Overview

Welcome to the University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, where students will find a world of possibilities and opportunities. Whether students are searching for a degree that will prepare them for a rewarding career, a research programme that will challenge them and make an impact, or an enriching study abroad experience, they'll find it here.

　　Waikato is one of New Zealand's leading universities, placed among the top 250 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

　　The university was established in 1964, with two campuses to explore. The original is in Hamilton city, while the other opened in Tauranga in 2019. Both campuses form part of the heart of New Zealand's export focused economy.

　　Students will find modern facilities and a vibrant student life at the university, with easy access to recreation and natural landscapes. It's a close-knit academic community, where students are an individual and well-supported by a dedicated team of international student support advisors. Other support includes peer-to-peer student buddies, on-campus nurses and doctors, to counselors and career advisors. There are also numerous bursaries and scholarships to apply for.

　　The University of Waikato has strong partnerships across government, industry and community organizations, allowing them to provide students with wider career options and practical learning opportunities.

　　Work-integrated learning papers, internships and industry projects provide hands-on experience – across both undergraduate degrees and many of its taught Master's programmes.

　　Waikato is perfect for international students for its supportive academic environment and culturally diverse community of students and staff. Students can apply now and start their amazing journey at a university that is overwhelmingly recommended by its students (as per the 2022 student barometer survey).

　　The University of Waikato looks forward to welcoming students to its whānau (family)!

　　

What's new

Researchers at the University's School of Engineering have developed a prototype asparagus harvester set to revitalise New Zealand's asparagus industry. Now they have developed an electronic fruit bin for the kiwifruit industry designed to automate kiwifruit harvesting and open up picking jobs to a wider range of people.

　　Researchers are also working with scientists and engineers to develop a robotic vehicle designed to thin apple orchards, pick blueberries or prune vineyards.

　　That work is part of a USD 17 million, five-year project, funded by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, helping develop robots and artificial intelligence technologies for New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture industries.

　　The project, known as MaaraTech, was started in 2018 and will soon see field trials of the new technology.

　　The university is proud of its positive research impact in the world, and it has been recognized as a top 100 university in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The university's degree was the first of its kind in the world, helping to meet the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

　　

Teaching quality

At the University of Waikato, students gain a globally recognised education.

　　The university's courses are designed and taught so that when students complete their degrees, they can transition easily from the classroom to the workplace.

　　The faculty at the University of Waikato are passionate about the areas of study in which they are experts and are dedicated to helping students build their knowledge and skills which are essential for them to be successful in the careers they choose.

　　The university's positive impact of research and education has been recognised with a top 100 worldwide position in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

　　–Ten of Waikato's subjects are ranked by ranked number 1 in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject. Its management school has achieved Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS and is in the top 1 percent of business schools globally.

　　The is one of New Zealand's largest providers of initial teacher education as well as providing national and international in-service teacher professional development.

　　The university's became the first New Zealand member of the international group of in 2016, a partnership of the world's leading information technology schools. In 2021, Waikato launched to better leverage AI for the benefit of local and global communities.

　　The University is internationally recognised for its excellence across the , humanities and , , science, engineering and more.

　　Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao, the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, provides global leadership in sustainable development and indigenous issues, with staff including leading researchers in issues pertaining to Māori and Pacific Development, indigenous studies and culture and language revitalization.

　　

Department Structure

Culturally diverse, beautiful, and safe, New Zealand has a work-life balance that is the envy of the world. It is why these locations have consistently led international quality-of-life surveys. Hamilton and Tauranga city, and surrounding regions offer a wealth of nature-based activities and attractions, as well as world-class university education and vibrant city life.

　　The University of Waikato has two campuses located in Hamilton and Tauranga city. Both cities are centrally located in the north island of New Zealand and are relaxed and safe cities. Many popular tourist destinations such as the Hobbiton film set, Rotorua, and Auckland city are within close proximity.

　　Hamilton City

　　Hamilton is a vibrant and multicultural city immersed in Indigenous Māori culture, and is New Zealand's 4th largest city. Located on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton boasts magnificent parks and gardens.

　　Tauranga City

　　Tauranga is New Zealand's fifth largest city and is bustling with cultural, sporting and recreational activities. The cosmopolitan city is well known for its blue skies, warm climate, beautiful beaches, stunning harbour and relaxed lifestyle.

　　

Entry requirements

There are several ways students can gain admission to degree study at the University of Waikato. The University of Waikato teaches in the English language and requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The university has an extensive list of entry requirements based on a large number of qualifications.

　　Undergraduate

　　Academic entry requirements are dependent on which country the international student's previous study was completed in and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

　　Postgraduate

　　Students will need to meet the English language and academic requirements. Generally, an undergraduate degree in a similar area of study is required. Requirements are identified on the qualification pages of the university website.

　　Pathways options

　　There are pathway options available for students who do not meet entry requirements. These enable students to begin a shorter foundation course and then transition into their chosen subject once ready. Students should visit the university website for more details on entry requirements.

　　

Facilities

Waikato's first-class facilities provide a student-centred learning environment designed to give students the support they need while they study at the university.

　　Student Centre

　　The Pā is the university's central hub for student support and combines traditional library resources with hi-tech IT facilities. It is equipped with a cafe, library services, computer facilities and quiet study areas.

　　Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts

　　Specifically designed for performing arts, equipped with a world-class concert chamber and a range of teaching and performance spaces.

　　The University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga

　　A world-class facility that contains all the essential elements required to service elite athletes and prepare them for competition on the world stage.

　　Cyber Security Lab

　　The Cyber Security Lab develops solutions that enable users to know their data provenance, and to preserve the privacy and utility of data.

　　On-Campus Accommodation

　　The Hamilton campus offers students on-campus accommodation options.

　　On-campus facilities include:

　　Recreation centre and gym Swimming pools Sports courts (Tennis, Squash, Basketball) Cafes and food shops (offering vegetarian and halal food) Post office Pharmacy Doctors Stationery shop Multi-faith chapel and prayer room The Wellbeing Hub OMEN Esports ArenaWith a supportive academic environment and a culturally diverse student community, the University of Waikato is the perfect choice for international students seeking quality education and a dynamic university experience. The overwhelming majority of Waikato international students recommended the university to others (as per the 2022 student barometer survey).

　　

Scholarships & funding

University of Waikato International Progression Bursary – Up to NZD 10,000

The University of Waikato International Progression Bursary was established in 2022 to support international students to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate level study for the first time at the University of Waikato. No application is required for this Bursary.

　　

University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship – Up to NZD 15,000

The University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship contributes up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees for international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate-taught studies.

　　Applicants must be recipients of either a conditional or unconditional offer of place from the university. Applications for the International Excellence Scholarship may be submitted at any time.

　　

University of Waikato International Entrance Scholarship for School Leavers – Up to NZD 15,000 towards institution

For international students completing Year 13 (or equivalent) at a high school/ learning institution in 2022 and intending to enrol full-time in an undergraduate degree at the University of Waikato in A Trimester 2023.