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International programs & student supports

University of Waikato

Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Website: Information for exchange students
Instagram: @waikatouniversity
Language of instruction: English
Terms: Spring semester, aka 'Trimester A' (February - June) // Fall semester, aka 'Trimester B (July - November)

Highlights

University of Waikato campus building surrounded by trees and bordering a pond.
  • Comprehensive university hosting 12,500 students, including over 2,000 international students
  • Small class sizes and student-centered learning environment
  • Peaceful: New Zealand is the 2nd safest country in the world according to the 2021 Global Peace Index
  • Indigenous culture: The culture and traditions of Māori, New Zealand's indigenous people, are woven into various aspects of New Zealand life
  • Hamilton, New Zealand is near New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland, as well as the beach and surf town of Raglan

Accessibility

  • Accessibility Services website and contact information

  • Although registration is welcome at any time, all students with impairments or support needs are encouraged to register with Accessibility Services before coming to University or very early in their studies. This will ensure the right supports for the students' unique needs.

Area of study

Courses (called "papers" at Waikato) are offered in the following faculties:
  • Humanities
  • Science 
  • Social Science

View the course catalogue for a full list of available classes.

Credits

 Credits at Waikato:

  • Full-time option (7.5 UVic units): 60 credit points per term at Waikato 

Course Evaluations at UVic: 

  • Before departure, UVic students will be able to submit exchange courses to UVic for evaluation. The results will indicate how many UVic units each exchange course is worth, as well as the course equivalency.
  • Students must use the evaluation results to ensure their exchange courses credits add up to the equivalent UVic units. The total number of units for each exchange term should be 4.5 UVic units for part-time exchange or 7.5 UVic units for full-time exchange.
  • This course evaluation process will be made available and explained in detail during the pre-departure session in early October for Spring exchange terms and in late March for Fall exchange terms. Evaluations take 2-6 weeks to complete and will be emailed to students. 
  • Course evaluations results are tentative until the end of the exchange term, when a second, final evaluation is conducted by OREM using the students’ exchange transcript, and the results are applied to their UVic record. 

Exchange credit history

  • Click here to check out the exchange credit history of courses that have been previously evaluated by UVic for this host university.
  • Students are not limited to this list when selecting courses for their upcoming exchange and should consult the host university’s course catalogue for a full list of offerings.
  • Important note: this document is a guide only and previously evaluated courses are not guaranteed to be evaluated in the same way in the future.
  • After being accepted into the ICS Exchange Program, students will have the chance to submit exchange courses to UVic for evaluation. The results will provide updated unit and credit equivalency information. 

Housing

  • On-campus housing: Available
  • Off-campus housing: Available
    • Waikato holds regular information sessions about off-campus housing options, including homestay and private rentals.

  • For more information about on- and off-campus housing, please check out Waikato's accommodation page.

Medical insurance, immigration & arrival

  • Medical Insurance: Mandatory
  • Immigration Documents: Student visa required 
  • Orientation: Mandatory
    • Learn more about the international student experience at Waikato, with information about the International Orientation Event, International Buddy Programme, and international student trips.

How to apply

Interested in studying at Waikato as an exchange student? Learn how to apply to the ICS Exchange Program and submit your application by the deadline!