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PTE Score in New Zealand: Minimum Score Required for Student Visa, Work Visa, and PR

PTE Score in New Zealand: Minimum Score Required for Student Visa, Work Visa, and PR

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12-03-2025

PTE Score in New Zealand: Minimum Score Required for Student Visa, Work Visa, and PR

"PTE Academic is accepted by the New Zealand government as proof of English language proficiency for student visas, work, and PR. International students seeking quality education at an affordable cost can choose New Zealand. The cost of education in NZ ranges from $20,000 to $25,000 annually. Moreover, the country is safe, secure, and beautiful. Like other English-speaking countries, Kiwi universities also require English proficiency skills. Therefore, a minimum PTE score of 50 for undergraduate, 64 for postgraduate, and 64 and above for doctorate are required to study in New Zealand."

If you’re wondering "Is New Zealand accepting PTE scores?" – the answer is YES. NZ accepts PTE scores for visa and residency applications.

What is the PTE Score for New Zealand Student Visa?

For international students planning to study in New Zealand in 2025, getting a study visa means meeting specific PTE Academic score requirements. For undergraduate courses, a minimum score of 50 is needed, and for graduate programs, it's 64. These scores are vital for your study permit, so students finishing 12th grade should aim for these marks. Achieving these scores ensures a smooth start to your education journey in New Zealand.

What are the academic requirements to get admission to New Zealand?

The academic requirements to get admission to New Zealand colleges are good academic records, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose or personal statement, CV and all other mandated documents like visa for education.

For undergraduate programs (online/offline), you need qualification equivalent for New Zealand 13 or NCEA Level 3. Similarly, you need to meet the minimum academic qualification to study a postgraduate program (part-time/full-time).

Apart from the above, an English language proficiency test score from IELTS, TOEFL or PTE is required. For professional courses like MBA, MS, you need a GMAT or GRE score.

What are the language tests requirements for international students in New Zealand?

The list of language tests requirements for international students to study in New Zealand are:

IELTS: IELTS is a standardised test for English language assessment. IELTS scores are required for migration visa applications in New Zealand.
NZ colleges and universities accept IELTS for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The minimum band score requirement is 6.5 overall and 6.0 in Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking separately.
TOEFL: TOEFL is another English language standardised test, recognised by educational institutions in New Zealand. To study a UG program, an overall score of 80 (iBT) or 60 (paper-based) and a writing score of 21 is required. Similarly, an overall score of 90 (iBT) or 68 (paper-based) and a writing score of 21 is required for PG programs.
For level 3, a minimum score of 35 and a writing score of 14, for levels 4 and 5, a TOEFL score of 46 and a writing score of 14, for levels 6 and 7, a score of 60 along with a writing score of 18 and for levels 8, 9 and 10, a score of 79 and a writing score of 21 are required.
Ensure to check your desired university’s TOEFL requirements as it may vary from one university to another.
PTE: The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a new entrant to the English language testing exam, accepted by most Kiwi universities. The minimum overall PTE score requirement to study in New Zealand ranges from 50-64 for undergraduate and 58-79 for postgraduate courses (equivalent to 6.0-6.5 and 6.0-7.0 respectively on the traditional scale), with individual section scores (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing) varying between 42-60 (5.5-6.5).
C1 Advanced: C1 Advanced is previously referred to as Cambridge English Advanced (CAE). You must attain an overall score of 169 for bachelor’s and 176 for master’s degrees.
C2 Proficiency: C2 Proficiency is earlier known as the Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE). You must get an overall score of 169 for UG and 176 for PG.

The Pathway Student Visa Pilot Program

If you meet the minimum PTE score requirements to study in New Zealand, you can apply for a Pathway Student Visa pilot program introduced by the New Zealand Immigration office. This pilot program enables you to study up to 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa for up to 5 years.

Foreign students are attracted to this pilot program because it enters them into the job market seamlessly.

What is the PTE score validity for New Zealand?

For New Zealand, the PTE Academic score is valid for (2) two years from the date of the exam.

Conclusion

Every year, lots of students choose New Zealand for their studies because it offers great education at affordable cost. To study there, you need a PTE (Pearson Test of English) score, which shows you're proficient in English. New Zealand's education is really good, and it's recognized by NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) and NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), so you know you're getting a quality education. If you want personalised advice for studying in New Zealand, just get in touch with us. We're here to help you with all your study abroad questions.

FAQs

1. What is the PTE score for New Zealand for nurses?

A minimum PTE score of 50 is required for nurses in New Zealand.

2. What is the PTE score for New Zealand for Masters?

For Master’s the minimum PTE score required is 64 or higher.

3. What are the PTE accepted colleges in New Zealand?

Almost all colleges in New Zealand accept PTE scores including some of the renowned universities such as University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Canterbury.

4. What is the best PTE score for New Zealand?

To study in New Zealand, the best PTE score is 50 for undergraduates, 64 for graduates, and 64 or above for PhD. For work visas and permanent residency, a score of 50 or above is necessary.

5. What is the PTE score for New Zealand Work Visa?

For a New Zealand Work Visa, a PTE general score of 58 is required and specifically for teachers 58 or above is accepted. This PTE score demonstrates proficiency in English and is essential for effective communication in the workplace. It ensures that individuals can work and interact confidently in various professional settings in New Zealand.

6. What is the PTE score for New Zealand PR?

To apply for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR), you need a PTE score of 50 or above in each module, particularly for the Skilled Migrant category. This requirement ensures that you have a good grasp of English, which is crucial for the PR application process.

About Author Roshan Sunthar

Roshan Sunthar is a study abroad expert as well as a renowned writer and author in international education. His academic excellence and 5+ years of work experience give him in-depth knowledge of international standardised exams and test preparation in IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, SAT, etc. The study materials he prepares incorporate exam-like questions. He’s also an expert in writing Statement of Purposes (SOPs) and Letter of Recommendations (LORs) for college admissions. He usually spends his leisure time watching English classics and documentaries, travelling, etc.

About Kanan International

Kanan International is a study abroad consultancy that offers reliable services, products, and solutions for students and education institutions. We support students throughout their study abroad journey, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Our expertise and commitment to excellence make us the go-to partner for expanding global horizons. The company provides coaching for IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, and SAT exams and services like visa consultation, accommodation, scholarship assistance, and education loans.

PTE Score in New Zealand: Minimum Score Required for Student Visa, Work Visa, and PR

What is the PTE Score for New Zealand Student Visa?

What are the academic requirements to get admission to New Zealand?

What are the language tests requirements for international students in New Zealand?

The Pathway Student Visa Pilot Program

What is the PTE score validity for New Zealand?

Conclusion

FAQs

1. What is the PTE score for New Zealand for nurses?

2. What is the PTE score for New Zealand for Masters?

3. What are the PTE accepted colleges in New Zealand?

4. What is the best PTE score for New Zealand?

5. What is the PTE score for New Zealand Work Visa?

6. What is the PTE score for New Zealand PR?

About Author Roshan Sunthar

About Kanan International

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