The Key Update: In-Person Testing for OET
The most significant recent change from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) concerns the Occupational English Test (OET), which is widely used by healthcare professionals. Effective from July 13, 2026, INZ will only accept OET results from tests completed entirely
in-person at a supervised test centre. Online or 'at-home' versions of the OET taken on or after this date will no longer be valid for New Zealand visa applications. INZ has stated this move is to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of the immigration system. Applicants who completed an OET at Home test on or before July 12, 2026, can still use their results for their application. While this primarily impacts those in the health sector, it's relevant for any student planning a healthcare pathway.
Are IELTS and PTE Scores for Students Changing?
For the vast majority of Indian students applying with IELTS or PTE Academic scores, the core requirements have not changed. The recent updates do not announce a widespread increase or decrease in the minimum scores for general student visas. English proficiency rules for studying in New Zealand are primarily set by the individual education providers—the universities and polytechnics—in line with standards from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This means the score you need still depends on the specific institution and the level of the course you are applying for, rather than a single, flat rule from immigration. Therefore, the most crucial step is to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen programme.
Current Score Requirements for Indian Students
While you must always confirm with your chosen institution, there are general score guidelines that most New Zealand providers follow. For Diploma programmes at Levels 5 and 6, applicants are typically required to have an overall IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0, or a PTE Academic score of 42 to 50. For a Bachelor's Degree (Level 7), the standard requirement is usually an IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50 with no skill score below 42. For postgraduate study, such as a Master's Degree (Level 9) or Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8), the bar is higher. Most universities will ask for an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or a PTE Academic score of 58 with no skill score below 50. Professional courses like nursing or teaching often have even higher requirements.
What About TOEFL and Other Exemptions?
TOEFL iBT is also widely accepted, but applicants should be aware of a format change that occurred in January 2026. The new test format and scoring system may not be accepted by all non-university providers, so it is essential to verify with your institution before booking the test. Beyond tests, exemptions are possible. Students who have completed several years of schooling in a country where English is the primary language of instruction (such as the UK, USA, or Canada) may not need to provide a test score. Similarly, holding a degree from one of these countries may also grant an exemption. However, these exemptions have specific criteria that must be met.
Your Next Steps as an Applicant
Given this landscape, the first step for any prospective student is to shortlist their desired courses and institutions. Once you have a list, visit the international student admissions page for each provider to find their exact English language proficiency requirements. Do not rely on general information or old guidelines. If your current test score does not meet the requirement, you will need to book another test. For those affected by the OET change, this means booking a test at a physical centre. Planning is essential, as test dates can fill up quickly, and receiving your results takes time. Factoring this into your application timeline is critical to avoid unnecessary delays or missing intake deadlines.
