Universities in New Zealand Accepting TOEFL Score Below 90

New Zealand has a very good education system and is known to welcome international students. It is one of the finest places with world-class universities, beautiful landscapes, and cultural experiences. Around the world, students aspire to study in New Zealand, but for international students from non-English-speaking countries, English proficiency tests such as TOEFL are usually required. Most universities require TOEFL scores that are usually 90 or more for undergraduate and graduate admissions. However, there are a few universities in New Zealand that have an admission policy accepting TOEFL scores below 90 for a few programs. 

This blog will provide information on some of those universities and their TOEFL requirement as well as how students with TOEFL scores below 90 can still further their studies in New Zealand.

How is a TOEFL score of 90 or below considered while reviewing an application?

Although a TOEFL score under 90 may not disqualify an applicant, it falls below the usual standard for many universities in New Zealand. Most of the universities offer undergraduate study or postgraduate admission only for TOEFL scores of 90 or above, while others are more lenient and accept students who score less than 90 in some programmes or courses. 

New Zealand institutions believe that there are differences in the level of language proficiency of students and provide some assistance services, such as English language courses, pathway programs, or academic assistance by which students can enhance their English skills once they are admitted. Universities might also analyze any other aspects into the admission such as relevant standard qualifications, work experience, and personal statements through which they might be judged on whether they will pass an English-speaking academic setting when having a score of less than 90. 

There are some universities which might offer conditional offer letters. However, the students may need to enroll themselves in intensive language courses before studying for a degree in the university to meet all language proficiency standards.

List of Universities in New Zealand which Accepts A TOEFL Score Below 90

New Zealand has much to offer to all international students when they apply and come to study. All international applicants can apply to several universities in New Zealand that consider applicants who score below 90 on the TOEFL test. 

The table below depicts the list of universities in New Zealand which accepts a TOEFL Score Below 90

Understanding the TOEFL sections

The TOEFL exam evaluates the proficiency in the English language of a nonnative speaker, especially in an academic setting. The test is divided into four sections such as Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each section assesses particular language skills and an awareness of these segments will enable one to prepare best. 

1. Reading Section

• The Reading section assesses how well you understand and analyze academic texts. 
• You will read academic passages, followed by multiple-choice questions. 
• The questions require comprehension of the main idea, supporting details, vocabulary in context, and inferences. 
• To do well on this section, skim for the main idea and scan sections for specific detail. 
• Make sure to manage your time well since each one of these passages has questions that need to be solved in a limited time frame. 

2. Listening Section

• In the listening section, you'll hear audio recordings of academic lectures, students talking to one another, and students talking to professors. You will then have to answer multiple-choice questions about the same. 
• The ability of spoken English to understand such information will usually include the main ideas, supporting details, and implied meanings. 
• One thing to keep in mind while you practice writing down your notes is that it helps you retain some key points which actually helps to answer many questions. 

3. Speaking Section

• The speaking section involves questions where you must summarize academic subjects, respond to a query, or give an opinion on something. 
• All answers will be recorded and then rated based on clarity, fluency, and coherence. 
• Practice speaking clearly and logically and being very deliberate in structuring your answers with the structure. 

4. Writing Section

• Writing is the section in which one has to perform about two essays in response to the reading and listening activities. 
• The first task will include a summary of a passage and a lecture, while the second requires writing an opinion-based essay. 
• Organising one's thoughts clearly, using correct grammar, and supporting ideas with examples is always the key to success.