student visa in new zealand without ielts - Lomelono Travel Solutions

Are you an international student from outside New Zealand who is looking to study in Auckland or the rest of New Zealand? Do you wish to apply for a student visa in order to study in New Zealand? In this article, we will take a look at the different options available for non-New Zealand citizen students seeking to study at university or polytechnic.

A student visa grants you permission to live and study in New Zealand. The application process can be a little tricky, but the results are worth it. Once you’re here, trips around the country will be easier than ever. In this blog post, I’ll give you all you need to know about student visas for New Zealand.

Trying to get a student visa in New Zealand is really expensive and most colleges won’t accept you with out an IELTS score. Fortunately there is a way to study in New Zealand without IELTS.

For students who are planning to study in New Zealand, one of the most important things to consider is getting your student visa. This can be a long process and a lot of work, but it’s also an opportunity to make some friends along the way.

It’s important to know that there are two different kinds of visas: student visas and work visas. The type of visa you need depends on what you want to do while you’re in New Zealand. If you’re going to study, then you need a student visa. But if you want to work while studying at the same time, then you’ll need both types of visa.

The first step in getting your student visa is filling out some forms online and paying for them with your credit card or PayPal account (if possible). You’ll have to pay $200 NZD for each application form that requires payment; if it doesn’t require payment, then there won’t be any fees associated with submitting it electronically through their website (which is where we recommend doing everything from here on out).

Once you’ve done this (and provided all necessary information), then they will send back an email letting them know that everything went well with their system and asking whether or not there are any other documents needed before processing can begin properly

How to get a student visa in New Zealand without IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that assesses the language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It aims to provide a reliable measure of English language ability for higher education, immigration and employment purposes.

IELTS assesses all four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes. The speaking test takes place first and is followed by the other parts of the test on different days. The results are valid for two years from the date of testing.

Table of Contents

How to study in New Zealand without IELTS?

1. Studied in an English medium school from class 8 to class 12.

If the official medium of instruction is English in your school, you can get a certificate that clearly states that you studied in an English medium school from classes 8 to 12. This letter would be proof of your English language prowess.

Additionally, some universities might also ask you to attend an interview with the admissions officer to assess your language skills.

Note: The school board (CBSE, ISCE, State board) you studied doesn’t matter as long as the instruction medium is English.

2. Studied in an English medium school during your primary or secondary school level.

Alternately you will also be eligible if you studied in an English medium school for:

A minimum of 5 years in primary school level or
A minimum of 3 years in secondary school level.

You can also submit proof of any one of the above as proof while applying to a University in New Zealand.

Note: In both the above cases you will have to submit additional documents like:

School mark sheets.
Bonafede certificate from your school attesting to your English language skills.

3. Take an alternative English language assessment test.

There are many standard English language tests available for international students. You can check them out and choose one that you think will be easy for you.

Some of the standard English tests accepted by New Zealand universities:

TOEFL
PTE
NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in the English Language)
CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)
CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)

Is it Possible Study in New Zealand without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible for an international student to study in New Zealand without IELTS if they are successful in fulfilling certain other required criteria for admission. There are various parameters used by the universities in New Zealand to assess the English language proficiency of prospective students and IELTS is only one of them. Although it is the most preferred mode of assessment, students are still granted admission as long as they have the required qualifications and can provide proof of fulfilling any of the alternative language proficiency criteria [mentioned in detail in the next sections].

How to Study in New Zealand without IELTS

New Zealand offers many options for students who do not provide IELTS scores. You can still apply to universities in New Zealand if you fulfill their specified language requirements and criteria. Some of these include:

Applicants should provide proof of studying in an English medium school from at least classes 8 to 12 and it should clearly state the medium of instruction was English, irrespective of the board or country of study
You can also submit proof of having attained 5 years of English medium education at the primary level or 3 years at the higher secondary level in school
For applying for study visa in New Zealand, the New Zealand Immigration authority conducts a specific interview for students without IELTS
Few universities also hold interviews to access the English proficiency of prospective students.
Alternatively, you can get admitted at any university if you provide scores of any other accepted English proficiency test like TOEFL or PTE.

Documents Required

Take a look at the document checklist you must have at the time of applying to a university in New Zealand without IELTS scores:

Academic transcripts and marksheets showing that you have completed your primary, secondary and senior secondary education with English as the medium of instruction.
Academic transcripts and marksheets elucidating that you complete Class VIII to XII with English as the medium of instruction.
A bonafide certificate issued by your school stating that you have appeared for all the exams for the duration of your study (as per your transcripts and marksheets) in English medium.
Certificates of other language proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE, CPE, ESOL, CAE, etc. if necessary.

