Choosing the right NCEA subjects for your degree

If you're considering university study, you'll need University Entrance (UE) to get into the University of Waikato. Some degrees also ask for extra NCEA credits, and some first-year courses have their own prerequisites, so it's worth knowing these before you apply.

This guide shows you what each degree needs, so you can pick the right NCEA subjects before you get to university and start your degree feeling ready to go. If you don't meet a requirement, you're not locked out. Transition courses can help you catch up in your first year, and our Future Student Advisers and Faculty Academic Advisers can help you plan your study from here.

Have questions? Email info@waikato.ac.nz or call 0800 WAIKATO.

These are guidelines only and are subject to change

For information about entry criteria for undergraduate domestic students see application information for domestic undergraduate students.

Find your paper and check the subject regulations for additional entry requirements.

How to get into University

To gain University Entrance (UE) from NCEA you will need Numeracy, Literacy, NCEA Level 3 certificate and Achievement Standards in your approved subjects.

Some degrees have extra entry requirements on top of this, including Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Teaching, Bachelor of Engineering, and Bachelor of Nursing.

Numeracy

You'll need a minimum of 10 credits from specified achievement standards across a range of subjects, or all three numeracy unit standards (26623 (opens in a new tab), 26626 (opens in a new tab), 26627 (opens in a new tab)).

Literacy

You'll need a minimum of 10 credits from specified assessment standards across a range of subjects.

NCEA Level 3 Certificate

You'll need 60 credits at Level 3 or above, plus 20 credits at Level 2 or above.

Achievement standards in approved subjects

You'll need 14 credits in each of three approved subjects.

Additional NCEA degree requirements

Below you will find the additional NCEA degree requirements. Some first-year courses have their own prerequisites, so check the paper outline before you enrol. Please note that these are guidelines only and may change.

Bachelor of Climate Change

For the Bachelor of Climate Change, most majors only need University Entrance. Two majors have suggested subjects:

Chemistry: NCEA Level 3 Chemistry is strongly recommended but not required
Data Analytics: you'll need 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Mathematics or Calculus, or you can complete a transition course as an elective

Bachelor of Computer Science

You'll need 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Mathematics or Calculus. If you don't have these, you can complete a transition course as an elective.

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)

Your credit requirements depend on your major.

For Bachelor of Engingeering (Hons) majoring in Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering you'll need:

16 credits in NCEA Level 3 Calculus
14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Physics

For Bachelor of Engingeering (Hons) majoring in Chemical and Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Materials and Manufacturing Engineering you'll need:

16 credits in NCEA Level 3 Calculus
14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry or Physics

For Bachelor of Engingeering (Hons) majoring in Software Engineering you'll need:

16 credits in NCEA Level 3 Calculus

Bachelor of Health

Biology and Statistics are strongly recommended but not compulsory. If you're interested in the Biomedical Sciences major, you'll need NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.

Bachelor of Laws

There's no set subject list for the LLB. Essay-based subjects like English, Classical Studies, History, and Geography are good preparation.

The Law Admissions Committee reviews every application individually, looking at your academic results, work experience, school and community involvement, and other achievements. Include this information in your written statement.

You'll also need an NCEA Level 3 Certificate endorsed with Merit or Excellence.

Bachelor of Music

You'll need one of the following:

14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Music
20 credits in NCEA Level 2 Music
a Grade 3 theory pass or better through the New Zealand Music Education Board or the Australian Music Education Board
a Grade 5 theory pass or better through Trinity College or the Royal College of Music
an equivalent qualification

If you are choosing the performance stream as part of your Bachelor of Music, you'll go through a selection process and an audition. See audition requirements and dates.

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Technology)

There is no formal subject requirements, but Statistics, Calculus, or Mathematics are strongly recommended.

Depending on your major, we also recommend:

Biomedical Sciences: NCEA Level 3 Biology and Chemistry
Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Materials Science: NCEA Level 3 Chemistry

Te Ara Poutama Toitū Te Reo

Alongside University Entrance requirements, applicants enrolling in TTR must complete an interview and selection process, including a police check, and demonstrate competency in te re Māori.

Bachelor of Nursing

Applications close on 31 August the year before you start, and places are limited, so apply early.

For example, if you intend to start in 2028, your application deadline will be 31 August 2027.

You'll go through a selection process that includes:

a personal statement
referee checks
a criminal record check

We look at your academic background and your suitability for nursing. Every application is considered individually. You'll also need to meet the University's standard admission requirements.

Bachelor of Teaching

Along with University admission, you'll go through an interview and selection process, including a police clearance check.

Other degrees

These degrees only need University Entrance: