The University of Waikato

  • Hamilton
  • New Zealand
  • Tauranga
English

At a glance

1964

Est.

12k

Students

76%

Acceptance rate

7k€

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

350€ reward

Exclusive wearefreemovers incentives: Apply through us, pay the exact same tuition, and still get money back. Includes Cashback + Go-Together + Referral Rewards.

Available subjects

English-taught
  • 📊 Accounting & Finance
  • 🦴 Anthropology
  • 🎨 Art & Design
  • 🧬 Biological Sciences
  • 📈 Business & Management Studies
  • 🧪 Chemistry
  • 📡 Communication & Media Studies
  • 💻 Computer Science & Information Systems
  • 🌋 Earth & Marine Sciences
  • 💹 Economics & Econometrics
  • 📚 Education & Training
  • 🧪 Engineering Chemical
  • 🏗️ Engineering CiviI & Structural
  • 💡 Engineering Electrical & Electronic
  • 🛠️ Engineering Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing
  • 📖 English Language & Literature
  • 🌿 Environmental Sciences
  • 🌍 Geography
  • 📜 History
  • 🏨 Hospitality & Leisure Management
  • 🏛️ Law
  • 🗣️ Linguistics
  • 🧱 Materials Science
  • 🔢 Mathematics
  • 🌐 Modern Languages
  • 🤔 Philosophy
  • 🔭 Physics & Astronomy
  • 🌐 Politics & International Studies
  • 🧠 Psychology
  • 🏛️ Social Policy & Administration
  • 👥 Sociology
  • 🏀 Sports-related Subjects
  • 📊 Statistics & Operational Research

About

We’re committed to ensuring students have an enjoyable and rewarding academic experience at Waikato, no matter how long or short their time with us. They’ll be studying at a world-ranked university along with 12,500 students, including over 1500 international students. When asked, the overwhelming majority of current Waikato students recommended the university to others*.

Our papers (courses) are built with theoretical and practical components to enable you to get the best possible experience at University. Our programmes are industry-relevant and offer smaller class sizes, providing plenty of opportunity for students to work closely with award-winning lecturers while being supported by experienced tutors. Almost all courses are open to study abroad students, making it easy to get the credits you need. Come and experience Waikato for yourself and become part of the friendly, welcoming Waikato community.

*According to the 2022 student barometer survey

Rankings and accreditations

281th

Best university in the world by QS World University Rankings

1st

University in New Zealand for research citations per faculty members

Top 1%

Of business schools worldwide. Accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA

Academic calendar

All semesters. One profile.

Stop comparing academic calendars one by one. Create a single profile and instantly see semester dates, deadlines, and available intakes across multiple universities. Apply in a few clicks, totally for free, with no guesswork.

Trimester B

Early July

Early November

⚠️ Application deadline:

May 1

Trimester A

Late February

Late June

⚠️ Application deadline:

December 1

Prerequisites

Are you a fit for this university?

Create a profile and instantly check your eligibility against this institution’s entry standards.

English 🇬🇧

CEFR level
B2
Accepted certificates
TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, Currently enrolled in an English taught program, Other certificates
Additional notes

Minimum accepted scores:

  • TOEFL iBT: 80 (with a score of 21 in writing)
  • IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
  • Duolingo: 105
  • C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)): 169 and no bands below 162
  • Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS): B2 Communicator with 33-37 score per skill
  • NCUK English for Academic Purposes: Minimum C grade average with no lower than D in all components. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.
  • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL): Level 4 (Academic)
  • Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)): Minimum score of 54
  • Pearson PTE Academic: Overall score of 46 with no Band less than 36
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): II with distinction in all four components

For more information, please visit:
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/enrolment/undergraduate-international/

2.7 GPA

A minimum GPA equivalent to 2.7 on a 4.0 scale is typically required. Applicants slightly below this threshold may still be considered if supported by strong academic progression, relevant coursework, or an exceptional extracurricular profile.

Expense breakdown

Housing

1,100 NZD/mo

Food

500 NZD/mo

Transport

130 NZD/mo

Leisure

250 NZD/mo

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

14,265 NZD

Living expenses (5 months)

An estimation of what your living expenses could be. You can go cheaper or more expensive, depending on your lifestyle

9,900 NZD

Travel & trips

The cost of reaching the destination, having a little bit of fun travels while you're there, and coming back. Again, this varies on your adventurous spirit and spending capabilities

4,000 NZD

Estimated semester cost

28,165 NZD

wearefreemovers discount

up to 350 EUR

wearefreemovers discount

up to 350 €

wearefreemovers partners directly with universities to make studying abroad more affordable. By applying through us, you keep the official university tuition and get exclusive cashback and referral bonuses.

Cashback

200€

Referral

50€
per person

Go together

up to
100€

Lifestyle

Life in

Hamilton

Accommodation

Accommodation is guaranteed for international students (as long as you apply before the deadline).

Living on campus provides the ultimate Kiwi student experience – it’s a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in student life. Plus, you’re never more than a 10 minute walk from class.
If you’re looking to improve your English or want a home away from home, try a homestay and live with a New Zealand family.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/student-life/accommodation

Social and extracurricular activities

Our campus culture is friendly and relaxed. Experience market days by the lake, DJs and live music on the Village Green, and meet friends at one of our on-campus cafés. Join a diverse student community with students from more than 85 countries and feel at home in no time.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/student-life/get-involved

Visa and immigration

Done online through Immigration New Zealand.
Typically, the best visa for freemover students is the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Climate

Trimester B

Early July

Early November
🌡️ 7°C to 22°C

Comfortable autumn temperatures gradually cool. Rain is common, especially moving into winter months.

Trimester A

Late February

Late June
🌡️ 5°C to 20°C

Coolest stretch of the year with frequent rainfall, followed by a refreshing spring uplift in September and October.

Campus location

Video

Student experiences

Come to New Zealand if you are curious and open-minded. You will experience the most beautiful time of your life.

Josh

This is one of the most life-changing events that have ever happened to me.

Tavehi