Pre-Arrival Information
Getting ready to come to New Zealand
Life at Waikato
Before Leaving Home
Arriving in New Zealand
International Students Orientation
Enrolment on Campus
Life at Waikato
Studying and living in a new country opens the doors to a lot of new experiences and information.
Waikato University is located in the heartland of New Zealand’s leading scientific and wealth creating region. The Waikato region is a world centre for agri-business and home to more than one quarter of New Zealand’s export business and working scientists.
Read more about life at Waikato - student clubs, climate & clothing, New Zealand Law and more.
Before Leaving Home
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Read your Offer of Place carefully and return your acceptance form
Ensure that you provide any further information and take the necessary steps to meet any conditions stated in your Offer of Place.
- Pre-Pay Tution Fees
You can pre-pay your tuition, accommodation and insurance fees at your local bank by transferring payment to our Waikato University Custom House account which is the University's preferred method of payment. However, if you experience difficulty with your local bank, there are alternative methods of payment.
- Apply for a Student Visa/Permit
In order to apply for a student visa/permit Immigration New Zealand requires you to submit evidence of payment of fees. Read here how to apply for a student visa/permit.
- Apply for Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available to both undergraduate and graduate students. If you want to stay in the University Halls of Residence (dorms) you need to apply as soon as possible as room numbers are limited.You can apply online for the Halls of Residence here.
There are special accommodation requirements if you are under 18 years of age when starting your studies.
Find out about other accommodation options - i.e. renting a house / flatting here.
- Return your Arrival Form
Please return the International Student Arrival Form at least five days before your arrival date in New Zealand. The University will then arrange transport to collect you from Auckland Airport.
- Compulsory Health and Travel Insurance
All International Students must have appropriate and current Health and Travel Insurance. Your insurance must be continuous for your full period of study in New Zealand. If you do not supply evidence of an insurance policy that meets the University's requirements, you will automatically be enrolled in the Studentsafe University insurance programme managed by Marsh Limited and the premium will be added to your tuition fees invoice. No application is required for Studentsafe.
Arriving in New Zealand
If you have returned your Arrival Form in sufficient time the University will arrange a mini bus to collect you from the Auckland Airport. The mini bus driver will have a sign with your name on it. Please use the two bag tags we have sent you. Attach them to your luggage so the mini bus driver can identify you. Do not leave the airport with anyone else.
If you cannot find the mini bus driver go to the Airport Information desk or phone the University's Accommodation Coordinator on 0274 955 094.
International Student Accommodation Co-ordinator Contact Details
Mobile Phone 0274 955 094
Office Phone 07 838 4537
Emergencies 07 838 4439 or 027 443 3832
Customs: What You Can't Bring into New Zealand
New Zealand has very strict laws on what you are allowed to bring into the country. When you arrive at the airport, the New Zealand Customs staff will x-ray your luggage. Your bags will also be checked by customs dogs that will be checking for food and drugs. Some of you may have your bags searched.
Please do not bring any of the following into the country:
- Food - including fruit. Some commercially packaged and labelled foods are acceptable. Please check the New Zealand Customs website for more information. If the airlines give you snacks, you must discard these before you land;
- Firearms/weapons;
- Drugs (unless they are prescription drugs and you must have a letter from your doctor if you are carrying these);
- Flammable goods (e.g. gas-cookers, lighters);
- More than NZ$10,000 in foreign currency.
If you are unsure about what you are carrying, declare it on the "New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card" before you land.
For more information visit the New Zealand Customs website.
International Student Orientation
All new students must attend an orientation programme before starting their academic studies with us.
During orientation you will be given essential information to ensure your stay in New Zealand is safe, enjoyable and academically successful. This is also a great opportunity to form links with your new community, meet other students and make valuable contacts. Find out about orientation dates and locations here.
Enrol and Select Your Courses
Time has been allocated during orientation week for enrolment but it is possible to enrol earlier than this.
To complete your enrolment at the University you will need to go to your School/ Faculty of Studies and finalise your course selection. Please find out how to enrol here.
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