Discretionary entrance allows you to apply for study at the University of Otago based on NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent), if you are not otherwise qualified for admission.
Discretionary entrance is not granted automatically. You are assessed on your ability to undertake university study.
You may be considered for Discretionary entrance if you:
- Are a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and completed your most recent year of schooling in New Zealand, and
- Are under 20 years of age on the first day of the semester you plan to begin study, and
- Are not otherwise qualified for admission
Academic requirements
You are expected to show you are capable of university-level study through one of the following:
- NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent) results, or
- Other academic achievement (normally one semester of successful full-time academic study at NZQF Level 4)
The normal minimum criteria for consideration include:
- At least 80 NCEA credits at Level 2 (or higher)
- At least 16 credits in each of your top four subjects
- Some Merit and/or Excellence credits in each of these subjects
- Three subjects from the approved list
- NCEA literacy and numeracy requirements
Evidence required
You will need to provide a personal letter of application and a supporting letter of recommendation from your school, if you are applying directly from secondary school.
The supporting letter confirms that you were not enrolled in Year 13 beyond 1 June in the year prior to admission.
Your NCEA Record of Achievement is accessed through NZQA. Ensure your results are available to tertiary institutions.
Discretionary entrance and NCEA Level 3
Discretionary entrance is not available for first semester or full-year papers if you:
- Have applied for entrance based on NCEA Level 3, or
- Are undertaking Year 13 study beyond 1 June in the year immediately before enrolment
You may apply for second semester papers if you can show you are capable of university study through academic achievement (normally one semester of successful full-time study at NZQF Level 4).
Studying during Year 13 or Summer School
If you are undertaking Year 13 study, you may be considered for Discretionary entrance to:
- Take university papers while still at secondary school, or
- Take Summer School papers
If you do not gain University Entrance (UE) in the January immediately after applying, you are required to withdraw from the University at the end of Summer School. You can apply for readmission in the second semester or later.