Tertiary Degree Entry Requirements

(Covers popular tertiary providers for MRGS students and is only applicable to school students and school leavers studying NCEA)

N.B. This year Victoria University and Massey University have made changes to their entry requirements and have added a rank point system. In addition to University Entrance, both universities now ask for 120 points across your best 80 credits over five approved subjects. Their limited entry courses will have a higher point average requirement.

We have not yet made these changes on the information in this section so please visit the websites of Victoria University and Massey University to find out about more details about their latest requirements.  Our information will be updated by the beginning of June, 2010.

PLEASE visit the Career Centre if you wish to know more.

The information within Degree Entry Requirements (download below) covers NCEA degree entry requirements for the Auckland region and other commonly attended providers. For example, Otago University is included where applicable. Other providers beyond Auckland are only mentioned when they have a strong reputation in the field concerned.

There are many staircasing options available to students without NCEA UE, such as bridging courses or diploma level courses. These are not included.

IELTS!!!

International and new migrant students MUST double check the IELTS information of the institution they wish to attend.

Generally speaking, international students enrolled in Yr 13 and studying NCEA UE are accepted on their NCEA English literacy credits and not IELTS. HOWEVER: Some providers require IELTS as well. Others (in 2007) looked at IELTS as an alternative on a case by case basis.

Australian University Admission

Students wanting to apply to an Australian University need to get organised early because application dates close much earlier than in New Zealand. Universities also have different closing dates, with the first coming up in July. Please check the websites of your universities of choice to find application closure dates.

You apply to the Tertiary Admissions Centre in the state where the university is based, not the university. There are seven admission centres. University websites have links to their Admissions Centre so it is not difficult to work out which Admissions Centre you need. Of course you can discuss courses with individual universities beforehand.

Each student needs to give up to nine course preferences but you can change these preferences until the beginning of January.

Universities Australia Website

How Australian Tertiary Entry Works

In Australia all Year 12 (equivalent to NZ Year 13) school leavers are given an Australian national tertiary score between 1 and 100. When a NZ student applies to a tertiary admission centre, the centre instructs NZQA to send the student’s NCEA Level 3 results to them as soon as they are available. Your NCEA results are then given an Australian score.

Each university has a Cut Off Score which is their minimum entry requirement. These scores can vary between universities and between disciplines. Have a look at the Good Universities Guide below:

The Good Universities Guide

NB: New Zealand citizens have the same entry rights as Australian citizens when it comes to Admission, but New Zealand Permanent Residents are considered International students in Australia.

Tertiary Places

New Zealand students, whether citizens or permanent residents, DO NOT have access to the Australian Student Loan system.

As New Zealand ctizens, you must pay fees up front. The fees for 2009 were around $AUS6,000 - $AUS8,000.

Kiwi permanent residents and International students apply forFull Fee Paying places. These fees are much higher and appear similar to the fee levels paid by international students in New Zealand. 

Which University should I choose?

The Australian National University recommends you look at the Group of Eight:

• Australia National University

• University of Sydney

• University of New South Wales

• Monash

• University of Melbourne

• University of Adelaide

• University of Western Australia

• University of Queensland

There is also a resource, The Good Universities Guide, that has a pile of information about tertiary study in Australia, including a section– that you must pay to use – that provides ratings on Australian universities. We do not know what these ratings are based on, so we are neutral about recommending them.

New South Wales University entry system; an example of an admission centre’s application process.

The Universities Admissions Centre (New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory) UAC covers 16 institutions including: University of Sydney, La Trobe University, Charles Sturt University, Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Technology- Sydney etc.

The Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) receives and processes applications for admission to most domestic undergraduate degree, advanced diploma and diploma courses at the participating universities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) also administers centralized application and assessment processes for educational access schemes, postgraduate coursework courses and equity scholarships.

New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents

• Applicants must use the UAC Undergraduate gateway
• Applications for 2010 open early August and shut on 30th September.
• A non-refundable application fee is payable. Apply on time, as late applications incur a late fee.
• Applicants must apply online through the UAC Undergraduate gateway – visit www.uac.edu.au and select the UAC Undergraduate button.
• Applicants use the UAC 2009 Guide to assist them with their application. The UAC Undergraduate website includes all of the information contained in the Guide.
• New Zealand citizens (passport holders) have the same entry rights as Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents. Like Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens can apply for Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) courses or Domestic fee-paying (DFEE) courses. Find details of these courses here.

International Students

• Applicants must use the UAC International gateway.
• Applications are now open.
• A non-refundable application fee is payable. There are no late fees.
• Some courses have early closing dates – check closing dates before applying
• Applicants must apply online through the UAC International gateway – visit www.uac.edu.au and select the UAC International button.
• Applicants use the UAC 2009 International Booklet to assist them with their application. The UAC International website includes all of the information contained in the booklet.
• New Zealand permanent residents and international students sitting NCEA level 3 can apply through UAC to International fee-paying (IFEE) courses only. Find details of these courses here.

Note, this is only about the NSW’s Admission Centre. There are seven admission centres across Australia and all universities list their admission centre clearly on their websites.

Universities Australia

Diploma Entry Requirements

Diploma Entry Requirements

This information is aimed specifically at Mt Roskill Grammar School students sitting NCEA.

Entry into diploma level study is usually based on NCEA Level 2 grades. Entry into degree level is based on NCEA Level 3 grades. There are often English language requirements as well. Most institutions also expect students to be 16 years old at time of enrolment.

Diploma qualifications are often used as a way to bridge into degree level study for people that don’t have degree entry requirements. People also enter entry level jobs through diploma qualifications.

Diplomas normally require two years of full-time study. They are usually registered Level 5 to Level 7.

People can enter diplomas from certificates in a similar subject area or through good NCEA Level 2 results.

Some diplomas are called ‘National’ Diplomas’ or ‘New Zealand’ Diplomas. These titles indicate the course material will be the same throughout New Zealand, no matter who is offering the course.

Example NZ Diploma of Business Entry – Minimum of 50 NCEA Level 2 credits in each of three subjects. (This information was correct as of May 1, 2008. Please also check the individual institution’s websites and prospectuses.)

Typical Entry Requirements for Diploma level study at larger tertiary providers.

• Art & Design
• Business Computers/ IT
• Construction
• Early Childhood
• Education
• Engineering
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Performing Arts
• Sport

NB: There are a number of private providers offering diplomas as well. Ask the Career Department for more information about private providers and diploma level study.

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ART & DESIGN

Auckland University of Technology

• Diploma in Applied Fashion Technology (Level 5 - 2 years)
• Diploma in Graphic Communications (Level 5 - 2 years)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA Level 2 credits
• Includes 8 credits in language rich subject PLUS
• Portfolio and maybe Interview

Unitec

• Diploma in Contemporary Photography (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 60 NCEA Level 2 credits over 4 subjects
• Includes minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 English or equivalent
• OR IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no band under 5.0.

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BUSINESS

Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology

• NZ Diploma of Business (Level 6 – 2 years)
• This is a national standardised diploma
• 50 credits of NCEA Level 2 or higher.
• Minimum of 12 credits at Level 2 or higher in each of 3 subjects from the approved list.
• Includes minimum of 8 Level 2 credits in English or Te Reo Maori, of which four credits must be in reading and four credits in writing PLUS
• Minimum of 14 credits of Level 1 Maths

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COMPUTERS

Unitec

• Diploma in Applied Computer Systems Engineering (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum 60 NCEA Level 2 credits in best 4 Level 2 subjects PLUS
• Minimum of 12 Level 1 NCEA English credits
• OR IELTS of 6.0 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0.

Manukau Institute of Technology

• National Diploma in Information & Communications Technology (Level 5 - 1 year)
• Minimum 52 NCEA credits at Level 2, with four credits of reading and 4 of writing.
• Specific English requirements for students who do not have English as their first language.

AUT

• Diploma in Information Technology (Level 6 – 2 years)
• 48 NCEA Level 2 credits PLUS
• Minimum of 14 credits in Maths at Level 1 or higher.
• Also need 8 credits in a language rich subject

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CONSTRUCTION

Unitec

• Diploma in Surveying (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 35 NCEA credits at level 2.
• Includes a total of at least 12 credits from a combination of algebra and trigonometry, or equivalent
• AND minimum of eight NCEA credits in English at level 1, OR IELTS of 6.0 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0.
• Diploma in Construction Management (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 35 NCEA credits at level 2, including a total of at least 12 credits from a combination of algebra and trigonometry, or equivalent PLUS
• Minimum of 8 NCEA credits in English at level 1, OR IELTS of 6.0 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Auckland University of Technology

• National Diploma in Teaching: ECE, Pasifika (Level 7 – 3 years)
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 2 credits in both Maths and Physics PLUS
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 1 credits in English.
• Police clearance, interview and references

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ENGINEERING

Unitec

• NZ Diploma in Engineering Civil (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA credits in four subjects (including Maths, Graphics and a Science-related subject) at level 2, or equivalent PLUS
• Minimum of 12 NCEA credits in English at level 1, or equivalent OR IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no band under 5.0.

