Study Abroad
What IELTS or PTE score do Nepali students need for New Zealand? How INZ and NZQA rules, university minimums, sub-scores and two-year validity work in 2026.
"What IELTS score do I need for New Zealand?" is one of the first questions Nepali students ask us. The honest answer has two parts. The visa and the university are different gatekeepers, and they ask for different things. This guide explains the IELTS requirements for New Zealand for Nepali students, the PTE equivalents, how NZQA and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) fit in, and how to plan your test.
Scores, dates and fees can change. Treat every number below as a guide and verify it on the official page before you book a test or pay an application fee.
INZ does not publish a minimum IELTS or PTE score for the Fee Paying Student Visa. Instead, your offer of place must include confirmation from the education provider that you have the English language ability and academic capability to succeed in the programme.
That does not mean English is ignored. Under its genuine-intentions check, INZ can ask for evidence of your English, for example an English test result or proof of current tertiary study. INZ says test results are not mandatory, but they help it judge whether you genuinely intend to study and can make satisfactory progress. For most Nepali applicants, a valid IELTS or PTE result is the simplest evidence. For the full visa checklist, see our New Zealand student visa from Nepal guide.
Most of the real score rules come from NZQA. Under its English entry rules for international students (levels 3 to 10), a provider must check that you meet a minimum standard before enrolling you. The common benchmarks are:
Bachelor's level (levels 6 and 7): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skill below 42.
Postgraduate level (levels 8 to 10): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or PTE Academic 58 with no communicative skill below 50.
Lower-level and diploma programmes: lower scores apply, for example IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0 at level 5.
If a programme sets a higher requirement than NZQA's minimum, you must meet the higher one. The test result must also be recent: NZQA expects it to be achieved within two years before the programme starts. Results must come from an approved test centre, and providers verify them.
New Zealand's eight universities largely follow the NZQA benchmarks, but check the sub-scores and any course-specific rules.
Undergraduate. The University of Otago, University of Canterbury and Massey University all list IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5. Otago and Canterbury list PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skill below 42. Our universities in New Zealand for Nepali students guide shows the same standard at Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate. Otago and Massey list IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Otago's PTE equivalent is 58 with no skill below 50.
Higher-demand courses. Some programmes ask for more. For example, Waikato's published rule for its law degree (LLB) is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or PTE 56 with no band below 46. Teaching, nursing, health and law programmes often have their own higher standards.
Pathway programmes. Foundation and diploma pathways accept lower scores. Massey lists IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for its Foundation Certificate (International), and 5.0 overall (no band below 4.5) for its entry-level English for Academic Purposes programme. If your English is just below degree level, a pathway can be a route in, though it adds time and cost.
Many Nepali students reach an overall 6.0 but miss entry because one band is 5.0. Most providers need every band at or above the listed minimum, so a student with 6.5 overall and 5.0 in writing can still be refused. Plan your practice around your weakest skill. For PTE, check each communicative skill score (listening, reading, speaking, writing), not just the overall.
Also, use one sitting. NZQA and several universities want all scores from a single test report. Some accept IELTS One Skill Retake, but rules differ, so confirm with the provider before you retake one skill.
Both are widely accepted for New Zealand study, but not every provider accepts every test or format. Before you book, check that your chosen university or college lists the exact test, such as IELTS Academic (not General Training) or PTE Academic.
IELTS: has a live face-to-face speaking test. Computer and paper formats exist in Nepal, with different dates and fees. Results usually take a few days on computer and longer on paper.
PTE Academic: is fully computer-based and scored automatically, with fast results. Some students prefer it for the structured tasks and quick turnaround.
Our IELTS vs PTE guide compares the two tests in detail, though it was written for Australian visas, so use it only for the test comparison and rely on the New Zealand rules above for scores. Choose the test where you score best in practice, and where your provider clearly accepts it.
One caution on TOEFL: a new TOEFL iBT format launched on 21 January 2026, and NZQA says its scores do not align with the standard table, so non-university providers cannot accept the new format. Check carefully before choosing TOEFL.
NZQA lists other acceptable evidence providers may use, including:
a New Zealand NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance
a Cambridge A-level or International Baccalaureate Diploma taught and assessed in English
a qualification at bachelor's level or above taught in English from a tertiary provider in a listed country, such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK or the US
prior schooling in English in one of the listed countries
A Nepali +2 or bachelor's degree is not usually on this list. Most Nepali applicants should plan to sit a test, although some universities accept other tests such as the Duolingo English Test or LanguageCert at set scores. Always confirm the exact list on the provider's page.
IELTS and PTE results are generally valid for two years, and NZQA counts from the programme's start date, so do not test too early. Book early enough to retake if needed, because the test, results, offer of place and visa application all take time.
In Nepal, IELTS on computer was listed by British Council at NPR 36,000 and by IDP Nepal at NPR 33,000 when we checked (9 November 2026). Fees change and differ by format, so confirm on the official booking page. We do not quote a PTE fee here because it varies with exchange rates; check Pearson's booking site.
Shortlist courses and note the exact test, overall score and sub-score each one asks for.
Take an honest mock test and find your weakest skill.
Book your real test so your result will still be valid at programme start.
Send the result with your application, and keep the report for your visa file in case INZ asks.
Prepare funds and documents using our cost of studying in New Zealand guide.
Once you are enrolled, see our guides on part-time work in New Zealand, student accommodation in New Zealand, scholarships in New Zealand and the New Zealand post-study work visa.
INZ does not set a minimum IELTS score or make a test mandatory for the visa itself. However, your provider must confirm your English ability, and INZ can ask for English evidence. In practice, most Nepali applicants need a test result for the university or college.
For a bachelor's degree, usually IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5. For postgraduate study, usually 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Some courses need more.
Commonly PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skill below 42 for undergraduate entry, and 58 with no skill below 50 for postgraduate entry. Confirm with your provider.
Possibly through a pathway, foundation or diploma programme that lists 5.5 (check the sub-score rule). Most degree programmes ask for 6.0 or above.
Generally two years, and NZQA looks at the two years before the programme start date. Check your provider's rule.
You may need to, depending on the provider. Some accept an IELTS One Skill Retake, but not all. Ask before you rebook.
We offer IELTS and PTE coaching and can help you pick the right test and target score for your chosen course. Contact us to ask about current classes and dates.
Everest Global Education has guided Nepali students since 2016. For New Zealand, we help you match your English results and academic record to the right course, check the exact test and sub-score each provider needs, and prepare your visa file. We counsel from our Nepal and Australia offices only and do not guarantee admission or visa outcomes.
Kathmandu: Putalisadak, Opposite of MIT College
Pokhara: Pushpa Ratna Bhawan, Siddharthachowk-4, Pokhara 33700
Beni: New Road, Beni Bazar, Myagdi
Dhangadhi: Boradadi Road, Dhangadhi 10900
Janakpur: Girija Path, Murli Chowk, Janakpur
Perth (Australia): 102 James St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Sydney (Australia): Level 1/483 Princes Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216, Australia
Share your course choice, your latest test score (if any) and your intake, and we will help you map the right English target and timeline.
Submit an enquiry at https://everestglobaledu.com/enquiry and our team will contact you by phone or email.
Everest Global Education
Phone: +61 8 6157 0080
Email: info@everestglobal.com
Website: https://everestglobaledu.com/
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