Discretionary Entrance

If you have been on an exchange in Year 13, have studied IB but have not been awarded the IB Diploma, or you’re a Year 12 student with an exceptional academic record, you may be eligible to apply for Discretionary Entrance to UC.

Requirements for Discretionary Entrance if you've been on an exchange programme in Year 13

If you have not achieved NCEA Level 3 because you have been on an exchange programme overseas for 20 weeks or more during Year 13 you must: 

• have achieved NCEA Level 2, including a minimum of 14 credits in three approved subjects
• have achieved the literacy and numeracy standards for University Entrance
• provide evidence of having studied overseas for a minimum of 20 weeks on an official exchange programme such as AFS or Rotary.
  
• provide a supporting letter from the principal of the school you attended overseas (with a translation if it is not in English). This supporting letter must be on school letterhead and should include the dates you studied at the school as well as a comment on your overall standard of academic conduct and participation. 
• provide an academic transcript or report of the study you completed while on exchange (if possible). 
• be a domestic student. Discretionary Entrance is not available to international students.

Requirements for Discretionary Entrance with IB

To be eligible for Discretionary Entrance with IB you must :

• have a minimum International Baccalaureate score of 24 points.
• not have been awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
• be a domestic student. Discretionary Entrance is not available to international students.

Requirements for Discretionary Entrance with exceptional Year 12 results

To be eligible for Discretionary Entrance with exceptional Year 12 results you must:

• have at least 72 credits at NCEA Level 2, including a minimum of 14 credits in each of four subjects (three of which must be approved subjects) and a minimum of 60 Merit and Excellence credits. If you have studied the IB instead, you will need a minimum score of 24 points and must not have been awarded the IB Diploma.
  
• have achieved the literacy and numeracy standards for University Entrance.
• be able to demonstrate a high level of maturity and motivation.
• the support of your school principal; they will be asked to provide a confidential assessment of your readiness and suitability for university study.
• be at least 16 years of age (and under 20 years of age) on the official start date of your study at UC. 
• not have undertaken NCEA Year 13 study beyond 1 June if intending to enrol in February the following year.
• be a domestic student. Discretionary Entrance is not available to international students.

Outcome

You will be notified of the outcome of your application for Discretionary Entrance via email.

Discretionary Entrance to UC does not necessarily mean automatic approval into your preferred qualification as some qualifications and courses have limited entry and/or specific pre-requisites. Your admission to your preferred qualification will be assessed by the relevant Department and/or Faculty and the outcome will be recorded in myUC. 

If your application for Discretionary Entrance is unsuccessful and you are declined admission to the University, you may ask for the decision to be reviewed. Additional supporting documentation can be provided as part of the review process.