OverviewThe University of Waikato offers excellence in teaching and research. The University’s qualifications are recognized internationally, its global connections are extensive, and its student profile is diverse.
The University has a distinctive New Zealand character derived from the region. Waikato is a Maori name meaning “flowing water”, a name we share with New Zealand’s longest river and our home province. At Waikato, students can combine major and supporting subjects from over 3,000 courses, providing a sound basis for future employment or further study.LocationEstablished in 1964, the University is spread over a beautifully landscaped 68 hectare campus, a short distance from the center of Hamilton.
Hamilton is New Zealand’s fourth largest city located in the North Island, 90 minutes drive south of Auckland. It has a population of 130,000 people and is central to many of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions and outdoor activities – surfing, skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking, caving, climbing, kayaking to name a few.
Scenic river walks, numerous parks and gardens, and a growing café and restaurant culture enable students to enjoy a relaxed yet cosmopolitan environment, with a lower cost of living than many other New Zealand cities. Extracurricular ActivitiesNew Zealand’s largest winter ski areas are less than three hours drive to the south. Two of the best surfing beaches in New Zealand are located between 45-90 minutes drive away to the east and west of the city. To the south, the cities of Rotorua and Taupo offer an enormous range of Māori, geothermal, and adventure sport activities and attractions.
Forest parks, lakes, thermal hot pools and limestone caves can be found all over the Waikato region. Lake Karapiro, only 25 minutes drive from Hamilton, offers world class rowing and other water sport activities. If you're not claustrophobic you could head underground and experience the thrill of caving - float through limestone caves on inner tubes or even abseil down into the famous 'Lost World' at Waitomo Caves, just 40 minutes drive from Hamilton. Fishing, tramping, and mountain biking are particularly well catered for, with the Waikato becoming the extreme sports capital of New Zealand.
There are many sports and activity clubs on campus in which students can become involved. Students enjoy a wide variety of commercial and recreational facilities, including an extensive indoor recreation center, theatres, game rooms, lounges and cafeterias, centers of worship, large sports grounds, and a summer swimming and diving pool. If your particular hobby or sport is not offered on campus, the Clubs office will put you in touch with a community club.
The Academy of Performing Arts provides a continuous calendar of high quality theatre and music, including the bi-annual Festival of New Zealand Theatre. Also, students can attend discounted student screenings of recently released major movies on campus throughout the semester.Academic HighlightsThe University of Waikato believes in innovation and forward thinking and is constantly developing programmes to cater to the world’s changing industry environment. The University of Waikato is committed to research excellence. In the nationwide research rankings completed in 2007, Waikato ranked #1 in New Zealand in: 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 has many academic staff working with international government and non-government organisations. Academic regulations give students flexibility to combine major and supporting subjects according to their individual interests and abilities, with semester study abroad students often able to take courses across several schools of study and disciplines. International students are encouraged to take courses exploring New Zealand and Pacific society, in particular the colorful and fascinating local Maori Culture.
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Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. University ServicesWaikato International has International Student Advisors to assist you and Administrators for Immigration and Insurance procedures. There are also International Student Academic Advisors at your School of Study/Faculty, International Student Enrollment staff, Learning Development staff, an International Accommodation Coordinator, Doctors and Counselors to help with health requirements, and many others.
Waikato International has a Student Lounge which is a space only for international students. You can e-mail home on our free internet service and a phone is provided for your use. They provide lots of pamphlets and information on all sorts of things you may need or like to know and there is plenty of space to just relax and hang-out between classes.
A variety of amenities are located on campus to assist students such as cafés, banks, a Medical Centre, a pharmacy, a University bookstore, a Scuba Diving shop where scuba lessons are available, and a travel agent.
Buses also leave from campus for the Hamilton city centre and surrounding suburbs every half hour.HousingThere are four Halls of Residence on campus which can accommodate up to 1,000 students. The accommodation advisory service can also help students to find places in private board or in shared flats and houses.
