- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Programme type
- Non Formal
Programme overview
If you'd like to be considered for the CertHSc, you must attend the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) General Interviews.
Programme highlights:
- A pathway into Nursing, Health Sciences, and Biomedical Science
- A combination of lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, wānanga, online learning, and self-directed study within a culturally safe environment
Programme structure
The CertHSc programme consists of two full-time semesters of study. You’ll need to pass ten 12-point courses across a range of subjects, including science, population health, and academic and professional development.
Lectures and tutorials provide guided and self-directed learning, while laboratory sessions encourage teamwork, observation skills and a familiarity with technical equipment.
Assessment is through coursework such as assignments, projects, practical tests and final exams at the end of each semester. Lectures and tutorials are held at the Tāmaki, Grafton and City Campuses of the University of Auckland.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 21H
- Name:
- Introduction to Biology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 23H
- Name:
- Introduction to Chemistry 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 25H
- Name:
- Introduction to Population Health 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 27H
- Name:
- Academic and Professional Development 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 29H
- Name:
- Introduction to Mathematics for Medical and Health Sciences
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 22H
- Name:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 24H
- Name:
- Introduction to Chemistry 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 26H
- Name:
- Introduction to Population Health 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 28H
- Name:
- Academic and Professional Development 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 31H
- Name:
- Introduction to Physics
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 12 pts
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
You are eligible for the CertHSc if you have verified indigenous New Zealand Māori or Pacific whakapapa/ancestry and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand. CertHSc and Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) eligibility and ancestry verification is approved upon receipt of a completed MH04 form available online.
To apply you must first apply under MAPAS and then apply for the CertHSc. You will be required to attend a one-day MAPAS interview which will take place in the week 11-15 December.
Please note the following points when applying for the programme:
- Submission of the MAPAS MH04 form alone does not constitute a formal application to the University.
- You must complete the University's online application by the set closing date of the CertHSc programme of 8 December.
- You must complete the online MAPAS MH04 form by the set closing date of the CertHSc programme of 8 December.
Students are selected for the CertHSc through the MAPAS interview process. Find out more about the MAPAS interview process.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- 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.
Programme requirements
You are eligible for the CertHSc if you have verified indigenous New Zealand Māori or Pacific whakapapa/ancestry and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand. CertHSc and Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) eligibility and ancestry verification is approved upon receipt of a completed MH04 form available online.
To apply you must first apply under MAPAS and then apply for the CertHSc. You will be required to attend a one-day MAPAS interview which will take place in the week 11-15 December.
Please note the following points when applying for the programme:
- Submission of the MAPAS MH04 form alone does not constitute a formal application to the University.
- You must complete the University's online application by the set closing date of the CertHSc programme of 8 December.
- You must complete the online MAPAS MH04 form by the set closing date of the CertHSc programme of 8 December.
Students are selected for the CertHSc through the MAPAS interview process. Find out more about the MAPAS interview process.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- 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.
How much does a Certificate in Health Sciences cost per year?
2025 fees
The Certificate in Health Sciences (Hikitia te Ora) will have zero fees in 2024. This ensures that students will retain full Fees Free eligibility for their degree-level studies.
- Domestic students
- NZ$0*
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 course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
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.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 8 December 2023
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
Hikitia Te Ora can provide an entry pathway into the Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs), Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc), and the Bachelor of Science (BSc) specialising in Biomedical Science. From there, students in Health Sciences or Biomedical Science have an entry pathway into a bachelors degree in Medicine, Medical Imaging (Honours), Optometry, or Pharmacy.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513