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

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

Be an agent of change.

He Kura Matanui / Indigenous Development will broaden your understanding of the world as you explore humanity’s cultural diversity.

It will change your worldview as you learn about the cultural, social, and economic development of indigenous peoples.

You will explore the dynamic living cultures of indigenous peoples and learn how indigenous knowledge systems can generate change that is sustainable, transformative, and of benefit to everyone.

Why study Indigenous Development at Otago?

Whether you want to promote the interests of indigenous people locally or around the world doing a major in He Kura Matanui / Indigenous Development will help you achieve this.

In this program of study you will learn the value of indigenous knowledge, and how it can be preserved, transferred, and adapted to suit the needs of modern indigenous communities.

Indigenous knowledge has its place in every aspect of society. 

No matter your interest He Kura Matanui / Indigenous Development complements many courses of study:

• Environmental sustainability
• Resource management
• Agriculture
• Policy development
• Education
• Language revitalization
• Primary health care and preventative medicine
• Economic wellbeing and independence
• Community development

• 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.

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).