Latos, the Language Achievement Test for Overseas Students, was devised by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER), at the request of the University Grants Committee, to measure the proficiency of foreign students in the use of the English language at the level required by universities.

Introduced in 1970 for overseas applicants to universities at entrance level, it was extended in 1972 and made compulsory for all overseas students whose mother tongue is not English who wish to enter a New Zealand university at entrance level, or a technical institute or senior high school.

The test is administered by the Universities Entrance Board (UEB) and is conducted in 16 centres overseas and 17 centres in New Zealand.