The University of Waikato is a public university in Hamilton, New Zealand. It was founded in 1964 and has grown to become one of the largest universities in New Zealand, with over 12,000 students enrolled. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a variety of subjects, including business, education, engineering, health, humanities, law, science, and social sciences.
The University of Waikato is known for its strong research culture and its commitment to teaching excellence. The university has been ranked in the top 300 universities in the world for 10 of its subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. The university is also ranked in the top 10 universities in New Zealand for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022.
Highlights
- Excellent teaching quality: The University of Waikato has a strong commitment to teaching excellence. The university’s teaching staff are world-renowned experts in their fields and they are passionate about teaching.
- Wide range of courses: The University of Waikato offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a variety of subjects. This means that students can find a course that is the right fit for their interests and goals.
- Strong research culture: The University of Waikato has a strong research culture. The university’s researchers are working on a variety of cutting-edge projects and they are making significant contributions to their fields.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 4 January 2023 | Term Start Date |
| 21-25 February 2023 | Reading Week |
| 2 June 2023 | Term End Date |
| 3-16 June 2023 | Assessment Period |
Trimester B
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 3 July 2023 | Term Start Date |
| 21-25 August 2023 | Reading Week |
| 13 October 2023 | Term End Date |
| 14-31 October 2023 | Assessment Period |
Rankings
University Rankings:
- QS World University Rankings 2023: 739th in the world
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023: 401-500th in the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 (Top 300 in the world for):
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth and Marine Sciences
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Statistics and Operational Research
National Student Survey 2022:
- 8th in New Zealand for student satisfaction
Courses
Arts and Social Sciences:
- Anthropology
- Communication Studies
- English
- History
- Media Studies
- Political Science and Public Policy
- Sociology
- Te Reo Māori
Business and Management:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
Computing and Mathematical Sciences:
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Software Engineering
Fees
University of Waikato Tuition Fees (2023-2024)
International Students:
- Undergraduate programs: NZ$23,170
- Postgraduate programs: NZ$26,500
Please note that these are estimated tuition fees and actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances. For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the University of Waikato website.
Additional Costs:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Books and Supplies
- Travel
Admission
General Requirements:
- Academic requirements: Secondary school qualification equivalent to NCEA Level 2 with University Entrance.
- English language requirements: Meet the program-specific English language requirements, typically demonstrated through IELTS or equivalent tests.
Additional Requirements for International Students:
- Visa: Obtain a valid student visa for studying in New Zealand.
- Health insurance: Maintain health insurance coverage while studying in New Zealand.
- Financial support: Demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
For detailed and program-specific admission requirements, as well as application deadlines, please visit the University of Waikato website.
Application Process:
To apply to the University of Waikato, students should:
- Create an online account
- Submit the application form
- Provide information on academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and financial support
- Submit supporting documents (transcripts, diplomas, etc.) as required
Application deadlines vary by program and nationality, so it’s essential to check the university’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the university’s admissions committee. Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission.
Cut offs
University of Waikato Admission Grades
The University of Waikato does not publish official cut-off grades for its courses. Instead, the university provides information about the average grades of successful applicants for each course. These averages can give prospective students a general idea of the grades they may need to be competitive for admission.
Examples of Average Grades for Popular Courses:
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology: NCEA Level 3 with an average of B+ in English, Mathematics, and at least two other subjects.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering: NCEA Level 3 with an average of B+ in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accounting: NCEA Level 3 with an average of B+ in English, Mathematics, and at least two other subjects.
Please keep in mind that these are average grades, and the actual admission requirements may vary based on the course and individual circumstances. For precise information on admission criteria, students should contact the university’s admissions office.
Additionally, the University of Waikato considers various factors beyond grades, including extracurricular activities, personal statements, and references, when making admissions decisions.
Placements
University of Waikato Student Placements
The University of Waikato has a strong track record of helping students find placements. In 2022, over 90% of Waikato students who sought placements successfully secured one. The university has established partnerships with leading companies in New Zealand and internationally, offering students valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Companies and Organizations Where Waikato Students Have Been Placed:
- Air New Zealand
- ANZ
- BHP
- Contact Energy
- DairyNZ
- Fonterra
- IBM
- KPMG
- Microsoft
- NZ Post
- Toyota
The University of Waikato provides various support services to assist students in securing placements. The dedicated careers service offers guidance on CVs, cover letters, and interview skills. Moreover, the university hosts employer events, allowing students to connect with potential employers.
If you’re interested in finding a placement at the University of Waikato, we encourage you to reach out to the university’s careers service for more information.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Finding a Placement:
- Begin your search early, as the best placements are often filled quickly.
- Build a network with potential employers by attending events and connecting on LinkedIn.
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to each placement application, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
- Practice your interview skills with the help of a friend or family member to prepare for common interview questions.
Scholarships
University of Waikato Scholarships
The University of Waikato offers a variety of scholarships to assist students in financing their education. These scholarships are granted based on a range of criteria, including academic excellence, financial need, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Available Scholarships:
- University of Waikato Scholarships: These scholarships are available to undergraduate students and are awarded based on academic merit. The scholarship amounts range from NZ$1,000 to NZ$5,000 per year.
- University of Waikato Bursaries: Undergraduate students with financial need can apply for these bursaries. Bursary values range from NZ$500 to NZ$2,000 per year.
- International Student Scholarships: International students who demonstrate academic merit and financial need can apply for these scholarships. Scholarship amounts range from NZ$1,000 to NZ$5,000 per year.
- Sport Scholarships: Undergraduate students actively involved in sports at a high level may be eligible for these scholarships. Sport scholarships range in value from NZ$500 to NZ$2,000 per year.
- Music Scholarships: Undergraduate students with a strong background in music can apply for these scholarships, which range in value from NZ$500 to NZ$2,000 per year.
In addition to scholarships, the University of Waikato provides various financial support options, including loans and opportunities for part-time work.
For more details about the scholarships and financial support available, students can refer to the University of Waikato website.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Waikato is ranked 739th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023 and 401-500th in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
The university offers a wide range of courses, but some popular ones include degrees in Biological Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science, Business Management, and Environmental Studies.
Yes, the university offers scholarships for international students based on academic merit and financial need. These scholarships range in value from NZ$1,000 to NZ$5,000 per year.
