You may seek Discretionary Entrance for study in New Zealand (on the basis of NCEA Level 2 or equivalent results), if you are:
- a New Zealand citizen or a holder of a New Zealand residence class visa, or
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident (you must have completed your most recent year of schooling in New Zealand), and
- under 20 years of age on the first day of the semester in which you wish to begin study, and
- not otherwise qualified for admission
Discretionary Entrance is not granted automatically. You will need to show you are capable of undertaking university study, either by NCEA Level 2 or equivalent results or other academic achievement (normally one semester of successful full-time academic study at NQF Level 4).
The following are the normal minimum criteria for consideration for Discretionary Entrance:
- A minimum of 80 NCEA credits at Level 2 (or higher) with at least 16 credits in each of your top 4 subjects. Each of these subjects should also include some merit and/or excellence credits. Three subjects must be from the approved list.
- The literacy and numeracy requirements for NCEA.
Fee
A non-refundable administration fee of $93.00 will normally be charged for applications under Discretionary Entrance.
Evidence you are required to provide
You will need to provide a personal letter of application and, if you are applying directly from secondary school, a supporting letter of recommendation from your school is also required. This letter should verify that you were not enrolled in Year 13 beyond 1 June in the year prior to admission.
The University will be able to access your Record of Achievement showing your NCEA results from the NZQA website. It is important that you make sure you have not indicated to NZQA that your NCEA results should be withheld from tertiary institutions.
Discretionary Entrance if you have completed the equivalent of Year 13 overseas
If you have completed your Year 13 overseas you may be considered for Discretionary Entrance.
You will need to provide evidence as outlined above and confirmation of your exchange. This could be in the form of a certificate showing the completion of an approved exchange programme or a letter from your overseas secondary school.
Discretionary Entrance and NCEA Level 3
You cannot be considered for Discretionary Entrance to take first semester or full year papers if you have sought entrance on the basis of NCEA Level 3 or are undertaking Year 13 study beyond 1 June in the year immediately preceding enrolment.
However you may apply to take second semester papers, provided you can show you are capable of undertaking university study through academic achievement (normally one semester of successful full-time academic study at NQF Level 4).
Discretionary Entrance in Year 13 or for Summer School
If you are undertaking Year 13 study you may be considered for Discretionary Entrance to take papers while still attending secondary school or to take Summer School papers.
If you do not gain University Entrance in the January immediately after application, you must withdraw from the University at the end of the Summer School. You may apply for readmission in the second semester or subsequently.