February 2025
Ara Institute of Canterbury
City Campus,
130 Madras Street,
CHRISTCHURCH,
Christchurch Central,
8011, New Zealand
New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include:
14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects*
as well as Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
and Mathematics - 12 credits in Maths at Level 2 or above (excluding Statistics).
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation(Level 4) Ara Construction and Architectural Studies Pathway or equivalent).
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects:
Alternative requirements
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
English language requirements:
IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
SPEAKING - 5.5
READING - 5.5
WRITING - 5.5
LISTENING - 5.5
TOEFL (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
TOEFL (iBT) - Score of 60 or higher (with a writing score of 18)
Cambridge English Qualifications - B2 First, or B2 First for schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill
PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.