TOEFL score required for New Zealand

New Zealand, with its captivating landscapes and world-class universities, beckons international students from all over the globe. To tap into this unique blend of quality education and stunning locales, demonstrating English language proficiency becomes crucial. One widely accepted measure of this skill is the Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. This article takes a deep dive into the TOEFL score requirements for New Zealand, helping aspiring students chart a clear course to their dream destination.

Understanding the TOEFL score

The TOEFL exam is structured into four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each scored on a scale of 0-30. The combined TOEFL total score ranges from 0 to 120. Once you receive your TOEFL scorecard, you’ll see your scores for each section, as well as the total score.

Now, understanding the TOEFL score range is essential, but what does it mean in the context of studying in New Zealand? Let’s decipher what is a good TOEFL score for pursuing higher education in this beautiful country.

What is a good TOEFL score for New Zealand?

The answer to the question, what is a good TOEFL score for New Zealand largely depends on the specific university and the course you’re applying for. However, to provide a general guideline, most universities require a minimum TOEFL score of 80 for undergraduate programs and 90 for postgraduate programs.

This implies that the TOEFL minimum score set by many institutions is relatively high, reflecting the importance of strong English language skills for academic success in New Zealand. However, it’s vital to note that requirements may vary across institutions and even departments within the same university.

TOEFL score requirements for top New Zealand universities

While a TOEFL score of 80-90 can be considered a general benchmark, let’s examine the specific requirements of some top universities in New Zealand:

1. University of Auckland: A minimum total TOEFL score of 90, with at least 20 in the writing section.
2. University of Otago: This university demands a total TOEFL score of 95, with no individual score lower than 20.
3. Victoria University of Wellington: Aspiring students must have a total TOEFL score of 90, including at least 20 in writing.
4. University of Canterbury: Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90, with no section score below 20.

Evidently, achieving the TOEFL max score is beneficial, but a balanced score across all sections is equally vital.

Deciphering the TOEFL score chart: Ensuring adequate preparation

Understanding the TOEFL score chart is key to preparing effectively for the test. Each of the four sections of the TOEFL test is scored between 0 and 30. Here’s a rough guide to interpret your scores:

• Reading and listening sections:
• 22-30 points: High
• 15-21 points: Intermediate
• 0-14 points: Low
• Speaking and writing sections:
• 25-30 points: Good
• 17-24 points: Fair
• 0-16 points: Limited

Consequently, if you’re aiming for a minimum score of 90, you should aim for an intermediate-to-high score in the reading and listening sections and a fair-to-good score in the speaking and writing sections.

TOEFL score validity: Plan your exam accordingly

The TOEFL score validity lasts for two years, meaning your TOEFL exam score is valid from the test date until two years after that. This is crucial when planning your study timeline and application submission for New Zealand universities.

TOEFL score conversion: Understanding TOEFL vs IELTS score

For students who might be considering or have taken the IELTS test, understanding the conversion between TOEFL scores to IELTS is quite valuable. The following conversion table can be used as a reference:

• TOEFL score 118-120 = IELTS band 9
• TOEFL score 115-117 = IELTS band 8.5
• TOEFL score 110-114 = IELTS band 8
• TOEFL score 102-109 = IELTS band 7.5
• TOEFL score 94-101 = IELTS band 7
• TOEFL score 60-93 = IELTS band 6
• TOEFL score 46-59 = IELTS band 5.5

This TOEFL vs IELTS score conversion helps students identify their English proficiency level across different scales.

TOEFL score for popular courses in New Zealand

The TOEFL score requirements might also vary depending on the chosen course or program of study. Here are a few examples of popular courses and the corresponding minimum TOEFL score that is typically required:

Course	Minimum TOEFL score
Business and Management	90
Engineering	95
Computer Science	100
Arts and Humanities	85
Health and Medicine	100
Environmental Science	90

For instance, a course like Computer Science that demands high levels of comprehension and technical language proficiency might require a higher TOEFL score. Therefore, while choosing a course, consider the TOEFL score requirements alongside your academic interests and career goals.

How to improve your TOEFL score: Tips and techniques

Boosting your TOEFL score could significantly enhance your chances of admission to New Zealand universities. Here are some strategies to help you reach your target TOEFL score:

1. Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to acing the TOEFL test. Use resources like sample papers, TOEFL scorecard examples, and online mock tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
2. Improve your vocabulary: Expanding your vocabulary can help improve scores across all four sections of the test, particularly in the reading and listening sections.
3. Work on your weak areas: Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. For example, if you struggle with the speaking section, practice speaking English daily to enhance your fluency and pronunciation.
4. Time management: The TOEFL test requires you to manage your time effectively. Develop a time-management strategy during your practice tests to ensure you can complete all sections within the given time.
5. Relax and focus: On the day of the test, ensure you’re well-rested and focused. Being anxious or stressed can hinder your performance.

Remember, attaining a high TOEFL score is not just about understanding the TOEFL score chart but also about consistent effort and strategic preparation.

Liked this article? Check out our other exclusive article – Know all about the TOEFL exam | Sample test, exam pattern & more!

Key takeaways

• Aiming for a TOEFL score of 80-90 increases your chances of acceptance into most universities in New Zealand.
• Each university may have different TOEFL score requirements, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen institution and course.
• Remember that TOEFL score validity is two years from the test date, so plan your applications accordingly.

FAQs

Q1. What is the TOEFL score range?

The TOEFL total score ranges from 0 to 120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) scored on a scale of 0-30.

Q2. What is a good TOEFL score for New Zealand universities? 

Generally, a minimum TOEFL score of 80 for undergraduate programs and 90 for postgraduate programs is required by most New Zealand universities.

Q3. How long is the TOEFL score valid?

The TOEFL score validity lasts for two years from the day the test was taken.

Q4. How do TOEFL scores compare to IELTS scores?

Although TOEFL score to IELTS conversions is not exact, a TOEFL score of 80-90 typically aligns with an IELTS band score of 6.5-7.