Review of the common entrance standard to uni

4 November 2005

Review of the common entrance standard to university

The Qualifications Authority has published a summary of consultation feedback on the common standard for school leaver entry into university.

The consultation was part of a planned review of the standard and aimed at gauging the level of support for potential changes. The common standard is designed to give an indication that a student is likely to succeed at degree level at University.

Initial consultation with the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee, universities, schools and other interested parties was completed early October.

A summary of feedback is now available on the Authority's website

www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/ue/standardreview.html

The Qualifications Authority will begin formal consultation with university councils and the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee in late November 2005.

The Board of the Qualifications Authority expects to make final decisions for the standard by June 2006. Any changes will apply to school leavers from mid-2007 at the earliest.

The current common entrance standard

To achieve the university entrance award candidates must have a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework.

This must include a minimum of 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list with a further 14 credits at level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects.

Candidates must also satisfy the requirement of achieving eight credits in literacy at level 2 or higher - four in reading and four in writing and 14 credits in mathematics at level one or higher.

ENDS

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