The BA gives you the freedom to follow your interests and study the subjects you love. You can choose from a wide range of study options that cater for many different interests and career goals.
BA study can develop your knowledge and skills and future-proof your career. Skills in communication and creative thinking will keep your options open for different opportunities in the fast-changing world of work.
Your double major will give your degree a strong focus and deepen your knowledge and skills. You have the flexibility to explore different subjects in first year before you choose your two majors.
You can also study two different fields by combining a BA with another degree as part of a conjoint programme.
The BA is made up of 24 courses across 3 years of full-time study (360 points/24 courses).
You are required to select two BA subjects as your two majors.
Please check all the available courses for you to study under your chosen majors.
The broad structure of the programme is:
Eight courses in your chosen first major (120 points)
Eight courses in your chosen second major (120 points)
Two General Education courses (30 points)*
Six elective courses (90 points)
Up to two (30 points) of these can be from outside of the BA schedule from other faculties such as Science. Visit the Curriculum Catalogue for BA Schedule information.
*We recommend you choose WTRAED 100 Waipapa Taumata Rau: Introduction to Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Arts and Education as one of your General Education courses.
See the Subjects tab to learn more about the areas you’re interested in, and see what courses are on offer to help you plan your enrolment for the year.
Sample degree planners can be downloaded here and used to plan your study.
Visit a Student Hub for guidance on degree planning or any questions you may have.
You can access a range of information about The University of Auckland online at AskAuckland.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
2027 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.
You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.
Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements
If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.
Qualification
NCEANational Certificate of Educational Achievement
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.
Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.
If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.
If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
If your rank score is below our guaranteed admission level and you're not eligible for the Targeted Admission Scheme, you could qualify for Conditional Admission.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Minimum grade, subject and other requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.
Qualification
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
Score required
26
+
Qualification
IELTS AcademicInternational English Language Testing System
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
How much does a Bachelor of Arts cost per year?
2026 fees
Domestic students
NZ$7,616.40 – $8,785.20*
International students
NZ$40,225 – $48,133*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
Plan Your Degree
The Bachelor of Arts consists of 24 courses but offers students the flexibility to explore multiple areas of study. The following is a guide on how students can complete a BA. Please see Student Hubs for personalised guidance.
Degree planner
BA degree planners can be downloaded here and used to plan your study.
Year One
A typical first year for a BA student looks like:
2 x Stage I courses in your first major
2 x Stage I courses in your second major
2 x Stage I Arts electives
1 x General Education course
1 x Waipapa Taumata Rau core course
By structuring your first year this way, you remain on track to complete second-year courses in your chosen majors. This approach allows students to explore their interests and discover their strengths. The BA allows students to change their majors throughout their programme, so students are encouraged to use their first year to explore their interests.
See the Subjects tab to learn more about the areas you’re interested in and see what courses can help you plan your enrolment for the year.
Year Two
A typical second year for a BA student looks like:
3 x Stage II courses in your first major
3 x Stage II courses in your second major
2 x Stage I Arts electives
Year Three
A typical third year for a BA student looks like:
3 x Stage III courses in your first major
3 x Stage III courses in your second major
1 x General Education course
1 x Stage I Arts elective
General Education
Most students need to take a General Education course. This can be taken in any semester of your study. General Education papers are designed to allow you to study a broad range of subjects. You cannot take courses in a subject in which you have previously passed a course.
*If you are a new student studying an undergraduate degree with us in 2025 you will most likely need to complete one General Education course and one Waipapa Taumata Rau course.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
Where could this programme take you?
Your BA study will help you develop strong capabilities for many careers: communication skills; creative and critical thinking; the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information; problem-solving; adaptability; and an awareness of different perspectives. These enduring capabilities are increasingly valued by employers. You'll be well-positioned to pursue new career opportunities as the world of work changes.
