University Entrance

University Entrance is the minimum requirement to enter a New Zealand University.

The NCEA minimum requirements for University Entrance are:

  • Achievement of NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 or higher and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher)
  • 14 credits in each of the three subjects from the list of approved subjects
  • The remaining credits to achieve NCEA Level 3 may come from either achievement or unit standards
  • UE Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or higher from specified achievement standards, or three numeracy unit standards
  • UE Literacy - 10 credits (five in reading and five in writing) from specific Level 2 and Level 3 Achievement Standards across a wide range of subjects.

University Admission Requirements

In addition to achieving University Entrance, most programmes have a more competitive entry and you must also meet the admission requirements and be selected into your programme of study.

Some undergraduate programmes require you have taken specific subjects and gained minimum credits in certain subjects. Some programmes have other requirements such as a portfolio, audition and/or interview.

All undergraduate applicants at the University of Auckland and some other universities will be allocated a rank score or a GES (guaranteed entry score).

Calculating your Rank Score

A student’s rank score will be allocated on their best 80 credits at Level 3 or higher over a maximum of five approved subjects and weighted by the level of achievement.

The rank score will be calculated by awarding the following points for up to 24 credits in each approved subject taken at Level 3. The maximum rank score is 320.

  • Excellence
4 points eg 80 x 4 = 320
  • Merit
3 points eg 80 x 3 = 240
  • Achieved
2 points eg 80 x 2 = 160

If students achieve fewer than 80 credits at Level 3 or  higher their rank score will be based on those credits they have achieved.

  • Level 3 subject requirements for a specific programme may be met in Year 12
  • NCEA Level 3 credits achieved in Year 12 may be counted towards the 80 best credits used for ranking purposes
  • Students are strongly encouraged to take approved subjects and achievement standards as best preparation for University study

New English language requirement for the University of Auckland from 2016
The University of Auckland is introducing a new entrance requirement called the Academic English Language Requirement (for students applying on the basis of NCEA results, the applicant must have gained a minimum of 17 credits in English at Level 2 or 3).

Students who do not meet this requirement will be offered places but will be required to do a specified English course at the University.