NCUK University Partner
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is on New Zealand's North Island, with its main campus in Hamilton, one of the country's fastest-growing cities, known for its gardens, events and outdoor access, including Hamilton Gardens, the Waikato Museum, a walk along the Waikato River, Hobbiton a short drive away, and Raglan's beaches and surfing about 45 minutes away. A second campus in Tauranga, a city of around 130,000 people about 80 minutes from Hamilton, is designed as a multipurpose space for students, researchers, the community and industry.
Waikato is ranked 6th in New Zealand and in the world's top 300 (QS World University Rankings 2027), and 1st in New Zealand for Environmental Sustainability (QS Sustainability Ranking 2026), with a diverse range of programmes available through NCUK's International Foundation Year, International Year One and Master's Preparation pathways across 189 searchable courses.
6th
New Zealand (QS World University Rankings 2027)
Top 300
World (QS World University Rankings 2027)
1st
NZ Environmental Sustainability (QS Sustainability Ranking 2026)
189
Courses searchable at Waikato
International Foundation Year bursary
NZ$6,000 total (NZ$3,000 in year 1 and NZ$3,000 in year 2) on successful completion of the NCUK qualification.
International Year One bursary
NZ$5,000 total (NZ$2,500 in year 2 and NZ$2,500 in year 3) on successful completion of the NCUK qualification.
Student life
Students can get involved in clubs and societies, on- and off-campus events, and outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing.
Careers support
A Careers and Employability Team offers advice, workshops and employer events, and Waikato runs a cooperative education programme for work experience in a student’s field of study.
Student support
Support includes academic skills workshops, counselling and disability support, with the International Student Services Office providing orientation and ongoing advice for international students.
Accommodation
In Hamilton, the Halls of Residence offer several room types at different price points, with shared common rooms, study areas, and catered or self-catered dining; in Tauranga, Selwyn Street Studios is a brand-new residence directly across the road from the city campus, with shared social spaces on each floor, basement communal areas, and an outdoor area with harbour views.
Facilities
Facilities include modern lecture theatres, high-tech labs in the Science and Engineering Building, a library, and the University Recreation Centre.
Sports and societies
The Waikato Rowing Club is well known, alongside rugby, cricket and netball, and societies including the Management Communication Students’ Association and the Waikato International Students’ Association.
Sustainability
An Environmental Sustainability Policy sets out strategies to reduce environmental impact, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Veritas Pathways students on the International Foundation Year may progress to University of Waikato, subject to meeting its academic, English language, attendance and non-academic entry requirements.