Views:

All students must be competent in the use and understanding of written and spoken English before being admitted to courses at the University of Otago.

If your first language is not English or Māori, you will need to meet our English language requirements. You may be required to provide official evidence demonstrating that you meet these requirements.

The English language requirements apply to both domestic and international applicants. In some cases, English proficiency can be demonstrated through prior study or admission pathways, rather than a separate English language test. Some programmes have higher English language requirements, which are outlined below.

You can meet the University of Otago's English language requirements in one or more of the following ways. Unless otherwise stated, evidence must normally be from study or testing completed within the two years before your programme starts. In some cases, this may be extended to five years if you can show continued immersion in an English-speaking environment (such as work or further study).

  1. Meeting English requirements through admission criteria:
    English language requirements are automatically met if you gain admission through certain New Zealand or equivalent secondary school pathways, including:
    • University Entrance (UE) NCEA Level 3
    • NZ UE via Bursaries or Scholarships
    • Discretionary Entrance
    • Recognised secondary qualifications studied in New Zealand, such as Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate, and other approved certificates
    If you meet University Entrance literacy requirements through these pathways, you cannot replace them with IELTS or similar language tests.
  2. Approved English proficiency tests:
    You can meet the requirements by achieving the minimum scores in an approved English language test. Commonly accepted tests include:
    • IELTS (Academic, including IELTS Online)
    • TOEFL iBT
    • Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
    • Pearson Test of English PTE Academic
    • Duolingo English Test
    • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
    • Other approved pathway and assessment programmes
    Minimum scores differ for undergraduate and postgraduate study. Tests must normally be completed in a single sitting and within the required validity period.
  3. Overseas secondary qualifications (undergraduate study only):
    If you completed an approved secondary qualification outside New Zealand, you may meet English requirements through specific country-based qualifications and minimum grades. These vary by country and qualification type.
  4. Approved foundation and English pathway programmes:
    Successful completion of recognised foundation certificates or English-for-academic-purposes programmes at Otago or other approved institutions may meet English language requirements. Different grade thresholds apply for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
  5. Prior tertiary study taught in English
    Previous tertiary study completed in English may be accepted if:
    • The study was undertaken at a recognised university or polytechnic
    • The qualification level is comparable to New Zealand degree-level study
    • The study was completed within the required validity period
    Different requirements apply for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
  6. Other accepted evidence
    In some cases, professional registration (such as with the New Zealand Medical Council or Nursing Council of New Zealand) or performance in specific programme assessments may meet English language requirements. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  7. Programmes with higher English language requirements
    Some programmes require higher English proficiency than the University minimum, including:
    • Teaching programmes (which must meet Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand language competency standards)
    • Social work programmes
    • Law postgraduate programmes
    • Clinical postgraduate dentistry programmes
    If you are applying for one of these programmes, you must meet the higher programme-specific English language scores to enrol.

Further information

English language requirements

Keywords: language, competency, proficiency, english