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Apply by 20 Jan 2026 to start 23 Feb 2026
Get a foundation in Māori language, culture, and society, as well as the academic study skills you need for university.
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.
Important information
- You don't need University Entrance or to be Māori to be accepted into this diploma.
- For every hour you spend in class, you should spend around two hours on personal study time. If you're studying full time, this works out to be about 40 hours per week, so you'll need to plan your time and workload carefully.
The Tohu Māoritanga programme and the Māori academic staff at Victoria University of Wellington have changed my life in the most positive of ways. The Tohu programme brings rangatahi Māori together to start their academic journeys and empowers Māori students to work together and for each other as Māori.
Navana Matthews
Tohu Māoritanga graduate, Master of Science (Science in Society) student
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.
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Requirements