Getting the Ideal English Language Standard Required for you Studies in New Zealand
To study in New Zealand, students must attain a certain level in the English language. Tertiary education is not possible if the student cannot express well in English – whether written or verbal. For international students, a standard has been fixed through a series of tests. Once, a score is attained the student is eligible to study tertiary education in any of the educational institutions in New Zealand.
English Testing Standards
There are two main tests recognized globally that assess the standard of English of a student. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Test for Students (IELTS) offers tests to find out the standard of an international student in the English language. Once done, scores are given out on the performance of the test.
A score of 6.5 in IELTS and a score of 80 in TOEFL is required for admission to colleges in New Zealand. Although the score for admission to a college in New Zealand defers from one college to another, an overall band of 6 to 6.5 in IELTS would be necessary for studying in a college while 6.5 to 7.5 score would be needed to study tertiary education in a university.
Attaining English Proficiency
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests English proficiency of a student from non-English speaking country. The test can be an Academic test where students intending to study further in New Zealand need to attend. On the other hand, General training test is applicable to those international students who want to gain work experience, attend a training program, or study at a secondary school.
Getting apt IELTS score is important for students to study in New Zealand. To take up a pre-degree course, students must attain an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no subtest less than 5.0. For an undergraduate course, students must acquire an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.5. Corresponding marks must be attained in Internet-based-TOEFL as well.
The parameters are different for different candidates. For instance, those looking for permanent residency, require 6.5 IELTS score. To study at a New Zealand university, students must have an Academic IELTS score, 7.5. Students who work part-time must also attain a level in IELTS. For instance, if they work for 20 hours per week while studying a course of duration of at least 6 months, the students must attain IELTS 5. The students appearing for IELTS exam are judged on their ability to listen, write, read, speak, and English. There are other benchmark tests as well along with IELTS, such as TOEFL, FCE, and CAE.
Other Standards to Spot English Efficiency
The colleges also accept NCEA credits in English subject. There may be situations where a foreigner on a Working Visa has family members who are not savvy in the English language. For partners or children of 16 years or more who have poor knowledge in the language, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition is organized. Finally, a test must be answered to show the efficacy in the language.
Don’t think that failing to score the required points in the English testing examination would mean the end of your dream of studying in colleges in New Zealand. A bridge course is often the solution to enhance one’s ability in the English language. The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) offers tertiary education in international students in various fields, such as aquaculture, cookery and hospitality, winery, maritime activities, and many more subjects. However, efficiency in the English language is a must. It also offers courses on various English learning capabilities for students to bridge up the gap. There is Certificate in English as an Additional Language for Level 3, Certificate in Tertiary Study for Level 4, and Short Courses – English Language Non-Certificate Courses. The short courses are few months’ courses to help the student improve their IELTS score and Cambridge ESOL tests.
There are other English language courses dedicated to training international students to learn the language for admission to university or successfully achieving the ESOL standard.
So, you must have the relevant score in English to study at a college in New Zealand. If you don’t, you can still give 3-to-4 months of your precious time to bridge the gap in learning. Efficient programs help international students to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening power in the English language. Care is also taken to ensure the student attains at least the expected standard in vocabulary and grammar.
