Exams to Study in New Zealand

New Zealand has always remained within the top ten in higher education quality in the world. If you are planning to take exams to study in New Zealand, understanding the exams that you must take is key to your academic journey.

Below, we delve into the major entrance tests that may be applied to New Zealand universities and colleges for their various undergraduate and graduate programs.

When planning for entrance exams to study in New Zealand, international students must take various standardised tests. Here are the key exams:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Pearson English Test (PET)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised English proficiency test designed to assess the language skills of individuals looking to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. It evaluates four key language areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The test is available in two formats—IELTS Academic, for those pursuing higher education, and IELTS General Training, for individuals migrating or seeking work opportunities. Accepted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide, IELTS is renowned for its fairness and reliability.

The process to register:

To register for the IELTS exam, candidates need to visit the official IELTS website or an authorised test centre’s portal. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting the test type (Academic or General Training), choosing the test date and location, and paying the exam fee.

Test dates are available year-round, but it's advisable to book in advance to secure a preferred date. After completing registration, candidates receive a confirmation email with test details and instructions.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a widely accepted standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the TOEFL is primarily used by universities, colleges, and institutions to assess the readiness of applicants for academic programs in English-speaking countries.

The test evaluates four key skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most common format, known for its focus on academic English used in classroom settings.

The process to register:

To register for the TOEFL exam, candidates can visit the official ETS TOEFL website. The registration process includes creating an ETS account, selecting the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials test, and choosing a suitable test date and location. Candidates must also pay the exam fee, which varies by country.

It’s recommended to register well in advance to secure a spot for a desired test date. After registration, candidates receive a confirmation email with instructions on test day procedures and test centre details.

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language proficiency exam designed to assess the skills of non-native speakers for study, work, or migration purposes. PTE is available in different versions, including PTE Academic, which focuses on academic English used in universities and institutions, and PTE General, intended for those seeking to demonstrate everyday language proficiency.

The test evaluates speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills through integrated and practical tasks. PTE is recognised by universities, governments, and employers around the world for its fast results and accuracy.

The process to register:

To register for the PTE exam, candidates need to create an account on the official Pearson PTE website. After logging in, they can select the appropriate test type (PTE Academic or PTE General), choose a convenient test date and location, and pay the required fee online.

Test dates are available throughout the year, and it's recommended to register early to secure a spot. Upon successful registration, candidates receive a confirmation email with their test details and instructions for test day.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used for admission to graduate programs, business schools, and professional institutions worldwide. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE assesses analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.

Available in two formats—GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests—the exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's readiness for graduate-level academic work. The GRE General Test is the most widely taken, and it is accepted by thousands of universities globally, including many in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The process to register:

To register for the GRE, candidates must create an account on the official ETS GRE website. During the registration process, they select the type of test (General or Subject Test), choose a test date and location, and pay the exam fee, which varies by country.

Test appointments are available year-round, though early registration is recommended due to high demand. After successful registration, candidates receive a confirmation email with test details, including instructions on what to bring and how to prepare for test day.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam designed to assess the analytical, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills of individuals seeking admission to graduate management programs such as MBA, Master of Finance, and other business-related degrees.

Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT is accepted by over 7,000 business and management programs worldwide. The exam consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's preparedness for advanced business studies.

The process to register:

To register for the GMAT, candidates must create an account on the official GMAT website. The registration process involves selecting a test date, time, and location that best fits their schedule. After selecting the test appointment, candidates are required to pay the exam fee, which may vary based on location.

Registration can be done up to six months in advance, and it’s recommended to book early due to limited slots. Once the registration is complete, candidates receive a confirmation email with the test details, including preparation guidelines and instructions for test day.