Entry requirements for international students

Entry and English requirements for International undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Waikato.

We welcome students from around the world to join the University of Waikato! 

As an international student, you must meet both academic and English language requirements for your chosen level and programme of study. Use the dropdown menus on this page to select your country and view the specific criteria you need to meet. 

Note that the following admission guidelines do not guarantee entry into a programme of study, and additional documents might be requested by our Admissions team following your application. 

The University of Waikato offers a range of qualifications on its Tauranga campus. These qualifications have the same entry requirements regardless of whether they are taught in Tauranga or at the main campus in Hamilton. 

Bachelor's degree and undergraduate entry requirements

Country / region

 Entry requirements

New Zealand

 See NCEA University Entrance criteria

Australia

Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 70 or higher or QLD OP of 14 or lower (if sat prior to 2020). This also applies to students studying Australian qualifications outside Australia, such as the South Australian Matriculation (SAM) and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Bangladesh

Successful completion of the Higher Secondary Certificate Examination or the Alim Examination with a GPA of 4.0 out of a maximum of 5.0 scale.

Note: Individual universities to determine equivalency of Alim for admission purposes.

Brazil

 Completion of Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio/Conclusão de Segundo Grau with a final-year GPA of 8.8/10 or higher.

Canada

Ontario Secondary School Diploma – 65% overall average grade.

Quebec Grade 12 Certificate – average of 60% across six subjects (including English). 

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation – pass in at least five Grade 12 courses.

Chile

 Successful completion of one year of study at a recognised institution of university standing

China

Achieve the university Gaokao entry requirements for your province in the year you take the exam — for example, using 2025 Gaokao cut-off scores as a reference — 65% of the full mark for the Sciences stream. 

Successful completion of two years academic study at a recognised junior college; or, 

Successful completion of one year of study at a recognised institution of university standing. 

Colombia

Completion of Título de Bachiller Academico with a final-year GPA of 85% or higher;

AND ICFES-Saber 11 (high school exit examination administered annually in grade 11) score of 340 or above.

Fiji

The Fiji Year 13 Certificate – an aggregate over 4 subjects of 250 marks out of 400 with a minimum of 50 in English.

University of the South Pacific (USP) Foundation Certificate in Arts, Business or Science with a grade average of B or higher and no grade lower than C in the 8 required courses. 

France

 Successful completion of Diplome du Baccalaureat.

Germany

 Successful completion of Abitur or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.

Ghana

 One year's successful bachelor degree level study at a recognised institution of university standing with good passing grades.

Hong Kong

 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education with a score of 15, based on aggregate of best five (5) subjects, from any combination of Core and Category A and C electives. This excludes Category B (Applied Learning) subjects. 

India

Achieve an average of 75% over the best four academic subjects with a minimum 60% in English in the class XII/year 12 certificate awarded by CBSE or CISCE, or the Senior School Certificate awarded by one of the following Year 12 Indian State Boards:

 
(i) Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Higher (Secondary) School Certificate;
(ii) Karnataka Pre-University Certificate;
(iii) West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education; or,

An average of 80% over the best four academic subjects with a minimum of 65% in English in the Senior School Certificate awarded from all other year 12 Indian State Boards. 

Indonesia

An overall average of 8.5/80% or more in SMA; or, 

Successful completion of one year of study at a recognised institution of university standing; or, 

Successful completion of a Diploma II from a recognised tertiary institution. 

Japan

Completion of a high school diploma with a B average; or, 

One year of successful study at a Japanese university; or, 

Completion of a Junior College Diploma of two- or three-years' duration. 

Korea

 National College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT) with a minimum score of 250. 

Kuwait

 Successful completion of General Secondary Education Certificate with an overall average of 80% (calculated on academic subjects only). 

