Applying to university in New Zealand with Cambridge qualifications

New Zealand’s education system, based on the British model, has earned a global reputation for quality and choice. Local and international students can choose from a wide range of higher education institutions and courses, including eight universities, together with colleges, private institutions and polytechnics.

Why choose New Zealand?

There are many reasons to study for your bachelor’s degree in New Zealand. New Zealand is home to eight universities of the highest quality. All are ranked in the top 3 per cent (500) universities in the world.

• New Zealand’s universities are also highly ranked by subject. They are ranked within the top 50 universities in the world in 22 different subjects, and in the top 100 in 39 (out of a possible 46) subjects.
• Seven of New Zealand’s universities are comprehensive universities, offering a broad range of subjects including arts, sciences, commerce, engineering, and health sciences. Lincoln University is a specialist land-based university.
• As well as eight universities, New Zealand’s tertiary sector includes 16 publicly funded polytechnics and institutes of technology; 3 wānanga; over 240 Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)-funded private training establishments, 12 Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) and a small number of other organisations.

All New Zealand universities accept Cambridge International A Levels for admission, with the Cambridge Pre-U qualification also widely accepted. Minimum entry requirements are agreed by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara, which represents all universities in the country.

List of approved subjects

New Zealand has adopted a wide range of Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects. The list of approved subjects 2022 (PDF, 136KB) has been approved by Universities New Zealand and can be used for entry to tertiary study. This list is revised frequently, so students should consider their chosen university before selecting subjects.

Entrance tariff

Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara has established the NZ–Cambridge International Exams University Entrance Tariff system for students who have taken their Cambridge International A Levels in New Zealand.

Students should check the Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara website for more information on these changes, and should also check any specific entry requirements with their chosen university. Minimum grades must also be achieved in literacy and numeracy subjects.

Please always check directly with your target institution and/or study destination for up-to-date admissions requirements and policies for local and international students.