University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects*

as well as Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,

and Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation(Level 4) Ara Construction and Architectural Studies Pathway or equivalent).

OR New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5), or equivalent

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects

Additional requirements: Provide a portfolio demonstrating design, graphic and/or art skills equivalent to NCEA Level 3.

English language requirement:

IELTS test - Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5

SPEAKING - 5.5
READING - 5.5
WRITING - 5.5
LISTENING - 5.5

TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)

TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) - Score of 60 or higher (with a writing score of 18)

Cambridge English Qualifications - B2 First, or B2 First for schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill

Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42