The University of Waikato

The University of Waikato is one of New Zealand’s leading research universities - a modern and innovative university that has forged a strong international reputation.

The University is situated in the river city of Hamilton in the central North Island with a satellite campus on the east coast at Tauranga. It is home to more than 13,000 students – and more than 2000 of them are international students who’ve joined us from 70 countries.

We are committed to the success of our international students. All our degree programmes are internationally recognised and our global connections are wide and strong. Our programmes are flexible, which means you can study almost any subject on offer, building a qualification that best suits your interests and career plans. We offer bachelors, honours and masters degrees, graduate and postgraduate diplomas and certificates and we have a thriving doctoral studies programme.

Find out more about our Faculties and Schools of Studies and courses and how to apply. International students will need a student visa to study in New Zealand.

Number one

The Waikato is a key research region in New Zealand and in the latest research rankings the University of Waikato was ranked number one amongst New Zealand universities in Business, Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Music, Literary Arts and other Arts, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Biology, Mathematics, and Education.

Waikato Management School – our Faculty of Business - has been endorsed by the three premier international quality assurance agencies.
The INTERCOAST programme for doctoral scholars is based in Tauranga. It was established by the University of Waikato and Bremen University in Germany to focus on marine and coastal research.

Life on campus

The academic year has two semesters. Semester A begins in March and goes through to early June. Semester B begins in July and finishes in November.

Many students, particularly in their first year at university, choose to live on campus in one of our Halls of Residence and our accommodation centre can also assist students to find homestays, shared flats and houses.

To ensure our students stay fit and healthy while they study, the University has health workers and counsellors working on site.

Our International Student Advisers are dedicated to providing ongoing support for all situations that might arise when students are studying abroad. English language tuition is also provided, before and as part of degree study.

Our new Student Centre has been built to provide a social heart to the campus where people can meet, enjoy a cafe, bookshop, relaxation spaces, use the library and access a range of student services including re-enrolment.

All over campus there are more than 700 computers for student use and they all have wireless internet access. There are printers, scanners and photocopiers available too, and students have access to a comprehensive range of online resources through the Library and Student Centre.

Life off campus

The University of Waikato is close to some of the best adventure sports locations in New Zealand and good surf beaches aren’t far away. On days off, students go surfing and swimming, skiing, whitewater rafting, caving, hiking (or tramping), rock climbing and kayaking. In Hamilton city, there are bars, restaurants, shops and theatres that buzz, especially when the students are in town. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city is only 90 minutes away and offers shows, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. Have a look at our region and campus in our virtual campus tour video here.

Find out more on the International Students website and in the international prospectus.

Connect with us online

We are social. Connet with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to keep up to date with latest news and events, get in touch with other students and get a feel for what it is like to be a student at Waikato.