Directly Enroll at the University of Waikato

  New Zealand

• All Other Areas in New Zealand: 
Hamilton

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Please inquire for specific dates.

Description: Are you looking for the perfect Study Abroad environment. Somewhere with remarkably inexpensive yet high quality programmes, combined with an excellent exchange rate allowing you to get out and enjoy yourself. Somewhere English speaking, culturally rich, and with a safe and stable political climate. Somewhere with a stunningly beautiful natural environment and awesome recreational opportunities, combined with international quality tuition, a remarkably relaxed and supportive study atmosphere. Welcome to New Zealand and the University of Waikato!

The University of Waikato is a comprehensive university located in Hamilton, a provincial city of 135,000 in the upper North Island, approximately 90 minutes drive south of Auckland. The University of Waikato has approximately 13,000 students with an international student population of over 2000. Study Abroad students love the relaxed atmosphere of the Waikato campus, and the close relationship possible between faculty and students. The campus is spread over 130 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with extensive sporting and recreational areas surrounding three ornamental lakes. The University provides excellent, very modern study facilities, with a variety of services available to students right on campus. Whether you want to see a doctor, work out in a fitness centre, worship in a Christian chapel or Muslim prayer room, plan and book travel tours through New Zealand at the STA branch or relax in a bar or cafe, all are available on campus. The university also offers over 1000 rooms in on-campus accommodation at very affordable rates, with both fully-catered, and self-catered options.

We have the largest sports fields of any university campus, and an impressive indoor recreation centre. The Pavilion, on the sports fields, has two squash courts and adjoining netball and tennis courts. Next to the fields are a 50m outdoor pool and dive pool.

Waikato is a Maori word, meaning 'running water', and is both the name of the province in which the University is situated, and the river that runs through the city of Hamilton. The Maori character of the Waikato campus is an important part of overall university identity, and courses concerning New Zealand/Pacific society and culture are especially popular with Study Abroad students. A highlight of each orientation for international students is a traditional welcome onto the campus by the local Maori tribal elders.

Hamilton is a relaxed and scenic city, New Zealand's fourth largest, close to many of New Zealand's world renown scenic and adventure tourism attractions that Study Abroad students seek. Excellent surfing and swimming beaches, whitewater rivers, extensive cave systems, hot thermal pools, forest parks, and New Zealand's largest city are all within less than a 90 minute drive from the University. New Zealand's largest ski area, and three national parks are within a three hour drive.

Waikato University offers a huge variety of courses taught through seven faculties: Arts & Social Sciences, Education, Science & Engineering, Computing & Mathematical Sciences, Law, Maori & Pacific Development (Development Studies) and Management. The Waikato Management School belongs to the top 1% of Business Schools in the world and accredited with the Triple Crown. The School of Maori & Pacific Development is New Zealand's premier school for the study of indigenous issues and the only one of this type in the world.

Highlights: Waikato University offers excellence in teaching and research. In the nationwide research rankings completed in 2007, the University of Waikato was ranked No. 1 amongst New Zealand universities in the following subjects: Business, Communications, Journalism and Media Studies, Music, Literary Arts and other Arts, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Biology, Mathematics, and Education.

Highlighted programs popular with international students include: Liberal Arts, Environmental Studies, International Business, Tourism & Leisure, Indigenous Studies, Electronic Commerce, Biotechnology, Psychology, Pacific Studies, New Zealand Studies, Media & Communication, Musical Performance.

Programs are very flexible with almost all courses at Waikato are semester, with study abroad students able to begin classes in either the Fall or Spring semesters. Students are welcome to enroll in either a semester or full academic year program. The New Zealand Academic year follows the calendar year - February-June is A-Semester, July-November is B-Semester. Winter spans the June-October months. Generally a student takes a full-time load of 3 or 4 courses per semester (equaling approximately 12-15 semester credits). Tuition tends to be quite different to the USA system, with students beginning academic specialization in their 'freshman' year. While most study abroad students will be looking for undergraduate study, the University of Waikato also offers a very comprehensive range of graduate, doctoral, and diploma courses. International students are also invited to enroll in full-degree study. Students for whom English is not their native language can study at the University of Waikato Language Institute prior to beginning their university study. With three campuses, the Language Institute is New Zealand's largest English teaching facility.

The University of Waikato boasts an extremely comprehensive international student support network, including full onsite orientation, guaranteed on-campus accommodation, dedicated International counselors and advisors, and a fully-staffed International Drop-in Centre. Our degrees are full internationally recognised and accredited, taught by innovative and professional staff, often leaders in their respective fields.

Cost in US$: $4500 - $5000

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

University of Waikato's Mission Statement: We envision to deliver a world-class education and research portfolio, provide a full and dynamic university experience which is distinctive in character, and pursue strong international linkages to advance knowledge.

Year Founded: 1964