NCEA Level 2 is the minimum qualification young people need to obtain skilled employment or go on to further study. The 2014 provisional results show that almost 41,000 Year 12 students (or 86.8 percent of those participating) achieved an NCEA Level 2 qualification. In 2014, 1600 more students achieved NCEA Level 2 than in 2013. 

The 2014 data also shows that more than 42,000 Year 11 students, achieved NCEA Level One and just over 27,600 students, achieved NCEA Level 3. These results have risen by 7.6 and 4.4 percentage points respectively since 2010.

Changes to UE include that from 2014, students entering university will require an NCEA Level 3 qualification. Literacy requirements for entry have also been increased. University students also now need 14 credits in each of three subjects from a list of approved subjects, before gaining entry.

These changes have seen the percentage of students achieving UE in 2014 reduce to 58.3 percent, from 70.6 percent in 2013. University Vice Chancellors agreed to link UE to NCEA Level 3 in 2011. NZQA has communicated regularly with schools on the revised UE requirements.  

Students wanting more NCEA credits to go on to further study or vocational training or university can contact their school or their chosen tertiary provider to discuss their options. Many schools and tertiary institutions run courses to help students gain the extra credits they need. Students can also phone the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) on 0800 697-296 to discuss their results.

The Ministry of Education and NZQA will continue to work closely with schools, parents and students to ensure that information about UE and further study options is widely available. 

More information on the 2014 NCEA and UE provisional results can be found at https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/upwards-ncea-trend-continues or at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/news/ncea-results-available/