University Entrance

What is University Entrance?

University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go from school to a New Zealand university. Being awarded University Entrance also opens doors to tertiary study in other countries.

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

To be awarded UE, you need:

  • NCEA Level 3
  • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects
  • 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
    • 5 credits in reading
    • 5 credits in writing.
  • 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above

Further Information

For further information about UE, go to the NZQA website

University Requirements

In addition to the NZQA University Entrance requirement, each university or tertiary institution has specific entry standards (at a level which is higher than the basic UE) for some or all of their degree programmes. Detailed information about these can be accessed on the relevant web sites: