PTE for New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category

PTE for New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand accepts PTE Academic for the Skilled Migrant Category, Work to Residence, and most other resident visa pathways.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Requirements

• Standard: PTE 58 overall + no section below 50.
• Some occupations on the Green List: may require higher.

Other Visa Pathways

• Work to Residence (Tier 1): PTE 58+ overall.
• Long Term Skill Shortage: 58+ overall.
• Investor Plus: 58+ overall.
• Partnership-based residence: typically not required for the partner.

NZQA-Recognised Qualifications

If you completed your degree in English at an NZQA-recognised institution, you may be exempt from the PTE requirement entirely. Check the NZQA list before booking.

University Admission

For student visas to NZ universities (University of Auckland, Otago, Victoria, Canterbury, Massey, Waikato, AUT, Lincoln), typical PTE requirements:

• Undergraduate: 50–58 overall.
• Postgraduate: 58–65 overall.
• Health science / law: 65+ overall.

Section Requirements

NZ Immigration uses an overall + minimum section rule. SMC: overall 58, no section below 50. Most universities use the same model.

Strategy

1. Aim for 65+ overall to give buffer above the 58 minimum.
2. Watch your weakest section — staying above 50 in every module matters more than spike scores.

Practice on ClearMyPTE

Practice all four modules in Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The dashboard's weak-area card highlights the section you should drill.

Source: Immigration New Zealand. Verify at immigration.govt.nz before booking.