The University of Waikato

Aaminah Ghani, a student of the University of Waikato, was able to embark on a journey to Vietnam with the help of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia. A student of Bachelor of Management Studies, she was able start an internship with a duration of eight weeks at Direct MX located in Ho Chi Minh City.

The scholarship programme is funded by the government of New Zealand and managed by Education New Zealand with the aim of strengthening the country’s ties with Asia as well as to improve the internationalisation of the tertiary institutions in New Zealand.

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia funds the students' study or travel, work fees, and accommodation costs. Aaminah Ghani is one of the seventeen students at the University of Waikato who has received the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia.

Practical experience and accessible academics

At the University of Waikato, students gain a globally recognised education. In 2020, the QS World University Rankings placed the University of Waikato in the top 300 of universities worldwide. In what was a remarkable achievement, Waikato climbed 135 places in just six years.

The university’s courses are designed and taught so when students complete their degrees, they can transition easily from the classroom to the workplace. In 2018, the university offered more than 2,000 industry placement and internship opportunities to students.

The faculty at the University of Waikato are passionate about the areas of study in which they are experts, and are dedicated to helping students build their knowledge and skills which are essential for them to be successful in the careers they choose. Students at Waikato are encouraged to interact with academics, including generating debate during lectures and asking questions.

• School of Arts – The school provides a number of qualifications and students will gain relevant and critical skills.
• School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences – This school offers students a leading-edge and stimulating environment, along with world-class research and teaching.
• School of Education – The school delivers programmes in teacher education, education, counselling, educational leadership, as well as education studies.
• School of Engineering – Study with some of the world’s leading engineering researchers and practitioners, supported by specialised labs and exciting projects and work placement opportunities.
• School of Health, Sport and Human Performance – The faculty fosters collaborative relationships with some of New Zealand’s top sports organisations and facilities.
• Faculty of Law – This faculty offers professional law qualifications that provide pathways to legal practice and to a range of careers in non-governmental organisations and public services.
• Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies – This provides programmes in the Māori language and culture, linguistics, customs, media and communication, creative and performing arts, development studies, and Treaty of Waitangi.
• School of Psychology – The School of Psychology at Waikato is recognised as the home of Applied Psychology in New Zealand.
• School of Science – The school offers a number of innovative programmes and is home to world-class research excellence and some of the most advanced laboratory equipment available.
• School of Social Sciences –Research-led teaching at the intersection of key global and local debates around pertinent issues.
• Waikato Management School – Placed in the top 1% of business schools in the world, programmes are renowned for their practical focus, relevance, and their foundation in leading-edge business research.
• Waikato Pathways College – Delivers foundation and university preparation courses, as well as English language programmes.

There are several ways students can gain admission to degree study at the University of Waikato. The University of Waikato teaches in the English language and requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.

The university has an extensive list of entry requirements based on a large number of qualifications. Applications using qualifications not on this list will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Undergraduate International

Academic entry requirements are dependent on which country your previous study was completed in and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Postgraduate

Students will need to meet the English language and academic requirements. Generally, an undergraduate degree in a similar area of study is required. Requirements are identified on the qualification pages of the university website.

Higher degrees

English language proficiency of an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in writing, or equivalent. Academic entry requirements also apply.

Pathways options

There are pathway options available for students who do not meet entry requirements.

Waikato’s first-class facilities provide a student-centred learning environment designed to give students the support they need while they study at the university. It holds a five-star QS Stars rating for its facilities.

Student Centre

This is the university’s central hub for student support, and combines traditional library resources with hi-tech IT facilities. It is equipped with a café, library services, computer facilities and quiet study areas.

Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts

Specifically designed for performing arts, equipped with a world-class concert chamber and a range of teaching and performance spaces.

The University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance, Tauranga

A world-class facility that contains all the essential elements required to service elite athletes and prepare them for competition on the world stage.

Cyber Security Lab

The Cyber Security Lab develops solutions that enable users to know their data provenance, and to preserve the privacy and utility of data.

On-Campus Accommodation

The Hamilton campus offers five on-campus accommodation options for students to choose from. Students can select either fully-catered and self-catered living options. The Tauranga campus offers accommodation within a two minute walk to campus, making it easy for students to access facilities and amenities.

Other on-campus facilities include:

• Bank and cash machines*
• Cafés (offering vegetarian and halal food)
• Doctors*
• Gym and recreation centre*
• Library
• Multi-faith chapel* and prayer rooms
• Outdoor pool*
• Pharmacy*
• Post Office*
• Sports fields, tennis, basketball and squash courts*
• Student Centre
• The Wellbeing Hub*

* These facilities are for Hamilton campus only. However, as the Tauranga campus is located in the heart of the city, many of these facilities are available within a short walking distance for students.

International Excellence Scholarship – Up to NZD 10,000

This scholarship contributes up to NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees for international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate-taught studies.

University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship

Students intending to enrol full-time in a PhD, DMA, EdD or SJD at the University of Waikato will be asked to indicate whether they wish to be considered for a UoW Doctoral Scholarship on the Application to Enrol form. There is no need for a separate application process and applications will be considered in three rounds a year.

High Achievement Bursary

International students looking to enrol into the second year of undergraduate programmes (full-time) can apply for this bursary. Students must have an average of B+ for their first year in order to be eligible for the award. The bursary awards NZD5000 toward the second year of international students’ undergraduate study.