Year 13 · From 2030
NZACE — New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education.
The capstone qualification at the top of school. Replaces NCEA Level 3. Used for university entrance.
Pass minimum 3.
The structure
NZACE works on the same chassis as NZCE, just at a higher level. You pick at least five subjects, each with internal assessments and a final exam, and earn the certificate by passing three or more at C grade or higher.
The intention is a clean transcript: a list of subjects, with one letter grade each, that universities and employers can read in five seconds.
What you’ll be assessed on
- Internal assessments: coursework, projects, research tasks throughout the year — typically 3–4 per subject.
- External exam: a sit-down exam in every subject. Weighting varies — practical subjects lean more internal, academic ones lean more external.
- One final grade per subject on the A+ to E scale.
Frequently asked
What does NZACE stand for?
New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education. It's the new Year 13 qualification replacing NCEA Level 3 from 2030.
How is NZACE different from NZCE?
NZACE sits a year above NZCE and is more advanced. Same structure — five subjects, pass three, A+ to E grading, internal plus external assessment.
Will NZACE be used for University Entrance?
Yes. NZACE is the senior secondary qualification for Year 13. Exact UE requirements will be set by NZQA and the universities before the 2030 launch.
When does NZACE start?
Year 13 students sit NZACE for the first time in 2030. Today's Year 9 cohort will be the first to take it.
What about scholarship exams?
The Government has not confirmed final details for Scholarship under the new system. Watch this space — we'll update when the Ministry releases guidance.
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