Universities accepting IELTS score 6.5 in New Zealand


New Zealand has continually emerged as a progressive nation that is profoundly based in its ancient Mori culture, which was formed by Polynesians who discovered this island some 700 years ago.

As popular study locations such as the United States and the United Kingdom are also among the most expensive for those looking to study abroad, New Zealand is one of those places that can help you achieve a high-quality education at a low cost. The country is home to a plethora of higher-learning institutions that provide internationally regarded programmes in nearly every field of study. Fortunately, with an IELTS 6.5 band score, you can gain admission to the majority of these institutes.

Consider the following universities that accept a  6.5 band score:

University Courses accepting 6.5 band
University of AucklandThe University of Auckland, known as one of New Zealand’s most prestigious and largest universities, ranks high in various worldwide university rankings. It was founded in 1883 and is one of the country’s oldest universities. It has five campuses and about 40,000 students.The University of Auckland’s most popular programmes are Master’s of Management, Masters of Science, and Masters of Engineering Management, but areas like Archaeology, Education, Nursing, Geography, and Performing Arts are all highly regarded. A 6.5 band score is sufficient for admission to all of the above-mentioned graduate and postgraduate programmes.
Massey UniversityThe Massey University in New Zealand is located in Palmerston North, New Zealand.It also has locations in Albany and Wellington. The institution has over 30,000 students enrolled, making it New Zealand’s second largest university.It is New Zealand’s only institution that provides degrees in Aviation, Dispute Resolution, Veterinary Medicine, and Nanoscience. Agriculture and aviation are two of the university’s most prestigious departments. A 6.5 band score is required for admission to graduate and postgraduate programmes.
Victoria University of WellingtonThe Victoria University of Wellington, located in the heart of New Zealand’s capital, was founded in 1897 and follows a highly popular and effective British educational system. It is well-known for its international faculty and Law, Humanities, and Science departments. The institution provides over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a variety of fields. It is well-known for its extensive research programmes and is home to around 40 research centres. Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education, Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Design, Business, and Health are among the most popular programmes at Victoria University of Wellington. A 6.5 band score is sufficient for entrance to the majority of these courses.
Auckland University of TechnologyThe university was formerly known as Auckland Technical School when it was founded in 1895. The Auckland University of Technology is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programmes in subjects such as business, design, culture studies, environmental and health science, and law. Furthermore, AUT has 15 schools, including a specialised faculty for Maori and Indigenous Development designed to provide students with knowledge of the country’s ancient heritage and history. A 6.5 band score is sufficient for entrance to the aforementioned graduate and postgraduate programmes.
University of WaikatoThe University of Waikato, located in Hamilton, is home to more than ten schools and seven research institutions. It is well-known for its Management and Engineering degrees, and in 2014, it became a smoke-free academic institution by prohibiting smoking and driving vehicles on campus. Furthermore, the institution has seven colleges that are divided into several fields such as Arts and Social Sciences, Law, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Maori and Indigenous Studies, and so on. Except for a few courses that need advanced linguistic skills, all other programmes require merely a 6.5 band score.
University of OtagoThe University of Otago is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, located in the busy city of Dunedin. This university is well-known for its gothic architecture and excels in the field of health sciences. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all fields of study, from medicine to management. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Master of Finance, and Full-time MBA are the most popular programmes. A 6.5 band score is sufficient for admission to all main courses.
University of CanterburyThe University of Canterbury was established in 1873. It has five colleges that specialise in various disciplines of study, including Science, Engineering, Arts, Business, and Law, as well as Education, Health, and Human Development. The institution now has over 17,300 students enrolled in diploma programmes, graduate programmes, and doctoral degrees. Some doctoral degree programmes demand a 7+ band score, but all other graduate and postgraduate courses only require a 6.5 band score.
Unitec Institute of TechnologyUnitec Institute of Technology is the city’s major technological institute and is located in Auckland, New Zealand. Students can select from 70 programmes, including 14 master’s degrees, 19 bachelor’s degrees, and 17 postgraduate and graduate diplomas and certifications. In addition, the institute has a Learning Center where students can get help with their academic reading and writing. Engineering, Performing Arts, Commerce & Banking, Management, Media & Mass Communication, Vocational, Science, Nursing, Education, Paramedical, Arts, and Hotel Management are some of the prominent majors offered by the institute. Except for a few courses that demand advanced linguistic competence, all bachelor’s and master’s programmes require only a 6.5 band score.
Lincoln UniversityThe university, named after Abraham Lincoln, was founded in 1878 and now has students from 60 different nations. The institution’s most popular academic programmes are in the fields of human services and teacher education. There are 37 undergraduate minors, 22 majors, and 5 pre-professional courses available at Lincoln University. A 6.5 band score is required for all bachelor’s programmes and a considerable number of master’s programmes.
Manukau Institute of Technology Manukau Institute of Technology, founded in 1970, is the largest institute of technology in Auckland, New Zealand. Almost all courses at both the UG and PG levels require a 6.5 band.

