English Language requirements
Find out how to meet English language requirements for study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
To be admitted to the University, you must meet the English language requirements for your level of study.
You must also meet academic and other entry criteria. See our academic entry requirements page for full detail on these requirements for international students.
In some cases, we may:
- ask for further evidence of English proficiency if there is any concern about your English abilities
- require you to pause your studies and take English for Academic Purposes if your language level isn't sufficient despite the evidence provided. This could affect your study plan and your visa.
We refer to UK ENIC and NOOSR when determining the recognition of institutions and qualifications.
Domestic student status
The English language requirements apply to international students. They also apply to the following groups if the University requests proof of their English proficiency:
- New Zealand Residence Class visa holders
- Permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia
- Diplomats or consular officials living in New Zealand, and their dependents.
If English requirements differ for these groups, they are marked “Domestic student status” in the programme-specific information.
Find out about English language criteria for your study
Use the links below to find out how to meet the English language requirements for your study plans:
Group 1: Standard undergraduate English requirements
- Bachelor's degrees (for exceptions, see Group 4)
- Undergraduate Study Abroad and Exchange programmes
Find out the requirements for Group 1
Group 2: Standard postgraduate English requirements
- Honour’s year of a Bachelor’s degree
- Graduate Certificate and Diploma (for exceptions, see Group 4)
- Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma
- Master’s degree (for exceptions, see Group 3 and 4)
- PhD studies (for exceptions, see Group 3)
- Postgraduate Study Abroad and Exchange programmes
Find out the requirements Group 2
Group 3: Higher English language requirements
- Master of Laws
- PhD in Law
- PhD in Education.
Find out the requirements for Group 3
Group 4: Programmes with external English requirements
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood
- Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education/Primary/Secondary)
- Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary/Secondary)
- Master of Nursing Practice.