Diploma in Māoritanga/Tohu Māoritanga
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
Get a foundation in Māori language, culture, and society, as well as the academic study skills you need for university.
Warning
This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:
- The qualification is only available as part-time study.
- The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
- The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.
Learn by doing
Discover how marae work and explore waiata and haka performance, all while developing your research and study skills. The Tohu Māoritanga is a one-year full-time diploma programme.
You don't need to have University Entrance to study for this diploma or be Māori, you just need to be at least 16 years old. Mature students and people wanting to upskill are also welcome.
A recipe for success
Many Tohu Māoritanga graduates—who include some of your tutors and lecturers—used this diploma as the first step towards starting a full degree.
If you want to study at university, but think you might need to gain some more skills first, then this is the right choice for you.
What you'll learn
The aim of this diploma is to provide you with skills that will help you succeed at university.
By the end of the programme, you'll be able to hold a basic conversation in Māori and observe and take part in marae customs at the University's Te Herenga Waka Marae, on Kelburn campus. In the Waiata Performance [course] you'll study and explore several waiata in depth.
Learn about the development of Māori culture and society in pre-European Aotearoa and gain an understanding of important Māori events and practices—of the past and present. Examine ideas and literature about the social and political environment Māori people are part of today.
In learning all these things you'll improve your critical reading, writing, comprehension and research skills.
You'll be taught in a variety of ways—including lectures, tutorials and independent study. The whānau learning environment will help you transition into university life.
Keep on learning
Once you have completed the Tohu Māoritanga you will be able to enrol in a Bachelor's degree. If you decide to do a Bachelor of Arts you may be able to [cross-credit] up to 60 [points] from your Tohu Māoritanga qualification.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to hundreds of first-year students each year. They help with tuition fees, and with accommodation costs at the University's halls of residence. There are also a number of scholarships and awards targeted at Māori students which can help you fund your studies.
International scholarships
Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.
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Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
At least 16 years old, statement of intent and letter of support.
International entry requirements
At least 16 years old, statement of intent and letter of support.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.