Immigration New Zealand (INZ) accepts PTE Academic for all visa categories, including the Skilled Migrant Category (residence). As a guide: study often needs ~50 overall for undergraduate and ~58–65 for postgraduate; skilled work and SMC residence typically need PTE 58 overall. A score must be no more than two years old. Verify the current figures with INZ before you apply.
Does Immigration New Zealand accept PTE?
Yes. INZ formally accepts PTE Academic across its visa categories — student, work and residence, including the Skilled Migrant Category. Universities and polytechnics also accept it for admission, so one PTE Academic result can serve both your course and your visa.
Because requirements differ by visa and provider, treat the figures below as a guide and confirm the exact current requirement on the INZ and institution websites at the time you apply.
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What PTE score do you need to study in New Zealand?
For study, requirements are set by your institution. A common pattern is around PTE 50 overall for undergraduate programmes and 58–65 for postgraduate, with competitive courses asking for more. Many also set minimum communicative-skill scores, not just an overall.
| Level | Typical PTE overall | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ≈ 50 | Higher for competitive courses |
| Postgraduate | ≈ 58–65 | Higher for top universities/programmes |
What PTE score do you need for a New Zealand work visa?
Work-visa English requirements scale with the skill level of the role. Professional and skilled roles typically need PTE 58 or higher, while lower-skilled roles (for the Accredited Employer Work Visa, ANZSCO/NOL skill levels 3–5) need a much lower PTE 29 overall. The exact requirement depends on the visa and occupation, so confirm it with INZ.
If your pathway leads toward residence, it’s worth targeting the higher (residence-level) score from the start, so you don’t need to re-sit later.
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What PTE score do you need for the Skilled Migrant Category (residence)?
For the Skilled Migrant Category (residence), the principal applicant typically needs PTE 58 overall (with some pathways specifying minimum band levels). Partners and dependent children aged 16 and over need a lower PTE 36 overall. Always confirm the current SMC requirement with INZ.
Residence English requirements can be specified as an overall score with minimum bands. Verify the precise current requirement on the Immigration New Zealand website before applying.
How long is a PTE score valid, and which test?
INZ requires your PTE Academic result to be no more than two years old, and it enforces this strictly. Take PTE Academic for New Zealand study, work and residence PTE Core is specifically for Canadian immigration, not New Zealand.
Comparing tests before you commit? See PTE vs IELTS, and once you’ve chosen, build a study plan for your target.
Frequently asked questions
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Does Immigration New Zealand accept PTE?
Yes. INZ accepts PTE Academic for all visa categories, including student, work and the Skilled Migrant Category (residence).
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What PTE score do I need to study in New Zealand?
Institutions set their own requirements — commonly around 50 overall for undergraduate and 58–65 for postgraduate, with higher figures for competitive programmes.
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What PTE score do I need for the Skilled Migrant Category?
The principal applicant typically needs PTE 58 overall, with partners and dependants 16+ usually needing around 36. Confirm the current SMC requirement with INZ.
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How long is a PTE score valid for New Zealand?
No more than two years old — Immigration New Zealand enforces the two-year validity strictly.
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Which PTE test do I need for New Zealand?
PTE Academic. PTE Core is for Canadian immigration and is not used for New Zealand.
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Does PTE work for a New Zealand work visa?
Yes. Work-visa requirements scale with the role — professional and skilled roles typically need PTE 58 or higher. Confirm your occupation’s requirement with INZ.
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