International Application Process

Application Deadlines

The following application deadlines are set to allow time for the processing of applications, and for the applicant to make relevant arrangements prior to departing for Waikato.

Applications are welcome after the deadline, but applicants should be aware that late applications may not allow enough time for pre-departure arrangements prior to the University start dates.

Semester A (Late February – June): Closing date for applications is 1 December of year prior to start date

Semester B (July – November): Closing date for applications is 1 May

Please note: Application processes for research degrees are generally longer than those of taught programmes. Research studies are also subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

Admission to The University of Waikato

All students applying to The University of Waikato must meet the appropriate academic and English Language entry criteria. Schools of Study / Faculty / College may have additional entry requirements for some qualifications. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are advised to check current requirements.

Representative Offices

The University has representatives in some countries around the world.

For contact details of representatives in your area please email international@waikato.ac.nz

Application Process

1. Obtain an International Application Form by requesting a copy from our International Recruitment team or an overseas representative, or download a copy or apply online at http://enrol.waikato.ac.nz
2. Complete all sections of the application form.
   Please note: There is a separate application form for students wanting to pursue a MBA, MPhil, PhD or EdD. Students also require a supplementary form if applying for Teacher Education, and Computer Graphic Design.
3. Prepare all relevant documentation according to the checklist on the application form
4. Forward the application form (or documents if you have applied online) and all supporting documentation to the Enrolment Office before the application deadline. Students should apply earlier than the stated deadline because some programmes have limited numbers

The University of Waikato PhD Application Procedure

1. You will need to check whether there is a potential supervisor available to supervise your research. You may find the Experts' File useful as it gives you information about the researchers at our university and their research interests.
   
2. Please check whether you meet the entry requirements for PhD study. Detailed information can be found at on our Higher Degrees page.
   
3. If you are interested in applying, please download a copy of the International Application Form and a PhD supplementary form. You will find a document checklist on the application form. Please prepare all the documents required. All the documents need to be either original or correctly verified by someone who has suitable standing (e.g. Justice of Peace, Notary Public, Authorised agents of the University of Waikato, etc). PhD study does not have to follow the normal semester start date. Therefore there is no deadline for applications. The postal address can be found on the last page of the application form. A guide to preparing Higher Degree Thesis proposals can be found at http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/files/pdf/postgraduate/form_1.pdf
4. Your application will be assessed by the Enrolment Office, your School of Study / Faculty and the Postgraduate Committee of the University of Waikato. It takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the assessment (some may take longer or shorter depending on the specific situation). 
5. Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter of offer confirming this and it also gives you instructions about payment, accommodation, visa application, etc. You can also find relevant information about arriving and enrolling at Waikato.
6. Scholarship information – Please note that the University of Waikato does not offer scholarships to international students. However you may visit the following link to check whether you are eligible for any other scholarships. http://www.waikato.ac.nz/international/scholarships.

The Benefits of Doctoral Study at Waikato

• The New Zealand PhD is VERY attractive, due to a number of important benefits to international students
• No International Tuition Fees. You will pay the same fees as New Zealanders. Annual supervision fees of approximately NZ$4500 per year (for three years) 
• An automatic 20 hours Work Visa
• No school tuition fees for children of PhD student to study at public Primary or High School 
• An unrestricted work visa for husband / wife of PhD student
• A 1 year work visa after completion of PhD. Immigration points if you are considering applying for NZ Permanent Residency (PR)

Please note: PhD study must be full-time in order to qualify for these benefits.