# IELTS band requirements for New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand sets an overall IELTS score for skilled residence visas. For study visas, your education provider decides.

Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-08.

## IELTS scores for New Zealand

| For | IELTS test | Minimum | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Skilled residence visas (principal applicant) | IELTS General Training or Academic | 6.5 overall | Taken in person at a test centre, no more than 2 years old; One Skill Retake is accepted and at-home tests are not. The same rule covers all skilled residence visas: the Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, Care Workforce Work to Residence and Transport Work to Residence visas. |
| Skilled residence visas (partner or dependent child 16+) | IELTS General Training or Academic | 5 overall | Same test rules as for the principal applicant. |
| Fee Paying Student Visa | Set by your provider | No INZ minimum | Your education provider declares you have the English to pass the course; test results are optional evidence. |

*Checked against official sources on 2026-10-08*

Work out your bands on the [IELTS band score chart](/ielts/band-score-chart) or with the [IELTS band score calculator](/ielts/band-score-calculator). What the test costs where you'll take it is on [IELTS fees by country](/ielts/fees).

## Questions

### What IELTS score do I need for New Zealand residence?

6.5 overall for the principal applicant on skilled residence visas, and 5 overall for a partner or dependent child aged 16 or over, from a test taken at a centre in the last 2 years.

### Does New Zealand accept IELTS One Skill Retake?

Yes, for skilled residence visas, per Immigration New Zealand. At-home tests are not accepted.

**Sources**
- [Immigration New Zealand: English for skilled residence visas](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/english-language-requirements/english-language-requirements-for-skilled-residence-visas/)
- [Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/)