To be read in conjunction with
Parts 1.5, 2F, 2.9 of Te Kawa Maiorooro | Educational Regulatory Framework (TKM).
and
The relevant Te Pūkenga Academic Policies, current Otago Polytechnic policies (as per Te Pūkenga Transitioning (Grandparenting) of Former Subsidiaries Policy) and the relevant Otago Polytechnic Business Division Procedures.
To provide operational procedures to clarify English Language Requirements for Ākonga nō tāwāhi/International Learners and those for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL) in alignment with NZQA English Language Entry Requirements for International Students
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
Public Records Act 2005 and subsequent amendments
1. This procedure applies to all programmes of study except those which assess English language competency and short courses where an interpreter/reader/writer may be used.
a) Each programme of study, except English language programmes of study, will state the English language competency level as an entry requirement.
b) The level must be stated in the programme of study document and published for prospective ākonga.
c) The level will be no less than NZQA’s minimum requirement for the level of the programme of study/qualification.
2. Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to:
a) apply a higher level of evidence of English proficiency than that set out in NZQA English Language Entry Requirements for International Students.
b) decline ākonga nō tāwahi who have met the rules set out in NZQA English Language Entry Requirements for International Students.
3. Where English is an additional language for ākonga they are required to meet English language competency requirements when first applying to Otago Polytechnic, and for subsequent enrolments if English language competency requirements are higher than the original programme of study.
4. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the preferred English language testing system for Otago Polytechnic.
a) IELTS scores must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report taken in the preceding two (2) years (i.e., combining scores from more than one (1) test is not permissible).
b) Equivalent testing systems are listed in The NZQA Table are acceptable when taken within the preceding two (2) years, unless the programme of study document stipulates specific English language requirements.
5. All English language tests must be taken in an approved/authorised/registered examination centre.
6. All English language competency results must be supplied in the original format and verified through the test provider, before an Offer of Place can be made.
7. Evidence of English Language Proficiency must be retained for two (2) years following each enrolment.
8. Ākonga nō tāwāhi are exempt from English language testing where there is evidence that:
a) they have achieved National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 and met New Zealand University entrance requirements; or
b) they have been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A-level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or
c) they have been awarded the Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) or the Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or
d) they achieved, within two years preceding the start date of the programme in which ākonga nō tāwāhi is enrolled, one of the internationally recognised proficiency tests specified in Appendix 1 in NZQA English Language Entry Requirements for International Students for the level of the programme of study in which ākonga nō tāwāhi is enrolling.
e) they have completed all primary education (being equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to13) at schools in one of the countries listed; New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua, New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Island, Tonga, Tuvala and Vanuatu; or
f) they have completed at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in one of the countries listed in Clause 8.e) (above) where ākonga nō tāwāhi was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
g) they have been awarded, with English as the language of instruction from a tertiary education provided from one of the countries listed on NZQA English Language Proficiency Rule 22 ; or
h). they meet the English level and grade specified for the European countries listed in Appendix 2. in NZQA English Language Entry Requirements for International Students
9. Ākonga who have New Zealand permanent residence status may be exempt from English language testing if they can provide evidence of having:
completed high schooling in New Zealand including the relevant literacy entry requirements for the programme of study and/or
completed higher education in New Zealand and/or
worked in a role that requires English language competency equivalent to relevant literacy entry requirements for the programme of study.
10. Ākonga with English as an additional language who have been identified as at-risk ākonga may be required to undertake supplementary tuition in English language to ensure success.
11. Applications for exemption, including relevant supporting evidence are considered on an individual basis by Te Kaihāpai.
Approved by
Megan Pōtiki
Executive Director
4/09/2025
Version 9