Malaysia

Students from Malaysia can meet entry requirements through one of four qualifications:

• Malaysian Matrikulation Certificate (Matrikulasi) - Cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 (Calculated on the basis that A=4.0, A-=3.67, B+=3.33, B=3.0, B-=2.67, C+=2.33, C=2.0, C-=1.67, D+=1.33, D=1.0, F=0); or,

• A minimum of 3 Principal Passes obtained from at least three Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) subjects. (Calculated on the basis that A=4.0, A-=3.67, B+=3.33, B=3.0, B-=2.67, C+=2.33, C=2.0, C-=1.67, D+=1.33, D=1.0, F=0 - Principal Pass is from C to A); or,

• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of the Malaysian independent Chinese Secondary System with a maximum of 20 points over 5 academic subjects, (Calculated on the basis that A1=1, A2=2, B3=3, B4=4, B5=5, B6=6 etc); or,

• Foundation Studies (Business) - KDU College, Petaling Jaya with B average.

Mexico

Completion of Titulo Academico de Bachiller/ Bachillerato General/Diploma de Bachiller with a final-year GPA of 9.1/10 or higher.

Nigeria

 One year's successful bachelor's degree level study at a recognised institution of university standing with good passing grades. Completion of Nigerian National Diploma. 

Norway

 Successful completion of the Vitnemål for videregående opplæring (Leaving Certificate from Upper Secondary School: General or Vocational) or Successful completion of Examen Artium (University Preparatory Examination). 

Oman

 One year of successful Bachelor's degree level study at a recognised institution of university standing. 

Pakistan

 One year of successful Bachelor's degree level study at a recognised institution of university standing. 

Philippines

Philippines High School Diploma (Academic Track) with a minimum grade requirement of 85%.

Learning Resource Network Level 3 Diploma in Pre U Foundation Studies: 

Level 3 Diploma in Pre U Foundation Studies achieved at merit level. 

Saudi Arabia

Successful completion of a diploma at a recognised Technical College or Vocational Institute; or, 

One year of successful study at bachelor’s level at a recognised institution of university standing. 

Singapore

 The Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level with a minimum of three H2 passes at C grade.

South Africa

 Successful completion of the National Senior Certificate with confirmation of eligibility to enrol in a bachelor’s degree at a South African university. 

South Pacific countries (not individually listed)

 South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC) with a minimum of three B grades. All students must have Grade 5 or better in PSSC English and Grade 6 or better in PSSC Maths. 

Sri Lanka

• Sri Lankan General Certificate of Education Advanced Levels with at least three C grades achieved; or,

• At least one year of successful tertiary level study at a recognised University or Institution.

Taiwan

One year of university study; or

Senior high school and a two-year Junior College Diploma; or Junior high school and a five-year Junior College Diploma. 

Thailand

 Mathayom 6 with a minimum GPA of 3.2 

Tonga

Successful completion of Tonga National Form Seven; or

South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC) with a minimum of three B grades.

All students must have Grade 5 or better in PSSC English and Grade 6 or better in PSSC Maths. 

UAE

Successful completion of a Diploma from a recognised Higher College of Technology; or, 

One year of successful study at bachelor’s level at a recognised institution of university standing. 

United Kingdom (A Levels)

Successful completion of GCE Advanced level with a minimum of 6 points taken from three subjects, achieving a minimum grade of C in at least one subject. Points calculated as follows: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1. 

A Levels only, AS Level grades are not included. 

USA

Completion of USA High School Diploma with a GPA of 2.5 in grade 12; or, 

Completion of the GED with 660 overall (145 min in each subject).

Please note these criteria also apply to SAT, ACT, and GED taken in grade 12 from any other country. 

Vietnam

Complete the National High School Graduation Examination (Kỳ Thi Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông Quốc Gia) with an overall pass and achieve a minimum GPA of 8.0/10.0 in each of the best four subjects (both mandatory and elective) in Grade 12, as indicated on the High School report (Học Bạ Trung Học Phổ Thông). 

*The Temporary High School Graduation Certificate can be provided for the July intake. 

Other undergraduate programmes academic requirements

Level of study Entry requirements
Graduate certificate

A graduate certificate is a short programme (typically 6 months) made up of undergraduate-level papers. It’s designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree but want to gain knowledge in a new subject area or prepare for postgraduate study in a different field. 

