Qualifications and standards

University Entrance

University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand university. To recognise the disruption caused by COVID-19 there are some changes to UE for 2020. To qualify in 2020 you will need:

NCEA Level 3
Three subjects - at Level 3, made up of:
- 12 credits in each of three approved subjects (this applies to 2020 only. In other years, 14 credits in each of three approved subjects is required)
Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading
- 5 credits in writing
Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
- unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance it will appear on your Record of Achievement.

Credits

Credits can be accumulated over more than one year.

If a unit and an achievement standard assess the same learning outcome, only the credits for ONE standard can be counted. In other words they are 'mutually exclusive'. A list of such exclusions is published each year.

Discretionary entrance

When an applicant does not qualify for University Entrance to a New Zealand university, they may be eligible for Discretionary Entrance.

See Universities New Zealand - Discretionary Entrance for more information.

Appeals process for Discretionary and Ad Eundem Statum Entrance

Applicants who are not happy with the decision of a University regarding discretionary entrance may appeal that decision.

Review of University Entrance requirements

During 2016-2017, NZQA reviewed the University Entrance requirements. Please go to the Review page for more information.