The University of Waikato

Qualifications offered

Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees

Location

Hamilton, New Zealand

Student population

13,000

Established

1964

Contact details

Telephone: +64 (07) 838 4007
Web address: www.waikato.ac.nz/
Email: international@waikato.ac.nz

The University of Waikato is one of New Zealand’s leading research universities. The region produces a significant proportion of New Zealand’s research.

Although the University of Waikato is a relatively young university, it has forged a strong international reputation. The University’s qualifications are recognised internationally, its global connections are extensive, and its student profile is diverse.

Waikato has a distinctive New Zealand character derived from our region. Waikato is a Māori name meaning 'flowing water', a name the university shares with New Zealand’s longest river and its home province.

Qualifications

The University of Waikato has a broad range of subjects, papers and degrees. The university has a flexible degree structure so that you can build a degree to suit your interests and career plans. 

The University of Waikato offers Bachelors, honours and Masters degrees, graduate and postgraduate diplomas and certificates. It also has a thriving Doctoral study programme.

Find out more in the international prospectus.

Faculties of study

The university consists of seven Faculties and Schools of Studies:

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• Faculty of Education
• Te Piringa - Faculty of Law
• School of Māori and Pacific Development
• Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Waikato Management School

Research

In the recent Performance Based Research Funding (PBRF) national research ranking conducted by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, Waikato University was ranked #1 in the following important academic categories: accounting and finance; chemistry; communication and media studies; computer science, information technology and information sciences; ecology, evolution and behaviour; general business; human resources; industrial relations; international business; management; molecular, cellular and whole organisms biology; pure and applied mathematics; music, literary arts and other arts.

The university is at the centre of a Waikato network of research institutions and industry responsible for a significant proportion of New Zealand’s research. Waikato boasts a number of high-profile research units (research institutes, research centres and research groups) that are spread across a variety of subject areas.

Location

Waikato University’s main campus is located in Hamilton - New Zealand’s fourth largest city (135,000 people) situated in the North Island, 90 minutes’ drive south of Auckland. With more than 46,000 people in tertiary study in the city, there is a huge range of things for students to do and see. Great shopping, cafés, restaurants and bars, international sporting venues, theatre groups, art galleries - you name it, Hamilton's got it.

Hamilton has all the benefits of a big city without the hassles. Traffic is minimal and the university is only five minutes’ drive to the city centre.

The university also offers a growing range of degrees and programmes in Tauranga, one of New Zealand's most sought-after locations - combining beautiful beaches, a sophisticated city lifestyle and university study. So whether you're at the Hamilton or Tauranga campus, it's easy to get around and explore the sites.

The University of Waikato is at the heart of adventure country. Raglan and the southern hemisphere's best left-hand break are just 40 minutes away, while the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty have some of the country's most beautiful beaches. Waikato is the closest university to Whakapapa's ski resorts, and there are forests, lakes and thermal hot pools within an easy drive of campus.

Campus life

Waikato has the most beautiful campus in the country. All our first-class facilities are in one convenient location, reinforcing our strong sense of community.

Students find Waikato has a laid-back and easy atmosphere. Students meet for coffee by the lakes, chill out on the lawns or play touch rugby on the fields.

Waikato boasts a huge range of sporting opportunities on campus. Endowed with the largest sports fields of any university in New Zealand and other great sporting and recreational facilities such as the Olympic pool and UniRec Centre, Waikato is the place to be if sport is a big part of your life.

The University of Waikato has four Halls of Residence on campus. Living in the halls is a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in student life.

The university provides a range of support services set up to help students succeed, including Student Health and Counselling, Student Learning Support, Careers Advisory Service, a Childcare Centre, and Disability Support Services.

Admissions

The Waikato academic year runs from end of February to November. There are two semesters divided by a four-week study break in June and July. Most departments offer an intake in July, which is the second semester, and entry for the Summer School in January is available for many courses.