Located in Hamilton, New Zealand, the University of Waikato College (UWC) offers a range of study programmes to provide a direct pathway to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Waikato, a comprehensive research university ranked in 250th place globally (QS World University Rankings, 2024).
UWC is a part of the greater University of Waikato. Students are considered part of the university from day one, and join a community of over 13,000 learners with an international cohort representing over 80 countries.
UWC’s English language programmes, certificates and diplomas enable students to progress seamlessly into higher level studies and further university education. The study experience at UWC is enhanced by the University of Waikato’s expansive range of facilities including study rooms, learning resources and sports equipment, alongside a vibrant social scene.
Students at UWC benefit from extensive support and preparation throughout their course, ensuring that they are able to achieve both their academic goals and career aspirations. Staff are on hand to assist international students with settling into the New Zealand higher education system and improve their English language and study skills.
The Hamilton region is home to stunning mountains and coastline, as well as New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River, after which the university is named. The area offers a reasonable cost of living alongside all the lifestyle benefits of studying outside of a crowded city. There are plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in, including hiking, surfing, mountain biking, skiing and rowing.
Despite its outdoorsy setting, UWC is conveniently located a short 1.5 hour drive south of Auckland, the country’s largest city. New Zealand is the 4th safest country in the world (Global Peace Index, 2023) and Auckland boasts an international airport, keeping students well-connected to the rest of the world.
In 2022, UWC launched its innovative pre-master’s programme, the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation (DipPP). This two-trimester programme is at the same level of study as a graduate diploma, and provides entry into a wide range of master’s degrees across a selection of disciplines.
The DipPP is a flexible programme allowing students to complete a project aligned to their chosen master’s field. It is designed for students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree that meets the criteria for direct master’s entry, including students with an associate degree, advanced diploma, or a non-recognised bachelor’s degree.
Completion of the DipPP meets both the academic and English language entry requirements for master’s degrees in business and management, digital business, supply chain management, applied finance, professional accounting, legal studies, nursing practice, information technology, and technology innovation in business at the University of Waikato.
UWC offers a range of carefully curated foundation and diploma programmes, designed to prepare international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study in New Zealand.
Study options available to overseas students at UWC include:
This short course enables students to meet the language requirements at the University of Waikato and progress seamlessly on to a wide range of qualifications.
This course enables students to progress to most undergraduate degrees at the University of Waikato, and is typically completed in five to nine months.
This diploma enables students to progress directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Business at the University of Waikato, and takes a year to complete.
This diploma enables students to progress directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Computer Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics at the University of Waikato. It takes a year to complete.
This diploma enables students who do not hold an eligible bachelor’s degree to progress to a master’s degree at the University of Waikato. It takes eight months to complete.
Upon successful completion of any of these programmes, international students can easily progress to study a degree at the University of Waikato.
UWC is located in the heart of University of Waikato’s beautiful Hamilton campus, and students enjoy living, studying and relaxing in a safe and welcoming environment. Small class sizes and specialist teachers ensure students receive an intimate style of learning, developing all the core skills and subject knowledge they need to succeed.
Qualifications received at UWC are designed for students to quickly transition into degrees at the University of Waikato and ease the journey into New Zealand higher education in general. From the moment they enrol at UWC, students are considered part of the greater university community.
UWC offers a variety of study programmes with a range of start dates, including academic English language courses, foundation certificates, international diplomas at first year degree level, and a pre-master’s programme. International students enrolled on the foundation programme enjoy mixed classes with New Zealand domestic students, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and long-lasting friendships.
Students enjoy the full range of the University of Waikato’s facilities, including its impressive library, state-of-the-art study equipment, IT facilities and study spaces. The students union and its associated clubs and societies provide a fun way to get involved in activities, pursue interests and meet like-minded individuals. Students also enjoy use of the university’s extensive sporting facilities.
UWC is located close to picturesque mountains, beautiful walking trails and expansive beaches, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The University of Waikato prides itself in being a pioneer in sustainability and ranked in 99th place globally in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability (2024).
NZ$20,757 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
NZ$27,780 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
NZ$11,960 Living costs Source: Go to Study in New Zealand
NZ$11,700 To live on campus Source: Go to Study in New Zealand
Students applying to study at UWC must meet the academic and English language entry requirements for their course. Criteria vary between courses and are outlined below.
Students are advised to review any specific academic entry requirements for their country and/or existing academic qualifications before applying to UWC.
Students who do not hold an accepted English language test result can sit an Internal English Test at UWC to determine their level.
Students must have successfully completed the equivalent of:
The English language requirement for this programme is an IELTS score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.0, or an equivalent qualification.
The entry requirements are higher for students wishing to enrol on the accelerated foundation programme.
Students must have successfully completed the equivalent of:
The English language requirement for this programme is an Academic IELTS score of 5.5, with no less than 5.0 in any band, or an equivalent qualification.
Students must have successfully completed a qualification equivalent to:
The English language requirement for this programme is an Academic IELTS score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any band, or an equivalent qualification.
UWC provides a compassionate environment to its students, with specialist staff trained to support and guide students through any difficulties that may arise during their studies. Support includes:
UWC’s International Student Services Office is on hand to meet all the needs of its international student cohort. Dedicated student advisors speak several languages and can assist with:
The office also hosts a number of international student events. It can partner up overseas students with mentors through its international buddy programme to ensure they quickly feel at home at the university.
Students at UWC enjoy an excellent range of accommodation options provided by the University of Waikato. Options are available to suit all tastes and budgets.
The University of Waikato’s accommodation office is on hand to assist with any issues or queries that arise relating to accommodation.
The Hamilton campus boasts three halls of residence. There are also a number of apartments, houses and units on campus which students may choose to share with others or to live in independently. WiFi and utility bills are included within the rent.
School-leavers living on campus benefit from fully catered accommodation with a full range of dietary requirements taken into consideration.
Home stays are a popular option with international students at UWC, with a number of host families located near the university. Home stays provide a great opportunity for students to develop their conversational English and experience New Zealand home-life first-hand.
Students can also choose to rent privately in Hamilton, with a number of reputable options available close to campus. Students may opt to live independently or as part of a house share with other students or professionals.
Hamilton, Hamilton, New Zealand