Academic Entry Requirements

You will need a recognised bachelor’s degree, or a qualification considered equivalent by the Academic Board. If you do not meet this requirement, you may still be considered through alternative admission criteria. 
Graduate diploma

A graduate diploma is a longer programme (typically 1 year) made up of undergraduate-level papers. It’s intended for bachelor’s degree holders looking to develop expertise in a new subject or add a different specialisation to their existing qualifications.

Academic Entry Requirements

You will need a recognised bachelor’s degree, or a qualification considered equivalent by the Academic Board. If you do not meet this requirement, you may still be considered through alternative admission criteria. 

Bachelor's degree, graduate certificate, and graduate diploma English language criteria

English language test

 Minimum score

IELTS (Academic)

 Overall score of 6.0 and no bands below 5.5; or,

IBT TOEFL (internet-based and home versions)

 Overall score of 80 with a writing score of 21; or,

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

 Overall score of 46 with no band less than 36; or,
Duolingo English Test (DET)
 105; or,
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic)
 Level 4; or,
Certificate of Attainment in Academic English
 B grade of better at Level 7; or,
Language Cert - International ESOL (LRWS)
 B2 Communicator expert with 33-37 score per skill.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma awarded with a minimum of 24 points.

For a complete list of accepted English proficiency tests and their minimum scores, download and read the Undergraduate English Language Requirements PDF. This document also outlines additional English requirements for certain programmes, including Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Teaching, and Graduate Diploma in Teaching. 

International qualifications

If you have completed an international qualification, such as IB, GCE A-levels or other university foundation programmes, explore the entry requirements by selecting it from the following list:

Pathway

 Entry requirements
University of Waikato Foundation Studies, (Certificate in Foundation Studies – CAFS)

The Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies – no less than a C- grade in any subject plus a B- grade or better in two English subjects.

Entry to the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) requires an overall B- grade average, plus a B- grade or better in two English subjects and depending on the area chosen:

Civil, Electronic, and Mechanical

• a B- grade in Bridging Physics and
• a B- grade in Bridging Calculus and
• at least a C- grade in every other subject.


Chemical and Biological, Environmental, Materials and Process

• a B- grade in Bridging Chemistry
• a B- grade in Bridging Physics and
• a B- grade in Bridging Calculus and
• at least a C- grade in every other subject.


Software Engineering

• a B- grade in Bridging Calculus and
• at least a C- grade in every other paper.

Entry to the Bachelor of Laws requires an overall B- grade average, a B- grade or better in two English subjects plus a B- grade or better in FOUND001

New Zealand foundation programmes

 Successful completion of any of the foundation certificates offered by a New Zealand university.

NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY)

 Completion of NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) with BBB or above. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.

NCUK International Year One (IYOne) Entry to Bachelor of Business Year 2, Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Year 2 (selected streams)

 Completion of NCUK International Year One (IYOne) Business and Engineering Streams, 120 credits with an average score of 50 or above. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.

Other foundation programmes

 The University accepts applicants from a number of foundation programmes offered in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and elsewhere. Please contact the University to find out if your programme is accepted for entry to Waikato.

Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID)

 Applicants must have qualified for the diploma with grades of 3 or higher in each of at least 4 subjects.

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

 A minimum of 120 points on the New Zealand CAIE Tariff at A or AS level, including at least three subjects (excluding Thinking Skills) in which no grade is lower than D. Standards apply regarding literacy and numeracy and applicants should refer to Section 2 – Admissions at entrance level.

GCE A Levels (Outside UK Cambridge)

 Applicants must achieve a minimum of 6 points taken from three subjects, achieving a minimum grade of C in at least one subject. Points calculated as follows: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1.  AS Level grades are not included. To meet the English language requirements, you are required to obtain an E (pass) grade in an approved English-intensive GCE A-Level subjects

International Baccalaureate (taken in NZ or overseas)

 Completed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.