Why is New Zealand a good destination to study abroad?

There are numerous factors that make New Zealand an ideal destination for international students. Let us have a look at some of this country’s remarkable features:

  1. Because of its well-developed education system, pursuing higher education at one of New Zealand’s premier universities is an outstanding decision.
  2. In comparison to the United States, tuition and living expenses in New Zealand are reasonable.
  3. Because of its second-place ranking in the Global Peace Index 2021, New Zealand is considered as one of the safest and friendliest places in the world.
  4. As a student in New Zealand, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the country’s beautiful scenery and rich cultural legacy.
  5. You get to meet people from all over the world and go to free festivals, sporting events, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Can I study in NZ without IELTS?

You can study in New Zealand without IELTS if you satisfy any of the following criteria:

  1. Studied in an English medium school from class 8 to class 12.

If English is the official language of instruction at your school, you can obtain a certificate stating unequivocally that you attended an English medium school from grades 8 to 12. This letter would serve as verification of your command of the English language.

Furthermore, some colleges may request that you attend an interview with an admissions officer to check your language skills. It is important to note that the school board you attended does not matter as long as the instruction medium is English.

  1. Studied in an English medium school during your primary or secondary school level.

You will also be qualified if you attended an English medium school for at least 5 years in primary school or 3 years in secondary school.You can also submit proof of any of the above when applying to a New Zealand university.Please keep in mind that in each of the aforementioned circumstances, you will be required to produce extra documentation such as

  •  school mark sheets.
  • Your school’s bonafide certificate attesting to your English language proficiency.
  1. Alternative English Language Proficiency tests

Other than IELTS, there are other standard English language assessments accessible for overseas students. You can look through them and select one that you believe will be simple for you.

Standard English tests recognised by New Zealand universities include:

  1. TOEFL
  2. PTE
  3. NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in the English Language)
  4. CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)
  5. CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)

Can I get a scholarship with a 6.5 band IELTS score?

If you achieve an overall band score of 6.5, you will be eligible for a scholarship. There are various types of scholarships accessible to students. Institutional scholarships, on the other hand, are easier to secure for an overseas student. Let us have a look at some of New Zealand’s most distinguished scholarships:

Scholarship Details Deadline 
University of Auckland ADB scholarshipEvery year, 300 scholarships are awarded.All expenditures are paid during a two-year term.Students pursuing master’s degrees in the arts, public health, science, international business, and engineering can apply.Mid july 
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarshipsup to $10,000 towards mandatory tuition expenses for one year of study50 scholarships are awarded each yearEnrollment in a full-time PGDip or Masters of 120 points or more, excluding masters by thesis, or an undergraduate degree (with abroad secondary or post-secondary qualifications) by new full-fee paying international students.     Mid november
University of Otago Scholarships200 Doctoral scholarships to all domestic and international students. Doctor of Philosophy – NZ$28,600 stipend per year + a 36-month waiver of domestic tuition fees (excludes student services fee and insurance)Professional Doctorates (DClinDent, DMA, DBA, EDd) – annual stipend of NZ$28,600 + tuition cost remission for up to 36 months at the domestic rate (excludes student services fee and insurance). insurance).No deadline 
Wellington Doctoral ScholarshipEach year, approximately 110 scholarships are available.Doctoral programmes are available in Architecture, Business and Government, Design, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities, Law, Music, Technology, and Science.Three-year tenureAnnual stipend of $29,500 plus tuition expensesthree rounds each year closing 1 March, 1 July and 1 November.
University of Waikato International Excellence ScholarshipBachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degree programmes are all accessible.Everyone who is applying to university for the first time is eligible.Tuition fees of up to NZD$15,000 may be covered.No deadline 
Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships Merit Scholarships for International Students Pursuing a Master’s DegreeThere are six international flagship scholarships available, each with a distinct value and eligibility requirements. Visit lincoln universityOpens in a new tab.Varies 
University of Canterbury (UC) Scholarships Offered to both UG and PG programs There are six grant and support funds available to assist overseas students in need. For more details visit canterbury universityOpens in a new tab.

Shruthi Raveendran

I am Shruthi Raveendran, a TEFL-certified IELTS/PTE and ESL tutor who has 8+ years of experience working in the education industry. I am a passionate writer, logophile and film enthusiast

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