The top NZQA qualification you can receive at school is UE or University Entrance. At OHS we want all Year 13 students to have this qualification as their goal.
Qualifying for University Entrance (UE) in New Zealand provides several academic and career advantages for secondary school students.
UE is the minimum requirement for admission to all New Zealand universities. Without it, students cannot enrol in degree-level university study directly from school.
While UE is primarily a pathway to university, it also signals a higher level of academic achievement to employers and apprenticeship providers. This can pave the way for competitive job opportunities, higher-level vocational training, or scholarship opportunities.
Even if students are unsure about going to university immediately after school, gaining UE gives them the option later. It allows them to take gap years, work, or travel while keeping university study as an option for the future. Every year, we hear from students who have started on a career pathway that didn’t require university study, only to find later that they wish to pursue promotion, which requires a higher qualification. While it is possible to attend University by completing foundation courses, the easiest and cheapest way is to get the qualification from school.
As students are currently choosing their courses for next year, they should ensure that they are choosing a minimum of 4 UE-approved subjects. These subjects can be found on the NZQA web-site.
https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/ue-subjects/
Students and whānau should speak with their Dean, Kaitiaki or Heads of Departments if they need further information.
To be awarded UE, you need:
NCEA Level 3
14 credits at Level 3 in each of three UE-approved subjects
10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
5 credits in reading
5 credits in writing.
10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above,
At OHS, we are committed to ensuring that every student reaches their full academic potential, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications they need for their future studies and to pursue a wide range of academic and career pathways with confidence.
