At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Engage with te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and te ao Māori.Core Focus
- Explore contemporary issues in Māori health, education, and the environment.Relevant Topics
- Develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and cultural fluency.Transferable Skills
- Study within Te Tumu – School of Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous Studies.Dedicated School
- Interdisciplinary approach, allowing combinations with other subjects.Flexibility
- Learn in a friendly, interactive, and real-life grounded environment.Learning Style
Māori Studies at the University of Otago offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Māori language (te reo Māori), customs (tikanga Māori), and the Māori world (te ao Māori). This program explores contemporary issues relevant to Māori communities, including health, education, and the environment, while fostering critical thinking, communication, and cultural fluency. You will join a vibrant learning community within Te Tumu – School of Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous Studies, which is renowned for its research and teaching in Indigenous knowledge. The program is multidisciplinary, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and combine Māori Studies with other subjects.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Māori Studies provides a comprehensive foundation. You will engage with core papers covering Māori society, language acquisition, and cultural understanding, progressing to more advanced topics in your second and third years. The program allows for flexibility, with options to include papers from Indigenous and Pacific studies.
- Year 1
- Māori SocietyMAOR 102
- Te Kākano 1MAOR 111
- Te Kākano 2MAOR 112
- Year 2
- Te Pihinga 1MAOR 211
- Te Pihinga 2MAOR 212
- Further Māori Studies paper or PACI 201MAOR 200-level or PACI 201
- Year 3
- Te Māhuri 1MAOR 311
- Te Māhuri 2MAOR 312
- Additional 300-level MAOR paperMAOR 300-level
- Further paper from 300-level MAOR, INDS, or PACI 301MAOR/INDS 300-level or PACI 301
Careers
Studying Māori Studies equips you with valuable skills applicable across many sectors, opening doors to diverse career paths. The program fosters cultural understanding, critical thinking, and communication abilities essential for working effectively in today's interconnected world.
- Policy adviser
- Cultural consultant
- Educator (Māori medium or bilingual settings)
- Health and social services professional (Māori kaupapa focus)
- Media and communications specialist
- Heritage sector professional
- Business and management roles valuing cultural competence
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Māori Studies programme?
- For undergraduate study, you need to meet the University of Otago's general admission criteria and English language proficiency standards. This can include NCEA Level 3, Cambridge International, or International Baccalaureate qualifications. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS (overall 6.0, no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT (overall 80, writing 20 or new score equivalent), or PTE Academic (overall 50, no communicative skills below 42).
- How much does the Māori Studies programme cost for international students?
- Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to increase. International students studying at the University of Otago pay international fees. Specific paper costs can be found in the downloadable 2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees document.
- How long does the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Māori Studies take to complete?
- The Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Māori Studies is a standard undergraduate degree. The curriculum is structured across three years, with core papers in the first year, progressing to more advanced topics in the second and third years.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from the Māori Studies programme?
- Graduates develop skills valuable in diverse sectors, including roles such as policy adviser, cultural consultant, educator, health and social services professional, media and communications specialist, heritage sector professional, and business roles that value cultural competence.
- What is the language of instruction for the Māori Studies programme?
- The programme offers an opportunity to engage with the Māori language (te reo Māori), customs (tikanga Māori), and the Māori world (te ao Māori). While core papers cover language acquisition, the primary language of instruction for the programme is English.
- Are there any scholarships available for Māori Studies students?
- Yes, the University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship is available for students of Māori descent beginning their first year of tertiary study. The amount can be variable, potentially higher for exceptional candidates, and may offer longer tenure.
Entry requirements
General University Entrance RequirementsFor undergraduate study, applicants must meet the general admission criteria for the University of Otago.
NCEA Level 3University Entrance via NCEA Level 3.
Cambridge InternationalAdmission via Cambridge International (studied in New Zealand).
International BaccalaureateAdmission via International Baccalaureate (studied in New Zealand).
IELTS (Academic)Overall score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
TOEFL iBTOverall score of 80 with a writing score of 20 (for tests taken before 21 Jan 2026); Overall score of 4 and a writing score of 4 (for tests taken from 21 Jan 2026).
PTE AcademicOverall score of 50 with no communicative skills score below 42.
English language requirements can also be met through specific secondary qualifications obtained in New Zealand or through discretionary entrance. Some programmes may have higher English language requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the downloadable 2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees document for specific paper costs.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the downloadable 2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees document for specific paper costs.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the provided pages.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to increase. An additional Student Services Fee applies. Australian citizens and permanent residents studying onshore in New Zealand pay domestic fees. Those studying distance learning from outside New Zealand pay international fees.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for undergraduate study at the University of Otago.
2. Choose Your QualificationDecide if you want to major in Māori Studies within a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or another suitable degree, or if you wish to study it as a minor.
3. Prepare Required DocumentsGather academic transcripts, English language test results, and any other required documentation.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form through the University of Otago's admissions portal.
5. Accept Offer and EnrolOnce an offer of admission is received, follow the instructions to accept and complete your enrolment.
Scholarships
University of Otago Māori Entrance ScholarshipVariable, potentially higher for exceptional candidates.
Accreditation
The University of Otago is a globally-ranked university.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Māori Studies programme?
+
For undergraduate study, you need to meet the University of Otago's general admission criteria and English language proficiency standards. This can include NCEA Level 3, Cambridge International, or International Baccalaureate qualifications. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS (overall 6.0, no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT (overall 80, writing 20 or new score equivalent), or PTE Academic (overall 50, no communicative skills below 42).
How much does the Māori Studies programme cost for international students?
+
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to increase. International students studying at the University of Otago pay international fees. Specific paper costs can be found in the downloadable 2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees document.
How long does the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Māori Studies take to complete?
+
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Māori Studies is a standard undergraduate degree. The curriculum is structured across three years, with core papers in the first year, progressing to more advanced topics in the second and third years.
What are the career prospects after graduating from the Māori Studies programme?
+
Graduates develop skills valuable in diverse sectors, including roles such as policy adviser, cultural consultant, educator, health and social services professional, media and communications specialist, heritage sector professional, and business roles that value cultural competence.
What is the language of instruction for the Māori Studies programme?
+
The programme offers an opportunity to engage with the Māori language (te reo Māori), customs (tikanga Māori), and the Māori world (te ao Māori). While core papers cover language acquisition, the primary language of instruction for the programme is English.
Are there any scholarships available for Māori Studies students?
+
Yes, the University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship is available for students of Māori descent beginning their first year of tertiary study. The amount can be variable, potentially higher for exceptional candidates, and may offer longer tenure.