The University

The University of Waikato is one of the youngest and fastest growing universities in New Zealand. Of its 11,000 students, many are international, and 20 percent identify themselves as Maori. The university has excellent facilities located on campus. The University of Waikato is home to the Institute for International Global Change, as well as other research institutes.

The university is located in Hamilton, a city with a population of 110,000. There is easy access around the city through an excellent public transportation system. Hamilton’s location in the North Island places the university close to many of the island’s tourist attractions, such as New Zealand’s largest ski area and major surfing beaches.

The Program

This is a direct enrollment program in which participants are enrolled in classes at the University of Waikato alongside New Zealand students. These include a wide range of courses in the schools of communication and mathematical sciences, education, humanities, law, management studies, Maori and Pacific development, science and technology, and social sciences. The Waikato School of Management is known for its international focus, which makes it the premier business school in New Zealand. The faculty of Native and Indigenous Studies has a Pacific Rim focus and is also internationally regarded. Students enroll for a minimum of 12 credits.

Program Dates

• Fall - late June to mid November
• Spring - late February to June

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Acceptance is based on the student’s academic standing, recommendations, and personal study statement.

Housing and Meals

Students have the option of being housed in residence halls on campus, or sharing rooms in local apartments with New Zealand students. On-campus housing offers fully-catered, as well as self-catered, meal plans. For program specific options, contact the program specialist, Ryan Lemon.