges worldwide accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. It’s also the preferred test for professional fields like accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching. You might need it for professional registration in English-speaking countries after graduation. Plus, IELTS is widely accepted for migration purposes by governments worldwide, including the US, making it essential for those seeking permanent residency. The required IELTS score varies depending on your visa.

Although it is not difficult to ace the IELTS with proper training & regulation, many learners do not want to sit for the exam, mainly because of its lavish cost. Also, if they need to retake it, they have to pay the fee again, which can be a financial strain. Not to mention, the IELTS preparation requires a significant time commitment.

Hence, the common question is: Can I study in New Zealand without IELTS?

Yes, you can be exempted from submitting IELTS scores. Candidates can submit other English language tests like PTE, CAE, or ESOL, or have an academic background in English. Many universities accept these alternatives to IELTS for proving English proficiency.

Study in New Zealand Without IELTS Requirements 2024

• Not Mandatory for English Medium Students:
  • If you studied in an English medium school from class 8 to 12, you may not need IELTS.
  • Obtain a certificate from your school confirming English as the primary language of instruction.
  • This applies to any board as long as English is the main language.

• Interview Requirement:
  • Some colleges might require an interview to assess your English proficiency.

• Primary and Secondary School Criteria:
  • If you attended an English-medium primary school for at least five years or an English-medium secondary school for at least three years, you can apply without IELTS.
  • You will need to provide transcripts and a certificate from your institution proving your English proficiency.

• Alternative English Proficiency Tests:
  • New Zealand universities accept other tests like TOEFL, PTE, NZCEL, CPE, MELAB, and CAE.
  • Choose the test that suits you best if you prefer not to take IELTS.

• Exemptions for Non-University Tertiary Education:
  • The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) offers IELTS exemptions for non-university tertiary education providers for students whose first language isn’t English.

• University Categories:
  • Category-I universities have their own criteria for assessing English proficiency and may exempt students from IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Category-II universities require IELTS for international students whose first language is not English.

Top Universities in New Zealand that do not require IELTS

You can study at top universities in New Zealand without IELTS, as they have their own methods to assess English proficiency. Many universities are also exempt from TOEFL. Some popular colleges in New Zealand that accept international students without IELTS are:

Sought-after Scholarships for Studying in New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand can be financially feasible with proper planning and timely application for scholarships offered by universities, the government, and various organizations. These scholarships can partially or fully cover expenses, depending on the criteria, course, and institution. It is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

These scholarships, supported by the New Zealand government, are for Indian students pursuing a PhD in New Zealand. They cover university tuition fees, student levies, a living stipend (up to NZ$25,000 tax-free annually), and health insurance (up to NZ$600 per year) for three years (amounts may vary by education provider).

• New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships

Indian master’s and PhD applicants can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), covering tuition, living expenses (NZ$491 weekly), setup allowance (NZ$3,000), and medical/travel insurance, including research costs for postgraduates in New Zealand.

• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

Supported by Education New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand’s eight universities, this scholarship program is for Indian students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 29 students will receive scholarships for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in New Zealand, with amounts typically ranging from NZD 10,000 to NZD 20,000. Visit the New Zealand Excellence Awards website for details.

• SEG Scholarship

Funded by the Soshi Educational Group, this scholarship program encourages the study of geophysics and related geosciences. It offers three categories of awards: Scholarship A (NZD 7,000 annually), Scholarship B (NZD 5,000 annually), and SEG Scholarship C (NZD 3,000 annually). Each scholarship is awarded for one year.

• Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship

The City Council of Palmerston North offers this scholarship to promote the city as a great place for international students. It’s available for career-based, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses and provides NZD 1,000 towards the first year’s tuition.