You will be accepted into the University of Waikato if you achieve the entry requirements and meet any additional requirements for your chosen qualification and papers. Find out if you are eligible here.

First time studying at university

If this is your first time studying at university, you can choose your programme of study by either degree or subject.

If you need an alternative pathway to university study because you haven’t met University Entrance requirements, we have a range of pre-degree programmes to help support you.

Postgraduate study

If you want to upskill, make a career change, become an expert in your field, add value to your CV or gain a competitive edge, then we have a range of postgraduate study options for you. See our qualifications list for more information.

Study English in New Zealand

If you are an international student looking to study English, the University of Waikato has English Language programmes available.

Once you know what you want to study you can apply to study.

• Apply online

You don’t need to have chosen your papers in order to apply.

International students

As an international student you have three options on how to apply.

1. Apply directly to the University by applying online
2. Apply through an International Recruitment Agent – choose to work with one of our approved recruitment agents in your home country to apply on your behalf.
3. Apply through a study abroad or exchange programme.

Higher research degrees

• Higher research degree application process

English Language programmes

• English Language Programmes (CAEL, CAAE, GE)
• CELTA

Apply for a scholarship

Use our scholarships finder to see what scholarships you could apply for to help support you with your studies. Keep an eye out for closing dates to ensure you get your application submitted in time.

Apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previously undertaken tertiary or non-formal education, you may apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning. This recognises your achievement and can reduce the number of papers required to complete your University of Waikato qualification. Your application needs to be received six weeks prior to your first semester of study.

Receive an offer of acceptance

Once your application to enrol is accepted, you will be emailed an offer. If your application is accepted conditional on examination results (ie your NCEA results), don’t worry – once you have met the conditions an updated offer will be sent to you. We will contact you if we need further information, or if we require you to attend an interview.

International students

If you are an international student, find out more on how to accept your offer.

Accepting your offer

You can do this online or by signing your Enrolment Agreement as part of your online application and returning it to the University by the dates specified on the offer of acceptance. You will need to indicate your preferred fees payment option which will need to be paid before the start of the semester.

Choosing your papers

As part of your enrolment, you will need to choose your papers. For advice on papers email recruitment@waikato.ac.nz

Timetable clashes

When choosing papers, make sure you don’t have any timetable clashes. You can use the online timetable which goes live in September to create a timetable for your chosen papers.

Document requirements

• A verified copy of your birth certificate/passport and permits
• A verified copy of evidence of any change of name (if your name is different from that on your birth certificate)
• Evidence of your citizenship
• A written statement in support of your application, if applicable
• Evidence of previous tertiary study, if applicable
• Your application for Discretionary Entrance and a copy of your NCEA results notice, if applicable

Additional forms/documents

• Discretionary Entrance Form
• Teacher Education Supplementary Form
• Portfolio for Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design
• EdD Supplementary Form
• MPhil/PhD/DMA/SJD Supplementary Form

What is a verified document?

A verified copy is a photocopied document signed by someone of suitable standing such a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, barrister, court registrar, or school principal.

This person will need to see the original document and will check that the photocopy is a genuine, unaltered copy. They will then sign, date and stamp the photocopy with an official stamp, or will write “certified original sighted and this is a true copy of that original”.

University staff at the Student Administration desk on campus can also verify your documents.

Note: You cannot send in a photocopy of a verified copy or fax a verified copy. We need the actual verified copy, ie, the verification name, signature and date, must be original. The University does not send back these documents. Once received, they become part of your university record.

Please do not submit original documents, keep them for your own personal records.

Where can I get information on student loans?

www.studylink.govt.nz or 0800 88 99 00

How do I get university entrance (UE)?

There are several ways you can gain admission to the University. Find out about university entry requirements.

Can I study through correspondence?

The University does not offer any extramural courses, however there are some papers that are offered via the net. This information can be found in our Catalogue of Papers by selecting 'Off Campus Papers'.

I only want to do one paper – how can I enrol?

Apply online and submit relevant supporting documentation (citizenship evidence, admission reason evidence etc) by the relevant deadline.

Where do I go for programme advice?

Contact us on 0800 WAIKATO and we can put you in touch with one of our Future Student Advisors who can assist you.

How many papers are considered full-time study?

120 points per year is considered full-time study. This generally equates to eight first year papers however this varies across faculties.

I’ve heard the CUP course is offered through Wintec, what does that mean?

The Certificate of University Preparation (CUP) is a full-time formal qualification offered jointly by the University of Waikato and Wintec. It will be taught in both Semester A and B on the University of Waikato's Hamilton campus in Hillcrest and students will have access to the full range of services and facilities.

As a school leaver am I eligible for any scholarships?

If you are a NZ citizen and achieved University Entrance you may be eligible for one of our School Leaver Scholarships which require no application.

If you have achieved NCEA at a Merit level, and are enrolled in a full-time programme you may be eligible for the University of Waikato Academic Merit School Leaver Scholarship, which gives you a up to $3000 credit to put towards either your Halls of Residence fee' or your tuition fees.

If you have achieved NCEA at a Excellence level, and are enrolled in a full-time programme you may be eligible for the Vice Chancellor's Academic School Leaver Scholarship, which awards you up to $5000 credit to put towards either your Halls of Residence fees or your tuition fees.

The University also offers a range of other entrance scholarships.

Do I risk losing a Halls of Residence deposit if I don't get into university?

No.

Will the Halls of Residence confirm accommodation without a firm offer for the student?

The Halls of Residence offer accommodation on the assumption that the student will be accepted into the University of Waikato.

When do I get my student ID?

As soon as your enrolment is complete you will be issued with a Student ID card if you provided a photograph in your application. If not, get your photo taken at the Student Administration desk at the Student Centre on the Hamilton campus, or in Tauranga pop in to the Information Centre at either the Windermere Campus or Bongard Centre. Alternatively, you can email idcards@waikato.ac.nz with a photo and your Student ID number to get your Student ID card sent out to you.

Where can I find a list of the books I will need for my classes?

Course literature and required textbooks will be published in the course outline. The course outline is only available to students that are fully enrolled and is usually released a few days before the first lecture. You will not require textbooks for the first week of lectures.

What should I bring to my first class?

It is helpful to bring a refill pad or tablet etc, a pen and a print out of the course outline (as the first lecture will generally be based around this document).

If at any point you need help with your application, please do not hesitate to contact us.