English language requirements for diplomas

There are several ways to show that you meet the English language requirements for an AUT diploma, depending on your situation.

On this page

An approved language test

Things to keep in mind:

  • You’ll need to meet your English requirements in a single sitting of your chosen English language proficiency test (see table below) or through an approved alternative
  • Your test results are valid for two years from the date on the test certificate to the time of your application to a programme at AUT

The test results you need vary by diploma – scroll down to see the results you need for the diploma you’re interested in.

Test results you need for:

  • Diploma in Arts
  • Diploma in Business
  • Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences
  • Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa
  • Diploma in Engineering
  • Diploma in Visual Arts Tītohu mō te Toi Ataata

Test

Required score

IELTS (Academic)1, 2

5.5 overall with 5.5 in writing and all other bands 5 or higher

TOEFL ibt2

70 overall
15 in reading, 15 listening, 17 speaking, and 20 writing

Pearson Test of English (PTE)2

Overall score of 42 with 42 or higher in writing and all other communicative skills 35 or higher

C1 Advanced

Overall score of 162 and with 162 or higher in writing and 154 or higher in all other skills

English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment

Level 1 (with no skill lower than Level 1)

1. IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted at AUT. This means you can retake one skill below the required band to meet the IELTS requirements. Your One Skill Retake must be completed within 60 days of your original IELTS test and must be completed as a "One Skill Retake".
2. IELTS Academic Online and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.

Test results you need for:

  • Diploma in Applied Science
  • Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Diploma in Japanese
  • Diploma in Pâtisserie
  • Diploma in Sport and Recreation

Test

Required score

IELTS (Academic)1, 2

5.5. overall with all bands 5 or higher

TOEFL ibt2

70 overall
15 in reading, 15 listening, 17 speaking, and 18 writing

Pearson Test of English (PTE)2

Overall score of 42 with other skills no lower than 35

C1 Advanced

Overall score of 162  and with 154 or higher in all other skills

English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment

Level 1 (with no skill lower than Level 1)

Test results you need for:

  • Diploma in Paramedicine

Test

Required score

IELTS (Academic)1, 2

6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher

TOEFL ibt2

80 overall
15 in reading, 15 listening, 18 speaking, and 20 writing

Pearson Test of English (PTE)2

Overall score of 50 with all other scores no lower than 42

NZCEL

NZCEL 4 (Academic Endorsement)

C1 Advanced

Overall score of 169 and no bands below 162

LanguageCert - International ESOL

C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill

English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment

Level 2 (with no skill lower than Level 1)

Trinity ISE

ISE II with no less than Distinction in any band

NCEA level 3, CAIE or IB undertaken in New Zealand

If you’re gaining University Entrance through NCEA, Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) or International Baccalaureate (IB) undertaken in New Zealand, you must meet the UE literacy requirements. You can’t replace the UE literacy requirements with an English language test result.

Learn more about University Entrance (UE)

Study in an English-speaking environment

You can use the official results of an academic qualification completed in a country where the main language of instruction and assessment for that qualification was English:

  • Evidence is required that the qualification was taught and assessed in English
  • Must be at an appropriate level

Need help with your English?

Don't meet the English requirements yet? Study an English language course at AUT first, then move into your chosen programme.

Study English at AUT
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