Opportunities in New Zealand with 5.5 IELTS Band Score
New Zealand as a country is quite famous for cricket and rugby. However, this country is also quite popular among international students looking for a job-oriented education, especially the three years diploma courses. As English is the official language of New Zealand, educational institutions ask for an IELTS exam scorecard to check for proficiency in the English language.
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Application of IELTS score
IELTS (International English language Testing System) is a well-recognized examination and the IELTS scores are used as a benchmark for admissions, migration, and employment in many developed countries where English is the primary language. This test is globally recognized by over 10,000 organizations and educational institutions across 140 countries.
In most of the universities in English speaking countries, an IELTS exam score of 6 and above is required for admissions. However, a score of 5.5 is also accepted in some colleges but these may not be for the top courses. The table below highlights the IELTS requirements for specific courses in New Zealand.
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Also Read:
- IELTS Eligibility Criteria
- IELTS Exam Dates
- IELTS Test Centres
- IELTS Exam Registration
- IELTS Exam Format
- IELTS Exam Syllabus
- IELTS Exam Preparation
- IELTS Exam Practice Sets
- IELTS Exam Result
- IELTS Slot Booking
What band score do you need to study in New Zealand?
Degree / Diploma | Eligibility | IELTS Requirement |
Diploma L1 and L6 | 10+2 above 50% marks | 6.0 but band not less than 5.5 |
Bachelor L7 | 10+2 above 60% marks | 6.0 but band not less than 5.5 |
Graduate Diploma L7 | Bachelor above 55% | 6.0 but band not less than 5.5 |
PG Diploma L8 | Bachelor above 60% | 6.5 but band not less than 6.0 |
Master Program L9 | Bachelor above 60% + 2 yrs work experience | 6.5 but band not less than 6.0 |
Though an IELTS score of 5.5 band is acceptable, your university choices are greatly limited. Also, most of the best universities do not accept a score that is less than 6.5 or 6. A good number of international students look for countries that accept an IELTS band score of 5.5.
As already mentioned above, a 5.5 IELTS band will limit your choice of Universities and Courses. A few good universities may still accommodate this score but you will be compelled to pursue special English courses like ELICOS to improve your proficiency in the English language.
Here is a list of the colleges in New Zealand that accept an IELTS band score of 5.5.
- Auckland University of Technology: For diploma only
- Otago Polytechnic: Diploma in Tourism
- University of Otago: Foundation course leading to graduate studies
- Pacific International Hotel Management: For diploma level 5
- University of Waikato: Foundation course leading to graduate studies
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology: Diploma in tourism and travel
- New Zealand Management Academies: Diploma in campuses located in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, and Wellington
- Lincoln University: Only Diploma
Other Countries Accepting 5.5 IELTS Band:
There are a host of universities in other countries like USA, Canada, and Europe that consider 5.5 IELTS band for admission, but the same principles applicable to New Zealand are applicable in these universities. Here is a list of such universities at random for academic information. The list is not exhaustive but only indicative.
- University of Missouri (USA)
- Ohio University(USA)
- Washington State University (USA)
- Capilano University (Canada)
- Canadore College (Canada)
- Royal Roads University (Canada)
- Karlsruhe University of Technology (Germany)
- University of Essex (UK)
- Budapest Metropolitan University (Hungary)
Though a TOEFL or IELTS score in the range of 6 or above is a prerequisite for admission at the top universities, there are plenty of opportunities for students who score under 6 in New Zealand and in other countries.
Also Read:
- IELTS Exam Score
- IELTS Band Score
- IELTS Average Score in US
- IELTS Average Score in Canada
- Study Abroad Without IELTS
- Top 10 IELTS Coaching Centers In India
- Study in NZ Without IELTS
- IELTS Weaver In Top University