Manukau Institute of Technology

• Diploma in Engineering Civil (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA Level 2 credits.
• Includes minimum of 12 Level 2 credits of English or similar.
• Specific English requirements for students whose first language is not English. 

• National Diploma of Engineering - Mechanical (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in maths and physics PLUS
• Minimum of 8 credits of Level 1 literacy OR
• Minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in maths
• PLUS 24 NCEA Level 2 credits in approved subjects plus minimum of 8 credits of Level 1 literacy.
• Applicants whose first language is not English need IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no score under 5.0. 

• Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in each of 3 subjects.
• Includes minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in maths or equivalent.
• Applicants whose first language is not English need IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no score under 5.0.

AUT

• Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 2 credits in both Maths and Physics PLUS
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 1 credits in English. 

• Diploma in Electrotechnology (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 2 credits in both Maths and Physics PLUS
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 1 credits in English.

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HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

AUT

• Diplomas in Hospitality Management, Travel & Tourism, Culinary Arts and Patisserie and Diploma in Cultural Tourism & Travel
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 2 credits in both Maths and Physics PLUS
• Minimum of 14 NCEA Level 1 credits in English.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Unitec

Diploma in Performance Technology (Level 7 – 2 years)

• 60 NCEA Level 2 credits in best four subjects or equivalent PLUS
• Minimum of 12 NCEA level 1 English credits or IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no band under 5.0
• AND attend an audition/interview 

• Diploma in Contemporary Music (Level 5 – 2 years)
• 48 NCEA Level 2 credits in best four subjects or equivalent PLUS
• Minimum of 12 NCEA level 1 English credits or IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no band under 5.0
• AND attend an audition/interview

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SPORT

Unitec

• Diploma in Sport and Fitness Education (Level 6 – 2 years)
• Minimum of 60 NCEA Level 2 credits in best four subjects at Level 2, or equivalent.
• English Language requirements – Minimum of 12 Level 1 NCEA English credits or 7 Level 3 credits in a language rich subject (history, geography, classical studies) or equivalent
• OR IELTS of 6.0 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

• Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Leadership (Level 6 - 2 years)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA Level 2 credits.
• Includes minimum of 8 NCEA Level 2 credits in a language rich subject. 

• Diploma in Fitness Training (Level 5 - 1 year)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA Level 2 credits
• Includes minimum of 8 NCEA Level 2 credits in a language rich subject. 

• Diploma in Sport and Recreation (Level 5 - 1 year)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA Level 2 credits
• Includes minimum of 8 NCEA Level 2 credits in a language rich subject. 

• Diploma in Wellness Therapies (Level 6 - 2 years)
• Minimum of 48 NCEA Level 2 credits
• Includes minimum of 8 NCEA Level 2 credits in a language rich subject.

Manukau Institute of Technology

• Diploma in Applied Sport and Recreation (Level 5 - 1 year)
• Must have completed Certificate in Applied Sport and Recreation
• English language IELTS 6.5 if English is not first language

N.B. This information was correct as of May 1, 2008. Please also check the individual institution’s websites and prospectuses.

Trade Training and Industry Options

Trade training and industry options include Modern Apprenticeships and other training through which you learn in the workplace and earn at the same time. The length of training can vary.

Apprenticeships tend to take three to four years. You start on a low hourly rate that increases as you gain skills and become more helpful to your employer. As well as learning alongside experienced tradespeople, you also do theory. The theory is done by either attending regular days, block courses or night classes at a training provider, such as Unitec or Manukau Institute of Technology. With some trades you work at home on units that you then send into the provider for assessment.

The training is designed with industry needs in mind by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs). There are currently 40 ITOs ranging from agriculture and boating to plumbing, tourism and sport. You can contact the ITOs to talk about the type of apprenticeships and traineeships available. However we find some ITOs are much more helpful than others in helping you find employers looking for apprenticeships.

Apprentices qualify with a Level 4 National Certificate in your trade (a modern version of a Trade Certificate) once you have passed all the practical unit standards in the workplace and completed the theoretical unit standards. Because you are earning as you learn, you do not end up with a huge student loan to pay back.

Click here to learn more about industry and trade training.

Click here for Industry Training Organisation contacts.

Defence Forces and Police

Are you a team player with good analytical skills, great interpersonal communication, and high levels of initiative? If so, you may have what it takes to undertake training for a career in the New Zealand Police, or one of the Defence Forces: Army, Navy or Airforce.

These careers involve shift work in a range of different environments. You also need to be highly disciplined with a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to your team, organisation and country.

New Zealand Police:

New Zealand Police are based in towns and communities around New Zealand, as well as participating in peace keeping forces overseas. After a two year probationary period as a Constable, you can specialise in areas such as armed offenders squad, cultural liaison, dog handling, dive squad or detective work etc.