All Halls of Residence are coed, however, there are a limited number of rooms in areas designated women-only. Students wishing to live on a women-only floor of a residence hall or wanting to live in the self-catered apartments should let AustraLearn know as early as possible.OrientationAll first year international students are required to attend the compulsory orientation program, which is held during the week preceding the start of classes. It complements the in-country orientation program offered to you by AustraLearn, and information will be sent to you regarding the dates that you need to arrive in New Zealand.
The program is fun and informative and includes academic course and enrollment advice, an introduction to university and Halls of Residence life, tours of the university and Hamilton city, and an off-campus trip to a major tourism destination.
Orientation is an excellent opportunity for new students to meet other international students and university staff, including the Waikato International staff, and to make support contacts. A welcome pack with local information is provided for all new international students at the beginning of the orientation program.Special Programs/ExcursionsThe University of Waikato is located in the middle of many of New Zealand’s leading adventure attractions and tourist destinations. Day excursions are regularly arranged by on-campus clubs, Rotary Club, and NZ eTours, who offer a range of excursions to areas and events of interest.
Waikato International organizes trips to Auckland and to Mount Maunganui Beach, one of New Zealand’s most popular beaches. Many students are also keen to sign up with the on-campus scuba club to gain international qualifications in scuba diving and sea kayaking.
Students who come to Waikato during the July-November semester regularly join the Uni Ski-Snowboard club which owns its own on-slope accommodation at Whakapapa – New Zealand’s largest ski area.Community InvolvementWhile abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true New Zealand culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Hamilton or discover your own upon arrival!
You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in New Zealand on AustraLearn's Culture and Adventure Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to New Zealand. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for AustraLearn's Conservation Volunteer Weekend.
   Meet Your AustraLearn CoordinatorEilis McNamara-Olde is the AustraLearn Coordinator for University of Waikato
View SubjectsClasses are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. Fees| Program Fees | $10110.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Starting at $3,605 | | Without Meals | Not available at this university | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. | | Without Meals | Not applicable |
Fee IncludesProgram fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 6-day Bridging Cultures Program in Auckland and Rotorua, New Zealand. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged. Fee SemesterThe Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms.
The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. FactsLocation: Hamilton, North Island
Overseas Students: 2197
Staff: 1542
Total Enrolment: 12031
Dates| All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. | |
| July 2011 Semester - Summer | Application Deadline:
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| Anticipated Departure | | | Start Date | June 29, 2011 | | End Date | November 11, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 20, 2011 - August 28, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | June 27, 2010 | | Start Date | June 29, 2010 | | End Date | November 7, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 23, 2010 - September 6, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | June 27, 2010 | | Start Date | June 29, 2010 | | End Date | June 24, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 23, 2010 - September 6, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 4, 2011 - April 11, 2011 |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 14, 2011 | | Start Date | February 16, 2011 | | End Date | June 30, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 14, 2011 | | Start Date | February 16, 2011 | | End Date | November 4, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | August 20, 2011 - August 28, 2011 |
| July 2011 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | June 27, 2011 | | Start Date | June 29, 2011 | | End Date | November 11, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 20, 2011 - August 28, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 7, 2012 - April 15, 2012 |
| February 2012 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 1, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 4, 2012 | | Start Date | February 6, 2012 | | End Date | June 29, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 6, 2012 - April 13, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
Entry RequirementsApplicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level.
Students with a lower GPA than the requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact our office for more information.
Required GPA: 2.50
University Specific ScholarshipsIn addition to the scholarships offered by AustraLearn, University of Waikato supports AustraLearn students with two $300 NZD award each year.AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Eilis McNamara-Olde | | Title: | Sr. Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services | | Department: | Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji |
BIO:
Eilis manages study abroad admission and participant pre-departure services for AUT University, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, University of Waikato, and Victoria University of Wellington.
She holds a B.S. degree in Public Relations and International Studies from the University of Evansville . Studying abroad at Harlaxton College in England awakened her passion for traveling and she has since traveled extensively in Europe and the South Pacific.
Advice From The Coordinator:
Raglan! Raglan! The students cannot get enough of this surfer’s town, located 30 minutes from the city of Hamilton! |
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