What is the passing score for IELTS in New Zealand?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who are seeking to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries such as New Zealand.

The IELTS exam consists of four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, and the scores are then averaged to give an overall band score. The overall band score is the average of the four component scores rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

The passing score for IELTS in New Zealand can vary depending on the specific institution or organization you are applying to.

As a general guidance, the minimum IELTS scores required by different institutions and organizations in New Zealand are:

  • Universities: Most universities in New Zealand require a minimum overall band score of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate programs. Some universities may have higher requirements for certain programs or faculties.
  • Immigration New Zealand: For immigration purposes, you need to score a minimum of 6.0 in all four sections to meet the English language requirements for residence.
  • Work Visa: For work visa in New Zealand, you need to score at least 5.5 in all four sections, but the employer may request a higher score.

It’s important to check the specific requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to, as they may have different IELTS score requirements or accept other English language proficiency tests.