New Zealand University Entrance

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Applying with NCEA

To be automatically accepted into programmes offered you will need to:

  1. achieve University Entrance
  2. achieve the Guaranteed Entry Score (GES)*
  3. fulfil any other degree-specific requirements, eg. performance audition
  4. apply by the deadline.

When applying please select the admission type 'New Zealand University Entrance Qualification'.

* The Guaranteed Entry Score also applies to applicants who sat NCEA prior to 2011.

University Entrance through NCEA consists of:

  • a minimum of 42 credits at Level 3 or higher, made up of a minimum of 14 credits in each of two approved subjects, with a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains or approved subjects.

In addition, you will need to meet the literacy and numeracy standards required for entrance to university:

  • For literacy, a minimum of eight credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori. Four credits must be in reading and four credits must be in writing.
  • For numeracy, a minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau.

NCEA approved subjects for entrance to university

Accounting Dance Graphics Mathematics with Calculus Samoan
Agriculture and Horticulture Design (Practical Art) Health Education Media Studies Science
Biology Drama History Music Studies Sculpture (Practical Art)
Chemistry Economics History of Art Painting (Practical Art) Social Studies
Chinese English Indonesian Photography (Practical Art) Spanish
Classical Studies French Japanese Physical Education Statistics and Modelling
Computing Geography Korean Physics Te Reo Māori or Te Reo Rangatira
Cook Islands Māori German Latin   Printmaking (Practical Art) Technology

The Guaranteed Entry Score (GES) from NCEA is 150 points for all undergraduate degrees, except the Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Bachelor of Building Science which requires a Guaranteed Entry Score of 180.

How to calculate your NCEA score:

  • Your score will be based on your 80 best credits in University Entrance approved subjects at Level 3 or higher, and weighted by the level of achievement. You can count both achievement standards and unit standards.
  • All Level 3 or higher approved subjects can be counted.
  • A maximum of 24 credits in each subject may be counted.
  • If you have achieved fewer than 80 credits at Level 3 or higher the score will be based on those you have achieved.
  • You are advised to take approved subjects and achievement standards wherever possible in your school programme both for entrance purposes and as the best preparation for university study.

Your score will be calculated by awarding points as follows:

Excellence 4 points
Merit 3 points
Achieved 2 points

An example of a score for a student studying for NCEA

Approved Subject (best 24 credits per subject) Excellence Credits Merit Credits Achieved Credits
English 8 3 6
History - 6 10
Statistics and Modelling 4 4 16
Geography - 10 10
French - - 24
SUB TOTAL 12 23 66
Best 80 Credits 12 23 45
Calculate Points 48 pts
(12 x 4)		 69 pts
(23 x 3)		 90 pts
(45 x 2)
      Score 207 points
Note: Count up all your Excellence and Merit credits first, then count as many Achieved credits as you need up to a maximum of 80 credits. In this example, the student can only count 45 of their Achieved credits.

If you achieve University Entrance but do not achieve the Guaranteed Entry Score, you will be waitlisted according to your score and application date. We will offer you a place in your programme if there are sufficient places.

Please note: Victoria is committed to providing pathways to university for under-represented groups. Māori and Pacific applicants who achieve University Entrance but do not achieve the Guaranteed Entry Score will be admitted to their degree with the following conditions:
  • You must attend study and course planning interviews.
  • You must attend Māori or Pacific orientation
  • You must participate in a faculty support programme for Māori and Pacific students.

Applications from students with disabilities who achieve University Entrance but do not achieve the Guaranteed Entry Score will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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Applying with a pre-NCEA University Entrance Qualification

You will be admitted to Victoria if you have a New Zealand University Entrance qualification gained prior to 2004, consisting of:

  1. from 1993 to 2004: Higher School Certificate and a C grade or higher in each of three New Zealand University Entrance, Bursaries and Scholarships (NZUEBS) subjects; or an A or B Bursary;
  2. from 1986 to 1992: a D grade or higher in each of four NZUEBS subjects;
  3. before 1986: the University Entrance qualification (by accreditation or examination).