This Foundation Studies programme is for international students that have not met the academic entry for undergraduate study. Papers in this programme will teach you skills for successful tertiary study within New Zealand.
The programme includes compulsory English language and electives across a range of study areas. Classes include New Zealand students to encourage international students to improve their English and make New Zealand friends.
Why choose the Waikato Pathways College Foundation Studies programme?
- The programme offers guaranteed entry to most University of Waikato undergraduate degrees upon successful completion
- The programme is recognised by all New Zealand universities
- The curriculum develops subject knowledge and skills as well as leadership and team skills to help equip you for university
- The programme offers flexible intakes, with three points of entry during the year
- Taught on the University of Waikato main campus so you have access to all services and facilities as degree level students
Standard Foundation Studies Programme
8 to 9 months (two semesters).
Duration
8 to 9 months (two semesters)
2018 Dates
S Semester – 3 January to 16 February 2018
A Semester – 26 February to 23 June 2018
B Semester – 9 July to 27 October 2018
T Semester – 6 November 2018 to 15 February 2019
note: some papers will run over S and T semesters (summer school)
2018 Tuition Fees
Standard Foundation Studies programme: approx. NZD$20,240
Programme Details
- You will study a total of eight papers, three compulsory and five electives from the list below.
- Students can have up to 20 hours of class per week (4 papers) with a further 20 hours to be spent on homework and revision.
- Classes are scheduled between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Compulsory Papers
- FOUND021 - English for Foundation Studies 1
- FOUND022 - English for Foundation Studies 2
- FOUND001 - Introduction to Study Skills
Elective Papers
STEM papers:
- FOUND007 - Bridging Calculus
- FOUND008 - Bridging Mathematics and Statistics
- FOUND009 - Bridging Biology
- FOUND010 - Bridging Chemistry
- FOUND011 - Bridging Physics
- FOUND012 - Bridging General Science
Business papers:
Arts and Humanities papers:
Accelerated Foundation Studies Programme
5 months (one semester).
Duration
5 months (one semester)
2018 Dates
S Semester – 3 January to 16 February 2018
A Semester – 26 February to 23 June 2018
B Semester – 9 July to 27 October 2018
T Semester – 6 November 2018 to 15 February 2019
note: some papers will run over S and T semesters (summer school)
2018 Tuition Fees
Accelerated Foundation Studies programme: approx. NZD$10,120
Programme Details
- You will study a total of four papers, one compulsory and three electives from the list below.
- Students can have up to 20 hours of class per week (4 papers) with a further 20 hours to be spent on homework and revision.
- Classes are scheduled between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Elective Papers
STEM papers:
- FOUND007 - Bridging Calculus
- FOUND008 - Bridging Mathematics and Statistics
- FOUND009 - Bridging Biology
- FOUND010 - Bridging Chemistry
- FOUND011 - Bridging Physics
- FOUND012 - Bridging General Science
Business papers:
Arts and Humanities papers:
Key information
| Study Locations | Hamilton |
| Faculty | Pathways College |
| Years | 0.5 to 1.0 |
| Start Dates | Semester A (February), Semester B (July) and Summer School (November) |
Scholarships and Prizes
University of Waikato Foundation Studies Scholarship
For international students who are enrolling for the first time into the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies or the Certificate of University Preparation (CUP) at the University of Waikato in 2018. The value of the scholarship will be up to $5,000 (NZD)
Closing Date: 2025-12-31 23:59:00Entry Requirements and Admission
Students must be 16 years of age or older. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Entry Requirements
Standard Foundation Programme
- IELTS score 5.5 or above (with at least a 5.0 in writing)
- Successfully completed Certificate of Attainment in Academic English Level 6
Accelerated Foundation Programme
- IELTS overall 5.5 or above and at least a 5.5 in writing with no band less than a 5.0
- B grade overall and a B grade in writing in Certificate of Attainment in Academic English Level 6
Academic Entry Requirements
- Have completed secondary school study, equivalent to New Zealand Year 12, or
- Have a completed secondary school qualification from your country of origin (view table below)
Country | Standard Foundation Programme | Accelerated Foundation Programme |
China | Successful completion of Senior High School Year 2 or 3. | Completion of Senior High School Year 2 or 3 with at least 80% in four subjects or GaoKao Band 2 (high end). |
Hong Kong | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a Grade 2 or better in the four core subjects. | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with three subjects at Level 3. |
Indonesia | Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate of Completion (Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar Sekolah Menengah Atas (STTB SMA)) with a grade average of 6.5. | Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) between 6.5 and 8.5. |
Korea | Graduated from senior high school with a C grade average in Year 3 (Grade 12) of senior high school. | Case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait | General Secondary Education Centre (GSEC) with an average higher than 70% in academic subjects. | General Secondary Education Centre (GSEC) with an average higher than 80% in academic subjects. |
Malaysia | Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a grade B4 average in five subjects. | Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a grade A2 average in 5 subjects or STPM at least 1 C grade. |
Myanmar | Successful completion of the Basic Education High School Examination / Matriculation Examination. | Case-by-case basis. |
New Zealand | NCEA Level 2. | Attempted NCEA Level 3 and narrowly missed attaining University Entrance. |
Oman | Successful completion of the Secondary School Certificate (Thanawiya Amma) with at least an 80% average. | General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) with 70% average. |
Saudi Arabia | GSEC with a 60% average. | General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) with 85% average in academic subjects. |
Taiwan | Senior High School Learning Certificate with a C grade average in Grade 12 (Year 3) of senior high school. | Case-by-case basis. |
Thailand | Matayom 6 (M6) with a passing grade (1.0) in each subject studied. | Case-by-case basis. |
UAE | Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihiyya) with at least a 70% average. | Case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam | Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate (Bang tot nghiep pho tong trung hoc) or Diploma of General Education (Bang tu tai) with scores of 5.0 or better on a 10 point scale. | Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate (Bang tot nghiep pho tong trung hoc) or Diploma of General Education (Bang tu tai) with scores of 7.0 or better on a 10 point scale. |
Contacts
Waikato Pathways College- Te Huanui
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO or + 64 7 858 5600
Email: pathwayscollege@waikato.ac.nz
Website: www.wu.ac.nz/pathways/