Expand your musical technique and understanding within your choice of a performance, jazz, composition, songcraft and music production, musicology, or music education specialisation at New Zealand’s largest tertiary music school.
In the BMus you’ll learn to both preserve the past and nurture progress as you focus on your chosen discipline and prepare to enter a dynamic music industry. You’ll learn from some of the finest instrument teachers in the country, as well as recognised music historians and composers. Our partnerships with industry organisations will put you in contact with leading local and international musicians.
Through your involvement in large and small ensembles, tutorials and studio classes, you’ll develop strong collaborative skills and grow your confidence.
While each specialisation differs slightly, in the first year you will undertake a cross-genre music theory course, one in contemporary music culture, and a selection of other courses within your specialisation. You will also complete a General Education course.
In second year and beyond, you will continue to develop within your specialisation and you can explore areas of personal interest in complementary fields such as sonic arts, music education, production, and history.
More information regarding the programme structure can be found on the specialisation pages:
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
Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Musicology or Songcraft and Music Production has no audition or portfolio requirements).
View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:
Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Musicology or Songcraft and and Music Production).
View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:
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.
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
Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Musicology or Songcraft and Music Production has no audition or portfolio requirements).
View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:
Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Musicology or Songcraft and Music Production has no audition or portfolio requirements).
View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:
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.
Completion of a 2.5 year Diploma in Music at SEGi College with a University of Auckland GPE of 2.2 (a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above at SEGi College) will allow applicants to enter into Part II of the Bachelor of Music degree programme at the University of Auckland.
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 Music cost per year?
2026 fees
Domestic students
NZ$9,312*
International students
NZ$47,221*
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.
You will be required to audition if you are applying for the following specialisations:
Location: University of Auckland City Campus, Kenneth Myer Centre, 74 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD 1010
Live in-person auditions are always preferred as they give you the best possible opportunity to showcase your musical skills and a chance to meet the jazz staff. If you live outside the Auckland region, we welcome you to submit an online audition.
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?
As a graduate you’ll have the skills and expertise to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in New Zealand and overseas. Building a career on stage is a frequent goal, but the music industry runs on more than performers and composers. There is a collection of people who keep the industry moving, such as writers, managers, producers and teachers.
