Waikato University, Hamilton

Hamilton is a beautiful town situated on the banks of the Waikato River.  As a town with a large student population, it naturally houses a lot of student friendly facilities, such as cinemas, galleries, cafes and specialty stores. 

Accordingly, Hamilton also has a fantastic night life, with an impressive range of pubs and clubs on offer.  Hamilton is within close proximity of some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches, ski resorts and hot springs, and nearby Taupo (offering extreme activities like bungee jumping and wake boarding) is a thrill seekers paradise.

The annual Gallagher Great Race is an important date on the Hamilton social calendar.  The Great Race sees the Waikato rowing team compete with teams from such illustrious universities as Harvard and Oxford in a race up the Waikato River.
Waikato University, Hamilton, is located conveniently near all important amenities, and houses all faculties, administrative buildings and halls of residence.


Waikato University, Tauranga

The newest campus is located on the gorgeous Bay of Plenty. Tauranga’s dry, sunny climate and beautiful beaches make it a must-see for tourists. The town has a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, like Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano, and the Tauranga Art Gallery, although the most popular attractions are the beaches, coral reefs and outlying islands.

The Tauranga Campus was formed in partnership with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and offers a limited selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Business, Social Sciences and Education.

Waikato University offers degrees in the following:

• Art and Social Sciences
• Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• Maori and Pacific Development
• Education
• Science and Engineering
• Law

An AA Education Network team member can help you choose an appropriate field of study.


Accommodation:

Waikato University has four halls of residence, each with a distinct personality.
Bryant Hall contains 178 fully furnished single bedrooms.   Each floor has a communal bathroom and kitchenette facility.  The hall also has a library, computer room, television room, volleyball court and outdoor barbeque area.  Bryant Hall’s senior residents are constantly hosting a variety of fun activities for students.  As of 2009, a room at Bryant Hall is $225 per week.

College Hall contains 327 fully furnished single rooms.  About two thirds of the hall is catered, while the other third is self catered.  Communal amenities include a computer lab, media room and leisure centre.  The hall organises sporting and social occasions throughout the year.  As of 2009, a catered room at College Hall is $225 per week, while a self catered room is $130 per week.

Student Village contains 294 fully furnished rooms, 42 of which are self catered.  They provide one bathroom and kitchenette between six or seven rooms.  They also organise social activities throughout the year and provide an academic support programme for residents.  Student Village is TEAP accredited.  As of 2009, a catered room at Student Village is $225 per week, while a self catered room is $130 per week.

Orchard Park, a more independent residential option, contains 26 fully furnished cottages with four or six bedrooms.  Orchard Park is fully self catered.  A recreation building houses a television, study area, pool table and kitchen.  There is also a separate computer room.  As of 2009, a room at Orchard Park is $105 per week.
All rooms and cottages at Waikato University are phone and internet ready.  It is up to the resident to organise connection.  All rooms require a $100 application fee, a $100 activities fee and a refundable deposit of $300.  Parking may cost extra in some halls of residence.


International Student Services:

Waikato International is a service aimed at helping international students with any problems or issues they may have.  They provide a team of professionals trained to assist with immigration, insurance, academic, administrative and employment matters.  They also run a variety of programmes:

• International Orientation provides students with information on the university and advice on how to transition into New Zealand culture,
• The Waikato International Student Lounge features free internet and telephone facilities, and pamphlet and brochures on a variety of topics,
• Workshops on practical matters, such as obtaining a New Zealand drivers licence, and
• Social excursions and other events that help international student make friends and explore Hamilton.

Entry Requirements:

Applications for Waikato University are processed individually, with admission dependent on your chosen field of study and your country of origin.  That said, undergraduate applicants generally require a pass mark or higher on their countries Secondary School Qualification and evidence of previous tertiary study. 

Some degrees additionally require an audition or portfolio submission.
Students over the age of 20 who do not qualify academically may still be offered special admission to Bachelor degrees if they have had relevant post-secondary education or work experience in a related field.

Undergraduate students who have failed to meet specific subject requisites for a particular degree may be asked to undertake foundation classes to satisfy the requirement.

Waikato University offers a vast range of postgraduate degrees. Admission differs accordingly. Keep in mind that these are not all encompassing, and students who satisfy the above requirements are not guaranteed a place at Waikato University.  An AA Education Network member can give you more information.



English Language Requirements:

Students who use English as a second language are required to provide evidence of English proficiency.


International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Applicants must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any band. Some postgraduate degrees require an overall score of 7.0.



Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Applicants must have one of the following:

• A paper-based TOEFL score of 600, with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5.0
• A computer-based TOEFL score of 233, with a TWE score of 5.0
• An internet-based TOEFL score of 90, with a Writing score of 22.
• A limited number of postgraduate degrees require higher TOEFL scores.

Other

Waikato University may waive language requirements if students have undertaken at least two years of university study in English.  Applicants must provide academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation from a teacher who has taught the student in English for at least two years.


Fees:

Waikato University charges fees based on the students course enrolment, not the programme.  Fees differ between faculties.  An AA Education Network member will give you a more accurate expectation of tuition costs.

The university charges an administration/services levy of $275, which must be paid at enrolment.  They also charge for additional services, such as airport pick-up.
US students may be able to claim US Financial Aid.

Waikato University offers many scholarships for international students. Your AA Education Network representative will let you know if you qualify and can help you with the application process.


Important Dates:

Application Deadlines

• Applications for Semester One must be in before 1 December of the previous year
• Applications for Semester Two must be in before 1 May
• Academic Calender
• Semester One commences in February
• Semester Two commences in July

Accommodation

• Applications for international students requesting campus accommodation close on 1 December. 

Late submissions are accepted if there are rooms available.


How to apply

Whether you’re a student seeking a world class education, or a thrill seeker wanting to stay within close proximity to some of New Zealand’s most extreme attractions, Waikato University is the place for you.  To enrol, contact AA Education Network.