How it works

National Certificate in Education Achievement (NCEA) is the name of the qualification all students at years 11, 12 and 13 are working towards.

The 2024 fees for International students sitting NCEA are $384.00.

NCEA Requirements

Level 1 – 80 credits at level 1,2 or 3; including 10 Literacy + 10 Numeracy

Level 2 – 60 credits at Level 2 or above + 20 credits from any level

+ Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy

Level 3 – 60 credits at level 3 + 20 credits from level 2 or above.

University Entrance Requirements

University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand university. To be awarded UE you will need:

• NCEA Level 3
• Three subjects - at Level 3 or above, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects – https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/approved-subjects/
• Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

- 5 credits in reading

- 5 credits in writing

• Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above as outlined above for level 1.

Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance it will appear on your Record of Achievement.

Endorsement of Certificates

National Certificates can be awarded at achieved, merit or excellence level. For example, NCEA Level 1 with Excellence.

To gain an endorsement with Excellence you will require 50 credits at Excellence, to gain an NCEA endorsed with Merit requires 50 credits at Merit or above.

Credits counting towards endorsement may be gained over more than one year and more than one level but must be gained at the level of the certificate or above. For example, Level 2 credits will count towards endorsement of a Level 1 NCEA, but Level 1 credits will not count towards endorsement of a Level 2 NCEA.

If you have any questions regarding NCEA, ask your subject teacher or talk to the International Director.