New Zealand Defence Forces:

There are dozens of careers to consider within New Zealand Defence Forces. The forces are involved in peacekeeping and civil assistance, and less often in armed combat.

The New Zealand Army includes trades people such as electrician, plumber and cook, as well as combat positions such as rifleman, field engineer or gunner.

The Royal New Zealand Navy also has trades people, as well as positions such as navigator, engineers, medics, marine technician, seaman combat specialist and supply officer or weapons engineer.

The Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) includes ground crew as well as aircrew. Ground crew work in areas such as supplies, communication and information systems, and air security. Aircrew roles include parachute jump instructors, pilots and air warfare officers.

New Zealand Scholarships

Scholarships

There are hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships on offer to school leavers throughout New Zealand from individuals, organizations and tertiary providers. You may be lucky enough to be on the receiving end – but only if you apply.

Tertiary institutions offer scholarships to Year 13 students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Some also take into account the student’s contribution to their communities; others are for students in severe financial need. There are also specific scholarships for Maori and Polynesian students.

Individual organisations also offer scholarships to encourage students to enter their fields, eg accounting, agriculture, law, teaching.

General Scholarship Databases

The following is a list of websites that provide information on scholarships available for tertiary study. This is a comprehensive but not exhaustive list.

Breakout

BreakOut is a large database of information on scholarships, awards and grants available for tertiary study. It can be accessed free from your local library.

Step Up Scholarship

You may be eligible for this if you are able to receive the student allowance. Also check out the Bonded Merit Scholarship. Follow the 'scholarship' link on the homepage

Tools4Work pre apprenticeship scholarships

Tools4Work scholarships are available to people interested in doing a pre apprenticeship course in mechanical engineering. The scholarship pays up to $2500 toward study fees AFTER you successfully pass the course. Need to have a passion for engineering and for working with your hands.

Keystone Trust Student Scholarship

Keystone Trust Scholarships for students interested in entering the property industry – architecture, engineering, quantity surveying, construction, real estate, valuation and property management.

NZVCC

The New Zealand Vice-Chancellor’s Committee administers over 40 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships. To access information on the website see ‘Scholarships’ tag under ‘Student Info’ section on homepage 

TeachNZ

Scholarships for teacher recruitment. See ‘Scholarship’ link on homepage.

Maori Education Trust

Provide and administer scholarships in education for Maori students www.maorieducation.org.nz

Scholarshipnet

A scholarship database for international students studying in New Zealand and New Zealand students who want to study overseas www.scholarshipnet.info

nzlive.com

Funding information for study in New Zealand. Follow ‘Funding’ link on homepage

newzealandeducated.com

Information on study awards for New Zealand students wanting to study abroad and international students wanting to study in New Zealand. Follow ‘Institutions and Courses’ link on homepage.

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Scholarships from Tertiary Institutions

See the links below for specific information and scholarship criteria for tertiary institutions. Often the tertiary institutions link you to other scholarship databases as well.

AUT

Mt Roskill Grammar is allocated one Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship for academic excellence and one Significant Student Scholarship for contribution to school and wider community activities. See Year 13 Level Co-ordinators for more information. Other scholarships are available for first year study. Follow the ‘Scholarships’ link on the homepage.

Massey University

Various scholarships are available for first year university study. Follow the ‘Scholarships’ link on the homepage.

Manukau Institute of Technology (M.I.T.)

Various scholarships are available for first year tertiary study. Follow the ‘Finance and Grants’ section under the ‘Students’ link on the homepage.

Lincoln University (Christchurch)

Various scholarships are available for first year university study. Follow the ‘Scholarships’ section under the ‘Studying at Lincoln’ link on the homepage. 

Unitec New Zealand

Study awards are available for first year tertiary study. Follow the section ‘Study Awards’ under the ’Enrolment’ link. Also check out the ‘Loans and Allowances’ section in the ‘Enrolment’ link. 

University of Auckland

Various general and faculty specific scholarships are available as well as Jubilee Awards for students in financial need. More information is available here. 

University of Canterbury (Christchurch)

Various general and faculty specific scholarships are available. More information is available here. 

University of Otago (Dunedin)

Various scholarships, including a scholarship for Dux of the school, are available for the first year of tertiary study. More information is available here.  

University of Waikato (Hamilton)

Various scholarships, including a large number of school leaver scholarships and ones for sporting excellence at representative level, are available for first year of tertiary study. More information is available here.

Victoria University (Wellington)

Various scholarships, including a large number of school leaver scholarships for academic excellence, are available for first year of tertiary study. Check out the ‘Scholarships’ Quick Link on the homepage.