University of Otago Language requirements

University of Otago Language Requirements

If you are seeking admission to the University you must be competent in the use and understanding of written and spoken English. The minimum requirements are described below.

English language requirements are fulfilled if you meet admission criteria in the following categories:

If you do not meet the criteria for any of these methods of admission, and your first language is not English or Māori, you must normally provide certified results in order to satisfy language requirements for admission to the University of Otago.

Notes: The University does not accept responsibility for academic failure which can be attributed to a student’s lack of competence in English.
Admission to some courses may require higher levels of attainment.
Other evidence of English language proficiency may be considered to satisfy the admission requirements and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment MethodUndergraduate Requirements

Minimum language requirements for undergraduate students

NCEA National Certificate in Educational Achievement10 Level 2 credits in approved literacy (5 in reading, 5 in writing)
CIE Cambridge International ExaminationsGrade E or better in AS English
IB International BaccalaureateEnglish at Higher or Standard level in Language A: literature, or Language A: language and literature; or at Higher level in Language B
NZUEBS New Zealand University Entrance Bursaries and ScholarshipsEnglish mark of 46% or higher
IELTS International English Language Testing System6.0 in academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)
TOEFL (paper based) Test of English as a Foreign Language550 
Test of Written English 4.5
TOEFL (internet based) Test of English as a Foreign Language80 (with a Writing score of 20)
CPE Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in EnglishOverall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
CAE Cambridge Certificate in Advanced EnglishOverall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language ExaminationGrade 3 or higher
University of Otago Foundation Studies LtdSuccessful completion of ‘English for Undergraduate Academic Purposes’ paper
Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicOverall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50
University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA) pathway programmesSuccessful completion of the English Pathway for Undergraduate Studies (EPUS) with a C Grade
University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP)Successful completion of the certificate with a C Grade
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International student? See the English language requirements for international undergraduate students page.

Assessment MethodPostgraduate Requirements

Minimum language requirements for postgraduate students

NCEA National Certificate in Educational Achievement10 Level 2 credits in approved literacy (5 in reading, 5 in writing)
CIE Cambridge International ExaminationsGrade E or better in AS English
IB International BaccalaureateEnglish at Higher or Standard level in Language A: literature, or Language A: language and literature; or at Higher level in Language B
NZUEBS New Zealand University Entrance Bursaries and ScholarshipsEnglish mark of 46% or higher
IELTS International English Language Testing System6.5 in academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)
TOEFL (paper based) Test of English as a Foreign Language587
Test of Written English 4.5
TOEFL (internet based) Test of English as a Foreign Language95 (with a Writing score of 22)
CPE Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in EnglishOverall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
CAE Cambridge Certificate in Advanced EnglishOverall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language ExaminationGrade 4 or higher
University of Otago Foundation Studies LtdSuccessful completion of ‘English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes’ paper
Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicOverall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57
University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA) pathway programmesSuccessful completion of the English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) with a B Grade
University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP)Successful completion of the certificate with a B Grade
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International student? See the English language requirements for international postgraduate students page.

See Also: University of Otago Admissions