University of Waikato College

The University of Waikato College (UWC) offers a selection of thoughtfully curated study programmes designed to provide students with a direct pathway to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Waikato, a comprehensive research university ranked in the QS World University Rankings top 250 (2024).

Located in the northern New Zealand city of Hamilton, UWC forms an integral part of the University of Waikato, and its students immediately become part of the greater university community. International students join a compact but diverse student body of 13,000, with members originating from over 80 countries.

UWC offers a number of pathways to degree-level study at the University of Waikato, including English language programmes, certificates, international diplomas, and its brand-new pre-master's diploma. Class sizes are small, allowing for an intimate education style, with all programmes preparing students for higher education in New Zealand.

Students at UWC enjoy access to all of the University of Waikato's state-of-the-art facilities to assist them in their studies, including its expansive library, designated study areas and learning resources.

International students at UWC are supported by multilingual staff at the friendly International Student Services Office. The team here are on hand to assist students with settling into their new home and to guide individuals through any problems they might encounter.

Hamilton is one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities, only a short drive from the urban hub of Auckland and its international airport. 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. As a result, students at UWC enjoy the stunning scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and lower costs of the Hamilton region, but remain connected to the rest of New Zealand and beyond.

Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation

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.

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.

Foundation Programme

Students must have successfully completed the equivalent of:

• New Zealand Year 12 out of 13; or
• GCSE: Grade 2 (or E) in any three academic subjects; or
• International Baccalaureate: Year One – 12 points across six subjects, including six points from higher level subjects

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.

International Diploma

Students must have successfully completed the equivalent of:

• New Zealand Year 13 or senior high school overseas; or
• A Level: Grade C in three subjects, plus a D in maths; or
• International Baccalaureate: 18 points across six subjects, with 9 points from higher level subjects, including 3 points from maths

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.

Pre-Master's Diploma

Students must have successfully completed a qualification equivalent to:

• New Zealand level 6 diploma; or
• Diploma of Higher Education / Higher National Diploma; or
• Two years of tertiary study

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:

• Academic support
• Accommodation support
• Career development
• Disability support
• Medical assistance
• Mental health support, including a team of trained counsellors

International student support

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:

• Orientation for new students
• Immigration concerns and queries
• Medical and travel insurance issues
• Study abroad and exchange support
• General support and pastoral care

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.

Living on campus

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 stay

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.

Private rentals

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.

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 99^th place globally in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability (2024).

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:

Academic English language programme

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.

Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies

This course enables students to progress to most undergraduate degrees at the University of Waikato, and is typically completed in five to nine months.

International Diploma (Business)

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.

International Diploma (Computer Science)

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.

Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation

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.