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Entry into NCEA
The National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualifications are organised by NZQA. Students automatically become a candidate for NCEA when their school first sends results for internally assessed standards to NZQA, entries are made for externally assessed standards, or an entry is made for New Zealand Scholarship.
Each student has a unique National Student Number (NSN). The student can use this to look up information that NZQA holds about them, including their entries, results and Record of Achievement. Students may also be studying courses with other providers such as Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, workplace providers or a polytechnic.
Students must obey all the rules and procedures for NCEA. See the NZQA Assessment Rules for Schools, TEOs assessing against Achievement Standards, and Candidates 2023.
For an introductory pamphlet for NCEA candidates see:
- Candidate Information Sheet (PDF, 331KB)
- Candidate Information Sheet - Te Reo Maori translation (PDF, 235KB)
- Examination Timetable
Home-schooled students
A home-schooled student who wishes to enter for achievement or unit standards must establish a link with a registered school. The school must have the relevant New Zealand Qualifications Framework accreditation.
For more information, see the NZQA Assessment Rules for Schools, TEOs assessing against Achievement Standards, and Candidates 2023.
International students
International students resident in New Zealand can gain National Certificates of Educational Achievement. For more information see Coming to New Zealand.
NCEA Fees
Schools are solely responsible for payment of NCEA and/or New Zealand Scholarship fees to NZQA for their international students. NZQA will no longer accept fee payments directly from international students.
The relevant fees are set out in the Fees Schedule . More information can be found here.