National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the most common way that school-leavers gain entrance to university. To be eligible for admission in this category, you must achieve the University Entrance standard through NCEA Level 3 by gaining:
- NCEA Level 3, and
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three subjects from the approved list.
You must also meet literacy and numeracy requirements:
- Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in standards from the specified list, with at least 5 credits in Reading and 5 credits in Writing
- Numeracy: 10 credits at Level 1 or above (can be achieved through a range of standards)
Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance it will appear on your Record of Achievement.
More information about the requirements for University Entrance is available on the NZQA website.
View NZQA University Entrance information
Please note that these requirements apply to students who had not obtained University Entrance by 1 March 2014. Students who were awarded University Entrance before that date obtained the qualification under the requirements in place at that time.
Evidence you will need to provide
University Entrance through NCEA Level 3 is awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Results are provided automatically to the University in January each year by NZQA . Your results will be matched to your application and your eligibility for entrance will be checked.
It is important that you make sure that you have not indicated to NZQA that your NCEA results should be withheld from tertiary institutions.
Admission to Summer School while NCEA Level 3 results are pending
You may be considered for Discretionary Entrance to take Summer School papers while your NCEA Level 3 results are pending. If you do not gain University Entrance in the January immediately after a successful application, you will be required to withdraw from the University at the end of the Summer School. You may apply for readmission in the second semester or subsequently.