The University of Waikato offers a modern, high-quality education designed to help international students succeed anywhere in the world. Campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga provide a safe, culturally rich, and welcoming environment. Waikato works with local Māori iwi, giving students a globally oriented education grounded in meaningful cultural perspectives.

Under the leadership of Vice‑Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley, Waikato focuses on urgent global topics—like water quality, cybersecurity, indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and elite sport performance. As part of a research‑intensive university, students work on real-world projects from day one, building critical thinking skills and employability.

International students receive top priority. Over 90% report having a positive experience. From arrival, support is available through the Study Advising Programme, personal academic tutors, and dedicated wellbeing services—ensuring you’re never alone while settling into life abroad.

Choose from 21 bachelor degrees, including areas such as Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Health & Nursing, Environmental Studies, Arts & Communication, Law, Social Sciences, Science & Technology, Music, Tourism & Planning, Climate Change, and Education. Waikato’s degrees are designed to prepare you for global careers in a fast-changing world.

Waikato also ranks #1 in New Zealand for research impact (citations per faculty) in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Its Waikato Management School is in the top 1% of business schools worldwide, thanks to its Triple Crown accreditation—AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. This ensures your business degree is recognised and respected by employers across the globe.

To support international students, Waikato offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. These include tuition fee discounts, academic excellence awards, and region-specific grants that make studying in New Zealand more affordable. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and potential, helping students from all backgrounds access world-class education.

It has approx. 12,000 students currently pursing undergraduate and postgraduate program with approx. 2,000 international students from over 100 different countries. The University scored the highest possible rating of Five Star in the QS Stars University Ratings