The University of Waikato

Design studio

The university's School of Engineering has opened a new civil engineering design studio. Providing a practical learning space, students can collaborate and apply knowledge in a real work environment.

An open-plan studio with multiple break-out spaces, the studio also boasts a digital construction lab, with state-of-the-art digital tools.

Global partnerships

While New Zealand's borders remain restricted due to Covid-19, the university is opening a new China Learning Centre at its partner institute, Shanghai International Studies University. Students from China can now study selective foundation and first-year undergraduate programme through Waikato university.

The university has also launched pathway programmes in over 30 countries worldwide. Helping students progress into degree-level programs at Waikato, this has been created in partnership with Education New Zealand and NCUK. Bursaries will be offered to all students who progress to Waikato through the pathway programmes in 2021 and 2022.

New campus

The university's Tauranga campus recently opened in 2019. A modern, multi-purpose institution with an NZD 60 million investment, it offers a variety of qualifications and study options.

Its high-quality academic and recreational facilities include:

• 24-hour computer labs
• Central atrium
• Communal study spaces
• Marine science research centre
• Open courtyard and cafes
• Science and engineering labs
• Sports facility

Rankings

The university's research has been placed within the top 60 of worldwide universities by the Times Higher Education impact rankings. This recognizes both the impact on economic growth and reducing of inequality that is created through the university's research. Waikato is now ranked within the top 35 of global universities.

In addition to this, Waikato Management School's accounting programme has been ranked top in New Zealand and Australia (BYU Accounting Research Rankings 2020).

The university's award-winning faculty are experts in their field and are dedicated to student success. Its programmes are designed to meet industry and global needs, with a strong focus on work-integrated learning to prepare students for successful careers. The university is ranked 375^th out of 1,000 worldwide universities (QS World University Rankings 2021).

Waikato has multiple areas of academic strength, including education, indigenous studies, management, and social sciences. Several subjects at the University of Waikato are globally ranked by QS World University Rankings, including:

• Accounting and finance
• Business and management
• Communication and media studies
• Computer science
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Environmental sciences
• Sociology

The university also has five subjects placed within the top 300 of global institutions by Times Higher Education.

Several of the university's schools are internationally accredited, including its management school. This business school has triple crown status, an international recognition of its excellence, and an accreditation that only one per cent of business schools have. In addition to this, its accounting programme has been ranked top in New Zealand and Australia (BYU Accounting Research Rankings 2020).

Waikato's engineering programmes are also fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand. Graduates of this school will benefit from having this internationally recognised qualification.

The school of computing and mathematical sciences is the first New Zealand institution to become a member of iSchools. An international group of leading information schools, the university's partnership demonstrates its outstanding research.

The university is one of New Zealand's major research institutions. Its research impact was ranked 72^nd worldwide by the Times Higher Education impact rankings. Waikato also sits within the top 35 of universities worldwide for its research excellence.

The university is split into several divisions, seven faculties and schools which offer undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, masters and higher degrees. Its main schools are:

• Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences
• Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science
• Division of Education
• Waikato Management School
• School of Graduate Research
• Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao – Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

The university also runs university preparation and foundation courses through the University of Waikato College. It also supports international students through English language programmes across a range of disciplines.

Waikato was also the first university in New Zealand to receive approval from the Chinese Ministry of Education to award degrees in China. Students can choose from three undergraduate degree programmes between Waikato and its partnered institute, Zhejiang University City College (ZUCC). Awarding a degree from both universities, the subjects available are:

• Bachelor of business analysis with a major in finance
• Bachelor of media and creative technologies with a major in design media
• Bachelor of computer graphic design

Led by faculty from both Waikato and ZUCC, this joint institution also welcomes exchange students from the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.

Each course at the University of Waikato has individual entry requirements, including specific qualifications based on the country of the applicant.

Across the university, all students need proficiency in both written and spoken English. Because many test centres are closed due to Covid-19, Waikato is currently accepting scores from IELTS Indictors, TOEFL iBT Home (Plus) and Duolingo English Tests. Results from IELTS and TOEFL iBT tests which have been taken in the last three years will also be accepted.

Applicants who submit test scores using any of these three providers will be issued an unconditional offer but will also need to take an online language assessment. This is all subject to review, so applicants should check the university's website first.

If the applicant's secondary education was taught in English, a waiver for English proficiency may be considered. Evidence of this will need to be provided at the time of application.

If applicants don't meet English proficiency requirements, they can attend the university's English language programme. Specifically designed for international students, these foundation and diploma programmes can be studied both on-campus and online. Preparing applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, the programmes are led by specialist teachers who develop study skills and subject knowledge to improve language skills. Once completed, students can progress onto their chosen degree at the university.

Academic

The university's student centre is the central hub for both student support and extensive library resources. It also has a cafe, computer facilities and quiet study areas.

Work has also recently begun on a new multi-purpose hub. The Pā, will house a marae and spaces for students to work and relax.

Students across disciplines have access to advanced subject specific facilities. This includes:

• Adams Centre for High Performance in Tauranga – facilities for elite athletes
• Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts – Range of teaching and performance spaces.
• State-of-the-art science and engineering labs
• Marine science research centre

Accommodation

Student housing is available on both Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.

The Hamilton campus boasts a range of accommodation, including halls of residences, apartments, cottages, studios, and units. Summer accommodation is also provided on the Hamilton campus for students who study over the summer months.

The Tauranga accommodation houses students exclusively studying on its campus. It offers six apartments, each with three bedrooms and shared facilities.

Social

The university regularly hosts events, activities, and social occasions. It offers over 60 clubs and societies across a range of interests, from sports, politics and cultural interests to academic areas.

Health and fitness facilities can be found at UniRec. It features over 40 group exercise classes, fully equipped cardio and weight rooms, personal training sessions, squash courts, physiotherapy appointments, sports hall and several swimming pools. The Hamilton campus also boasts the largest university sports field in New Zealand.

The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts often hosts concerts, theatre and dance performances, exhibitions, festivals and student events.

Other on-campus facilities include:
Cafes and food shops (offering vegetarian and halal food)

• Chapel
• Doctors
• OMEN Esports Arena
• Pharmacy
• Post office
• Recreation centre and gym
• Stationery shop

International students are eligible for a range of scholarships and bursaries through the University of Waikato. Some of the funding requires an application, while others automatically consider students based on their university submission.

First-year international applicants for 2021 will automatically receive a 20 per cent bursary towards tuition fees upon enrolment.

Other scholarship and bursary options include:

The High Achievement Bursary for International Students

Open to all international students who enrol in a full-time undergraduate programme at the university. Awarding NZD 5,000, which is deducted from student fees for the second year of study, applicants need to achieve at least a B+ grade to be considered.

University of Waikato International Excellence – NZ School Leavers Scholarship

Aimed at international students completing Year 13 in a New Zealand high school in 2021, who intend to enrol full-time as an undergraduate in 2022. Applicants need to have completed NCEA Level 2 and received at least a merit. Recipients can be awarded up to NZD 10,000.

The New Zealand NCUK University of Waikato Bursary

Awards up to NZD 6,000 to international students on the university's pathway programmes who want to transition onto a full-time undergraduate course. Applicants need to complete the international foundation year, international year one or the master's preparation programme to be considered.

The Tauranga Campus International Bursary

Offered to new students on the Tauranga campus. The bursary awards up to NZD 10,000, which will be applied to tuition fees at the start of the academic year.

University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship

Awards NZD 25,000 per year, for three years, plus domestic tuition fees. A scholarship with automatic consideration, applicants for full-time PhD, DMA, EdD or SJD degrees need to indicate whether they want to be considered on their application form.