NCEA: University Entrance / Other Qualifications
What do I need to gain University Entrance?
To gain entry to a New Zealand university, you will need to have 42 credits at level 3 or above from a set list of subjects, as well as meeting some literacy (English or te reo Māori) and numeracy (Mathematics) requirements. More information is available here. Your teachers should also be able to tell you more about these requirements.
University Entrance is the minimum requirement to go to university. Many universities and other tertiary course providers in New Zealand also have specific course entry requirements. Merit and Excellence grades will give you a greater chance of getting into your chosen course. You may need to take particular level 2 or 3 standards as an entry requirement for some tertiary courses.
Are NCEAs the only qualifications I can aim for at school?
NCEAs are just three of about 1000 qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Qualifications can be gained in a range of areas including childcare, sport, tourism, computing, electrical engineering, and business management.
Credits from some work may count towards more than one qualification and all credits count towards the NCEAs. Some qualifications can be completed at school and others you may start at school and then finish in the workplace or at a tertiary provider.
Schools generally have a wide range of courses, with standards combined into new courses or offering non-traditional courses. Ask your school what other national certificates they are offering.
Page updated: 18 August 2009