English language requirements for doctoral programmes

There are several ways to show that you meet the English language requirements for an AUT doctoral programme, 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 or 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

Test

Required score

IELTS (Academic)1, 2

6.5 overall with 73 in Writing and no band lower than 6

TOEFL ibt2

90 overall with
22 in Writing and no band score lower than 18

PTE2

Overall score of 58 and with 654 in Writing, and all other scores no lower than 50

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 Indicator (Online) and TOEFL ibt Home Edition are accepted for entry to AUT doctoral programmes except for programmes where professional or accreditation requirements specify IELTS Academic. PTE Academic Online is not accepted.
3. Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences require 6.5 in Writing.
4. Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences only require 58 in Writing.

Completing the AUT Academic English (AUT AE) course

You can meet the English language requirements by achieving specific grades in the AUT AE course.

The minimum grades required in AUT AE to meet English language requirements for doctoral programmes are:

AUT Academic English

B+ overall, with A1 in writing, and all other skills B or higher
1. B+ in writing for Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

Study in an English-speaking environment

An approved language test is usually needed to meet the English language requirements. However, you may request a waiver if you've completed a postgraduate degree within the last three years from a recognised institution where English was the main language of instruction and assessment. If your degree is older than three years, you’ll need to show that you've continued using English.

The decision to grant a waiver is determined on a case-by-case basis by the University Postgraduate Research Board (or their nominee). We may still require you to take an approved language test to confirm your English skills, even if you have studied a postgraduate degree in English within the last three years.

Need help with your English?

If you don’t currently meet the English language requirements for the AUT programme you’re interested in, you can study an English language course at AUT.

Study English at AUT
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