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Entry requirements

There are several ways you can gain admission to degree study at the University of Waikato. We have information available appropriate to your intended level of study.

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Undergraduate entry requirements

Domestic students

It is likely that you will be accepted into a Waikato degree if you meet one of the five entry criteria requirements. However, some degrees have additional entry requirements.

If you’re living in Australia we have additional information to explain the transition to studying in New Zealand.


International students

If you are seeking entrance with an overseas qualification we provide equivalent entry qualifications for many countries.

The admission guidelines do not guarantee entry into a programme of studies. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If your qualification or country is not listed in our undergraduate international entrance guidelines, please contact [email protected].


Don't meet the entry criteria?

If you do not meet the entry criteria or need further preparation for degree study, we also offer a range of bridging and pathway programmes.

Pathway Programmes at the University of Waikato College

The University of Waikato College offers pathway programmes for students who don’t meet the academic or English language requirements for degree-level study:

  • The Certificate of University Preparation is for students with a New Zealand secondary school qualification who don't meet the direct university entry requirements. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an undergraduate degree.
  • The Foundation Studies programme is for international students who don’t meet the direct university entry requirements. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an undergraduate degree.
  • The Academic English programme is for international students who need to improve their English language skills to prepare for the  Foundation Studies programme at the University of Waikato College, or a range of degree courses at the University of Waikato.
  • The General English Programme is for international students who want to improve their everyday language skills in preparation for the academic English course at the University of Waikato College.

Jump Start Programme

  • The Jump Start Programme is a short summer course for students new to undergraduate study. Within the programme, students complete a 100 level paper while learning study skills, making friends, and gaining confidence – giving them a head start in their tertiary studies..

Postgraduate entry requirements

Find out about our entry requirements for Postgraduate study.


International students

If you are an international student, you will also need to meet an English language entry requirement.

If you do not meet the requirement for your chosen postgraduate qualification, we have Academic English Language programmes available that you can enrol in to help you meet these entry requirements.

The University of Waikato welcomes applications from students completing the NCUK Master’s Preparation Programme. For further details, please visit our dedicated NCUK information page.

Higher degrees

Applications for Higher Research Degree study can be received at any time and you can begin your study as soon as your enrolment has been confirmed.

When you apply to undertake a higher research degree, your application will be assessed to check that you meet the admission criteria for Higher Research Degree study as well as meeting the specific entry criteria for the qualification in which you wish to enrol.

Study Abroad

You will need to meet both academic and English Language entry requirements to study at the University of Waikato on a study abroad programme.

Pathways options

We do have pathway options available if you do not meet our entry requirements, and our Future Student Advisers are happy to talk through your options with you.

University of Waikato College

The University of Waikato College provides pathway programmes for students who don’t meet the requirements for degree-level study. Students can choose to study one of the following programmes:

Upon successful completion, students can progress to a degree at the University of Waikato, or a pathway programme at the University of Waikato College, depending on what pathway programme is chosen for study.

NCUK Pathways

The University of Waikato welcomes applications from students completing NCUK pathway programmes. For further details, please visit our dedicated NCUK information page.

Equivalent qualifications

If you have successfully completed study in the English medium, you may not have to take a language test. This document also includes all approved alternatives to our IELTS requirements.

University of Waikato pre-degree English language requirements (PDF)

Book an appointment to chat with one of our Future Student Advisers

To book an appointment with one of our advisers in Hamilton please phone +64 7 838 4007 or email: [email protected].

If you would like to chat to an adviser in Tauranga please email [email protected].