Year 13 · NCEA Level 3
NCEA Level 3 — and what replaces it (NZACE).
The Year 13 qualification, how it works today, what University Entrance looks like, and what changes when NZACE arrives in 2030.
60 at L3+, 20 from L2+.
From 2030.
What NCEA Level 3 is
NCEA Level 3 is the capstone NCEA qualification — sat in Year 13, the final year of school. It’s the qualification universities and many employers care most about. You need 80 credits, with at least 60 at Level 3 or above.
Most Year 13 students take five subjects, with a mix of internal assessment and end-of-year external exams. Subjects students often take Level 3 in: English, Maths (Statistics or Calculus), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Drama, PE, Digital Technology, plus practical subjects.
University Entrance under NCEA Level 3
To gain University Entrance (UE) under NCEA, you need all of the following:
- NCEA Level 3 (80 credits, 60+ at Level 3).
- 14 credits in each of three approved subjects from the UE-approved subject list.
- UE literacy — 10 credits (5 reading + 5 writing).
- UE numeracy — 10 credits.
You can also gain entry to most NZ universities with Discretionary Entrance (school recommendation + high Level 2 performance) or as a domestic adult learner.
What replaces NCEA Level 3: NZACE
From 2030, Year 13 students sit the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE). Same structural changes as NZCE at Year 12 — but at the highest school level.
To earn NZACE you take at least five subjects and pass at least three at C or higher on the A+ to E scale. Every subject combines internal assessment with a final exam. One grade per subject, on the transcript that universities and employers read at a glance.
NCEA Level 3 vs NZACE — head to head
| Feature | NCEA Level 3 | NZACE (from 2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Unit | Credits across many standards | Whole subjects |
| Pass | 80 credits, 60 at L3+ | Pass 3 of 5+ subjects (C or higher) |
| Grading | NA / A / M / E per standard | A+ to E per subject |
| University Entrance | 14 cr in 3 UE subjects + UE lit + UE num | To be confirmed — same role |
| Exams | Some standards exam-only, some internal-only | Every subject has an exam component |
Common questions
How many credits do you need for NCEA Level 3?
80 credits — at least 60 at Level 3 or above, plus 20 from Level 2 or above. Plus you need to have met UE literacy and numeracy if you're aiming for University Entrance.
What's replacing NCEA Level 3?
NZACE — the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education. From 2030, Year 13 students sit NZACE instead of NCEA Level 3.
What do you need for University Entrance under NCEA Level 3?
NCEA Level 3, 14 credits in each of three UE-approved subjects, 10 UE literacy credits (5 reading and 5 writing), and 10 UE numeracy credits.
Will NZACE be accepted by universities?
Yes. NZACE is the senior secondary qualification used for University Entrance from 2030 onwards. NZQA and the universities will publish updated UE rules ahead of the launch.
What about Scholarship exams?
The Government has not confirmed final details for Scholarship under the new system. NZQA Scholarship exams continue while NCEA is still in place, with details for the post-NZACE era to follow.
When does NCEA Level 3 end?
2029 is the last full year of NCEA Level 3 for new Year 13 students. From 2030 onwards, Year 13 sits NZACE. Students already enrolled in NCEA finish on NCEA.