Best Universities to Study in New Zealand without IELTS

Many top universities in New Zealand provide alternatives for IELTS and language proficiency tests for international students. Here are some of the major universities which grant admission to international students who want to study in New Zealand without IELTS:

University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury provides alternative options for students who want to study in New Zealand without IELTS. International students can provide evidence of their proficiency in the English language by showing proof of completing an academic qualification which is majorly taught in English in a country where English is a predominant language. Alternatively, the University of Canterbury accepts the scores of English proficiency tests other than IELTS such as TOEFL, PTE, CPE, CAE etc.

University of Auckland

The University of Auckland allows international students to gain admission if they have the necessary qualifications. Although IELTS is the preferred option for assessing English proficiency, the university also accepts other TOEFL, PTE, University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP), University of Auckland English Pathway for Undergraduate Studies (EPUS) etc. Although students are admitted into most courses on the basis of the above, some particular courses such as Master of Social Work (Professional) compulsorily require IELTS scores.

Lincoln University

Students willing to enrol for any course at Lincoln University are required to provide proof of their grasp of the English language and for this, the university accepts the scores of English proficiency tests other than IELTS. Some of the accepted tests include TOEFL, PTE, NZCEL etc. Additionally, Lincoln university also has its own English Language Program. Students successfully completing this course are granted exemption from all English language proficiency requirements.

University of Otago

The University of Otago offers various options for international students to meet the English language proficiency criteria other than IELTS. It accepts most of the other English proficiency scores like TOEFL, PTE, University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP), CPE, CAE etc. It also provides separate criteria for Indian students applying for undergraduate courses to meet the language proficiency requirements – they have to show a minimum score of 70% in English in the CBSE or the CISCE boards. Additionally, if the candidate is unable to fulfil any of the above criteria, they can also opt for the English for Otago programme to qualify for admission at the University of Otago.

Unitec Institute of Technology

The Unitec Institute of Technology accepts most of the internationally recognised English proficiency tests including TOEFL, PTE, CPE, CAE etc for students willing to study in New Zealand without IELTS. It also has a separate English language program for students who are not able to satisfy the above criteria.

Tips for Study Visa Interview without IELTS Scores

Along with submitting the alternative proof of English proficiency, you will also have to appear for a separate visa interview conducted by New Zealand immigration authorities to assess the language proficiency of those who are not submitting IELTS or similar scores. Here the prominent tips to help you ace your visa interview and successfully fulfil your dream to study in New Zealand without IELTS:

The New Zealand immigration authorities will generally check if the university you have got admission into is in the Category-I university list for studying in New Zealand without IELTS.
Your knowledge of the English language and communication skills are imperatively assessed through this visa interview.
The alternative documents including academic transcripts, etc. will be verified during the interview so make sure you have a copy of the same.
If you fail to clear the interview, then you can reappear for it again and if you passed, you can look forward to getting your New Zealand student visa!

List of Universities in Canada without IELTS

Here are some universities in Canada without IELTS

University of Winnipeg
Brock University
University of Saskatchewan
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Cambrian University
Okanagan College
Concordia University
Seneca College
Carleton University
Algoma University

List of Universities in USA without IELTS

Here are some popular universities to study in USA without IELTS:

University of Delaware
Northwood University
Rice University
University of Dayton
State University of New York
University of New Orleans (UNO)
California State University
University of Colorado

List of Universities in UK without IELTS

Here are some popular universities to study in UK without IELTS:

Must Read: Job Opportunities in New Zealand

FAQs

Is IELTS required for New Zealand?

If you are planning to study in New Zealand, IELTS is not a necessary requirement as you can opt for alternatives like providing proof that you completed class 8 to class 12 with English as the medium of instruction in your home country or submit other language proficiency scores like TOEFL, PTE, CAE, ESOL, etc. If you are applying for work opportunities in New Zealand, IELTS might be required and can vary as per the visa you are applying for.

Are 5.5 bands eligible for NZ?

You will need a minimum of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 for bachelor’s degrees and other undergraduate courses in New Zealand while 6.5 overall with no section less than 6.0 for postgraduate programs at NZ universities.

Is IELTS necessary for New Zealand immigration?

While IELTS is a major requirement to apply for a student visa in New Zealand, the immigration department of the country also conducts a separate visa for international students who are unable to submit IELTS

Conclusion

New Zealand is popular amongst students seeking a secure study environment and outdoor lifestyle. It has a diverse and vibrant multicultural society that international students love. New Zealand Institutions also meet the highest educational standards. If you’re looking for a world-class education in a safe, beautiful environment, New Zealand is the perfect place for you!