The University of Waikato

Established in 1964, the University of Waikato is recognised as the top university in New Zealand for research, ranked in the top three universities in New Zealand and 235th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Waikato Management School is among the top one per cent of business schools globally. Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, the school offers outstanding academic programs delivered by leading academics and renowned international professors.

The University of Waikato has over 2,000 placements or industry-led projects per year, and strong partnerships across government, industry and community organizations, thereby providing students with wider career options and practical learning opportunities.

The university features two vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, both located in the heart of New Zealand's export-driven economy. These campuses offer a lively, inclusive atmosphere that fosters a supportive community where students can thrive academically and socially, making it easy for them to feel right at home while pursuing their studies.

With 70-plus clubs and over 120 societies on campus, students can also take part in a wide range of activities. The clubs range across various categories, from academic and hobby clubs to sports and cultural organizations, catering to a wide array of interests. International students also receive comprehensive academic and career support to help them adjust to life in a new country.

International Recognition: The University of Waikato is highly ranked in the QS World University Subject Rankings and THE World University Rankings.

Waikato Experience: The university offers students modern facilities, a vibrant student life and easy access to recreation and nature.

Academic Excellence: Students get to be part of a close-knit community, with award-winning lecturers and researchers providing innovative education.

Student Support: Student support at the university includes dedicated international student advisors, buddy program, learning team, tutors and career advisors.

Scholarships and Bursaries: The University of Waikato offers numerous scholarship options for students.

Industry Connections: The university has strong partnerships with government, industry and community organizations, offering career opportunities and practical learning.

Industry Ready: The curriculum at the University of Waikato features work-integrated learning, internships, and industry projects across undergraduate and taught master's programmes.

Culturally Diverse Community: The university provides a supportive environment, ideal for international students.

Student Satisfaction: According to the 2023 Student Barometer Survey, the University of Waikato is overwhelmingly recommended by highly satisfied students.

At the University of Waikato, students gain a globally recognised education.

The university's courses are designed and taught so that when students complete their degrees, they transition from the classroom to the workplace is easy. 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.

In the QS Rankings by Subject 2025, 11 of the university's subjects were ranked in the top 350 globally.

Triple Crown Accredited Waikato Management School is in the top one per cent of business schools globally. It is ranked in the 151-175 band globally for business and economics in the Times Higher Education 2025 Subject Rankings – which is the highest-ranking band held by a New Zealand university.

The university's School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences became the first New Zealand member of the international group of iSchools in 2016, a partnership of the world's leading information technology schools.

The Division of Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences (ALPSS) at the University of Waikato offers globally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. With top-ranked subjects and flexible study options, including master's programmes, ALPSS prepares students for success in diverse careers.

The School of Education offers initial teacher education programmes that prepare graduates to become registered teachers in New Zealand, along with postgraduate qualifications for careers in education management, leadership and policy development.

The Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies provides global leadership in sustainable development and indigenous issues, with staff including leading researchers in issues pertaining to Māori and Pacific Development, indigenous studies and culture and language revitalization.

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 different qualifications.

Undergraduate

Academic entry requirements are dependent on which country the international student's previous course of 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.

Pathways options

There are pathway options available for students who do not meet entry requirements. These enable students to begin a shorter foundation course and then transition into their chosen subject once ready. Students should visit the university website for more details on entry requirements.

The University of Waikato campus in Hamilton is spread over 65 hectares and has developed over the years to include an impressive array of facilities set amidst beautiful gardens, stunning lakes and sports grounds.

Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts – Opened in 2001, the purpose-built academy is an award-winning performing arts and events centre which is recognised globally for the excellence of its facilities.

The Student Centre – Opened in 2011, also known as Te Manawa, houses the library, computer labs and provides a central study space for students.

The Pā – Opened in 2023, this landmark award-winning building at the heart of the university's Hamilton campus includes a marae, and spaces for students to work and relax.

Wellbeing Hub – Students can find their zen at the wellbeing hub, where they can relax, participate in activities, attend personal growth classes, study or simply take time to recharge.

Whanau Room – Exclusively for student parents, this room offers a peaceful environment conducive to learning and caring, and has child-friendly amenities.

HIKO hub – Opened in 2024, HIKO hub stands proudly as a co-working community nestled in the vibrant heart of the University of Waikato's Hamilton Campus.

The University of Waikato offers a range of scholarships for international students.

University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship Suite

These scholarships are for new international undergraduate and postgraduate students studying onshore, based on academic excellence. They provide up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees and are available for China, India, South-East Asia and the rest of the world. Applicants must have a conditional or unconditional offer from the university. Applications can be submitted anytime.

University of Waikato International Entrance Scholarship for School Leavers

This scholarship is for onshore international students who meet direct entry from a New Zealand high school. Students with University Entrance in NCEA receive NZD 10,000 towards tuition in their first year. Additional funding is awarded based on NCEA endorsements: NZD 3,000 for merit in the second year and NZD 2,000 for excellence in the third year. No application is required; the scholarship is automatically applied.

University of Waikato College International Pathway Scholarship

The award supports academically talented, fee-paying international students embarking on a degree programme at the University of Waikato, who undertake and complete an eligible programme of study offered by the University of Waikato College. No application is required.

University Of Waikato Doctoral Scholarships

The University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship offers up to NZD 30,000 per year for up to three years of full-time study, plus domestic tuition and Student Services Fees. To be considered, applicants must have an Offer of Place in a doctoral programme before one of the four annual selection meetings.

For more information on scholarships, students can visit the website.

Researchers in the School of Science at the University of Waikato, along with industry partner Premium Seas, have developed a unique and high-value seaweed supplement for the U.S. health market, featuring a new method for extracting and processing fucoidan from seaweed.

Researchers from the School of Psychology and the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, funded by the Marsden Fund, have discovered that red spectrum light applied to the skin can illuminate a woman's womb, challenging the belief that it is dark. This breakthrough paves the way for experimental research on the human foetus during the third trimester.

The university's School of Health Equity and Innovation recently received investment from the Health Research Council to study the roll-out of glucose monitors and insulin pumps to people with type 1 diabetes. This project will help to ensure this life-changing technology reaches those who will benefit the most.

Researchers from the University of Waikato, University of Newcastle, and Cardiff University are combining artificial intelligence (AI) and federated learning to help farmers improve productivity and sustainability by analysing plant and soil health data for better decision-making.

Researchers from the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies held an international conference to share findings from their five-year research programme, titled Working to End Racial Oppression, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. The conference, attended by 260 global researchers, focused on racism, its impact on wellbeing and strategies to reduce it.