University of Waikato College introduces new English placement assessment process for offshore applicants
University of Waikato College is introducing a new English placement assessment process for offshore applicants following a review of its existing processes.
The College will no longer administer the Online Placement Test (OPT) for offshore students, as the assessment has become increasingly difficult to administer efficiently and consistently at scale.
To support prospective students and improve the admissions experience, University of Waikato College will now offer Duolingo English Test vouchers to eligible students who require an English language assessment for admissions and placement purposes and do not already hold an acceptable English language proficiency test.
Who is eligible?
Duolingo English Test vouchers may be offered to:
- Genuine prospective students considering a College or University pathway program.
- Students represented by reputable education agents.
- Students who do not already hold an acceptable English language test result.
Voucher availability is limited and eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How to request a voucher
Agents can request a voucher by emailing the Admissions Team at college.admissions@waikato.ac.nz. The request should include:
- Student name
- Date of birth
- Intended program/pathway
- Intake
- Agent name
The Admissions Team will assess each request and advise whether a voucher can be issued.
Important information
- Once activated, students will have 21 days to complete the Duolingo English Test. Students will receive an email from the Admissions Team with instructions on how to access and complete the test.
- Test results obtained through this process will be used for admissions consideration into eligible specific levels of CAEL. Vouchers are tied to University of Waikato College and cannot be used for admission to other institutions.
- Students who already hold an acceptable English language test result will not be issued a Duolingo voucher.
- If a student provides an alternative English language test result obtained prior to undertaking the Duolingo test, the alternative result will not be considered for admissions purposes. The Duolingo result will be used for placement purposes.
University of Waikato College is confident that the new process will provide a more efficient and student-friendly approach to assessing English proficiency, while supporting faster admissions outcomes and improved conversion opportunities for eligible applicants.
For further information, contact the college admissions team.