English Tests (IELTS, PTE and what people get wrong)
This page is a planning guide. English requirements vary by visa type and can change. Always verify the accepted tests, minimum scores, and validity rules on Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Source and credit
We recommend checking INZ directly for the latest English requirements. Start with these official pages:
First, do this quick self-check (before you pay for a test)
Which visa are you targeting: Student, AEWV, Green List, SMC?
Do you already meet English through previous study or other accepted evidence, or do you actually need a test?
When do you need the result by, and how many weeks of buffer do you have for a retake?
Reality check
People often book IELTS or PTE first, then later realise they chose the wrong timeline or the wrong evidence type for their visa pathway. Read the INZ page first, then book.
IELTS vs PTE (what is different in real life)
IELTS: human speaking interviewPTE: computer speakingBoth: 4 skillsBoth: visa rules decide
Area
IELTS (Academic or General)
PTE Academic
Speaking
Face-to-face interview with an examiner. Some people do better with a human. Some panic.
Talk to a computer. Some people find this less stressful. Timing and mic discipline matters.
Results
Often slower than PTE (varies by provider and location).
Often faster for many candidates (varies by provider and location).
Scoring style
Band score (0 to 9). Some visas or institutions may require minimum in each skill.
Score scale (10 to 90). Some visas or institutions may require minimum per skill or overall equivalent.
Best fit
If you prefer structured writing and can handle live speaking.
If you are comfortable with computer tests and can practice the exact format.
Not claiming one is easier. People report different experiences. Choose the test where your mock scores are consistently at target.
Score expectations (planning guide, not a promise)
You wanted “passing marks”. The honest way to do this is: show a planning table and force a final check on the official page. This avoids you building your business on outdated numbers.
Scenario (common)
What usually matters
Where people mess up
Student visa
Course entry requirements (provider) plus INZ English evidence rules (visa).
They meet provider requirement but not the visa evidence type or validity window (or vice versa).
Work visa (AEWV)
Policy page for AEWV and linked English requirements. Some roles have specific expectations.
They only focus on overall score and get surprised by per-skill minimums or the wrong test version.
Skilled pathways (SMC / Green List)
INZ skilled English rules plus any occupational registration English evidence (role dependent).
They underestimate timelines, then retakes push everything back by months.
Many applicants pass overall but miss one skill if a minimum per-skill rule applies.
PTE
Minimum per-skill can exist
Minimum per-skill can exist
Minimum per-skill can exist
Minimum per-skill can exist
Same trap: one weak skill can ruin the whole plan if minimums apply.
We are intentionally not hardcoding numeric thresholds here because they change. Your visa and provider decide the exact numbers.
What candidates report (experience-based, not official pass stats)
Area
IELTS (common feedback)
PTE (common feedback)
Hardest part
Writing is the pain point for many people.
Timing and the computer speaking format feels unnatural at first.
Predictability
Feels familiar, but scoring can feel subjective to some candidates.
Many candidates feel it becomes predictable once they learn the format properly.
Biggest reason for failure
Bad planning: wrong timeline, no buffer, weak writing practice.
Bad planning: wrong format prep, underestimating retake needs.
These are real-world observations and candidate feedback. Not official pass-rate statistics.
Common mistakes that waste months
Assuming any IELTS is fine. Some requirements reference specific versions or minimums.
Using old results. Many settings require results within a defined validity period.
Focusing only on overall score and failing due to a single skill requirement.
Not planning retake time. Always keep a buffer in your timeline.
Believing “agent said it is okay” without checking the actual INZ page yourself.
Simple preparation plan (no drama)
Take a diagnostic test and identify your weakest skill.
Daily practice for the weakest area (30 to 45 minutes).
One full mock test weekly and track scores in a simple sheet.
Book the real test only when mocks are consistently at target.
English Test Strategy Session (30 mins)
Fill this once. We will review your situation and then you pay. This avoids the nonsense loop where you pay first and then have to chase us with missing details.
Disclaimer: KiwiHelp provides general guidance only and is not a licensed immigration advisor. We share links and practical lessons from experience to help people avoid wasted time and cost. Always confirm details on the official INZ website.
