The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is the University of Otago's most flexible undergraduate degree program.

It is normally undertaken over three years of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study.

Study languages: Make the world your place.

China is the most populous country in the world, with the fastest-growing economy. 

The Chinese language is the world’s most widely spoken language, used by over one billion people worldwide. 

Chinese speakers are found not only on China’s mainland, in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but also Southeast Asia, and other countries throughout the world.

The Chinese Programme at Otago offers a broad range of papers on Chinese culture (history, society, literature, cinema, for example) and the Chinese language from the introductory level to the advanced level. 

The university also arranges in-country studies for students in its partner universities in China.

Why study Chinese?

Chinese culture is both rich and far-reaching and today China is the world’s biggest trading nation and the second largest economy. 

As China is an increasingly important business partner of New Zealand, learning Chinese will give you the edge over other candidates for a wide variety of jobs.

• Academic Transcripts
• Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
• Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
• Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
• Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Background required

You can enrol in the university beginner-level course with no previous knowledge of Chinese. 

If you already have some knowledge of Chinese you may be able to enrol in a more advanced course.

Pathway programme

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters for domestic and international students. It is called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC).