For students
What does this actually mean for you?
Find your year, see what changes. The big rule: nobody gets switched out of NCEA mid-school.
Find your year (in 2026)
You finish NCEA Level 3 in 2026. Nothing changes.
NCEA Level 2 in 2026, then Level 3 in 2027. You finish under NCEA.
NCEA Level 1 in 2026, then Level 2 and Level 3. You stay on NCEA all the way.
You sit NCEA Level 1 in 2027 under the existing system. Specific transition rules for Levels 2 and 3 are still being finalised.
Year 11 in 2028 (new curriculum + Foundational Award), Year 12 in 2029 (NZCE), Year 13 in 2030 (NZACE). You'll be the first to fully graduate under the new system.
The big things to know
- 5 subjects, pass 3. Take at least five per year. You earn the qualification by passing three or more at C+.
- One grade per subject. A+ to E. No more per-standard Achieved / Merit / Excellence.
- Exam in every subject.You can’t finish a subject on internals alone.
- 3–4 internal assessments per subject across the year.
- Compulsory Year 11 subjects from 2028: English (or Te Reo Rangatira), Maths, Science.
FAQ
I'm in NCEA right now — do I get switched?
No. If you've already started NCEA, you'll finish it. The new system rolls out from the bottom of the school upwards: Year 11 in 2028, Year 12 in 2029, Year 13 in 2030.
I'm in Year 9 in 2026 — am I the first cohort?
Yes. You'll be in Year 11 in 2028 (Foundational Award + new curriculum), Year 12 in 2029 (NZCE), and Year 13 in 2030 (NZACE).
How many subjects do I have to take?
At least five subjects each year in Years 12 and 13. You need to pass at least three of them (C grade or higher) to earn the qualification.
Will I have to sit exams in every subject?
Yes. Every NZCE and NZACE subject includes both internal assessment and a final exam. The split between them depends on the subject.
What's the lowest grade I can pass with?
C. Anything below C (D or E) doesn't count as a pass for that subject.
Will universities take this?
Yes. NZACE is the senior secondary qualification and will be used for University Entrance. Exact UE rules will be confirmed before 2030.
Are there new subjects?
Yes — including Civics, Politics & Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics, Journalism, Media & Communications, Building & Construction, Outdoor Education, and Primary Industries.
Do I still need literacy and numeracy?
Yes. The Foundational Award (typically sat in Year 11) covers literacy and numeracy. If you don't pass it then, you can sit it later.
Parents land here: For parents →