What will I learn?

Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies is an international pathway programme, offered by the University of Waikato College, for students who have completed high school but have not met the academic entry requirements for entry into degree study.

Why study a CertAttainFSt?

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 University of Waikato 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

Which department am I in?

University of Waikato College

Study options

Full Time (1 Trimester)

Tuition fees

NZ$12,740.00 (US$ 7,599) per year

College Hall accommodation 17037 Total Annual Cost

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

November 2025

Venue

Hamilton Campus

Gate 1, Knighton Road,

HAMILTON,

Hillcrest,

3216, New Zealand

Full Time (1 Trimester)

Tuition fees

NZ$12,740.00 (US$ 7,599) per year

College Hall accommodation 17037 Total Annual Cost

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

February 2026

Venue

Hamilton Campus

Gate 1, Knighton Road,

HAMILTON,

Hillcrest,

3216, New Zealand

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Entry requirements

For international students

Have completed secondary school study, equivalent to New Zealand Year 12, or
Have a completed secondary school qualification from your country of origin

English Language Entry Requirements

Standard Foundation Programme

an Academic IELTS overall score of 5.5 (with at least 5.0 in the Writing band), or
a TOEFL iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) minimum score of 46 with a writing score of 14, or
a TOEFL iBT Home Edition minimum score of 46 with a writing score of 14, or
a B grade or better at Level 6 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or
a PTE Academic overall score of 36 and no band score lower than 29, or
a Language-Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with a pass and no less than pass in each skill, or
awarded a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3), or
a Language-Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B1 Achiever with a high pass and no less than pass in each skill, or
a Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II with no less than a pass in any band, or
a B1 and B2 (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) with an overall score of 162 and no bands below 154, or
a C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) with an overall score of 162 and no bands below 154, or
a Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)) minimum score of 50.