Learning Resource Network - International GCSE and International AS/A Levels

Applicants must satisfy both the Part A and Part B requirements.

PART A (General Requirement)
• a grade of C or above in three A level subjects


PART B (Literacy and Numeracy)

Literacy

• An E grade or better in English Language at AS or A level.


Numeracy

• a C grade or better in GCSE mathematics, or
• D in Mathematics at AS or A level

Pearson Edexcel International A levels

Applicants must satisfy both the Part A and Part B requirements.

Part A
Applicants must obtain minimum of 120 points on the NZ Tariff at A or AS level in approved syllabus subjects, including at least three syllabus subjects in which no grade is lower than D.

Part B
Applicants must satisfy the literacy and numeracy requirements as follows:

Literacy

• An E grade or better in any one of AS English Language, Literature in English (A D grade or better will also satisfy one of the syllabus subject requirements of Part A).


Numeracy

• A D grade or better in IGCSE mathematics, or
• Any mathematics passed at AS level (A D grade or better will also satisfy one of the syllabus subject requirements of Part A).

Bachelor's degree pathways

If you don’t meet the undergraduate requirements listed, our alternative pathway programmes can help you prepare for, and entry to, the university to study in either first or second year.

Foundations and Undergraduate Diploma

Academic English language programme

Start your postgraduate studies without additional IELTS testing.

UG Academic English

Foundations and Undergraduate Diploma

Explore the University of Waikato College's academic undergraduate pathways.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate entry requirements depend on the type of programme being applying for, such as postgraduate diploma, or master's degree. 

In most cases, you will need a completed bachelor’s degree and meet the required academic standards. Some programmes may also have additional subject-specific or research-based requirements.

Postgraduate entry requirements

Select your level of study from the following list to view the academic and English language criteria:

Level of study Entry requirements
 Postgraduate Certificate

A postgraduate certificate is a short programme (typically 6 months) made up of graduate-level papers. It is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to build on their existing knowledge in a subject they studied previously. 

Academic Entry Requirements 
To apply, you will usually need: 

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree, or a qualification considered equivalent by the Academic Board, and 

  • Prior study at an advanced level in the subject you intend to study. 
 Postgraduate Diploma A postgraduate diploma is a one-year programme made up of graduate-level papers. It is intended for graduates who want to deepen their knowledge in a subject they studied during their undergraduate degree.

Academic Entry Requirements 
To apply, you will usually need: 

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree, or a qualification considered equivalent by the Academic Board, and 

  • Prior study at an advanced level in the subject you intend to study. 

If you do not meet these requirements, you may still be considered through alternative admission criteria. 
 Master’s Degree  Taught (or Coursework) master’s degree consists of either: 

  • a dissertation and coursework 

  • coursework only 

This degree can be either in the same area as your undergraduate study or in a new area of study.

Depending on your previous study and chosen subject, a master's may take one, one and a half, or two years to complete.

Academic Entry Requirements 

  • A recognised bachelor's degree, or a qualification considered equivalent by the Academic Board, with a B-/B/B+ average, and a B-/B/B+ average in a relevant subject (if required). Please refer to the respective master's degree course page for more detailed admission criteria. 

  • Some Faculties/Schools require an honours degree (to demonstrate research capacity). Where the above requirements are not met, further study in a lower level programme may be required first. 
Master’s by Thesis

This degree consists of a research project in the form of a thesis, dissertation, substantial research, or creative work. 

Academic Entry Requirements 

  • A recognised bachelor's degree, or a qualification considered equivalent by the Academic Board, with a B/B+ average, and a B/B+ average in a relevant subject (if required). 

  • Some faculties/schools require an honours degree (to demonstrate research capacity). Where the above requirements are not met, further study in a lower level programme may be required first. 

Postgraduate English language requirements

English language test

 Undergraduate, graduate certificates, and graduate diplomas (all courses except those listed here)

IELTS (Academic)

 Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0; or,

IBT TOEFL (internet-based and home versions)

 Overall score of 90 with a writing score of 21; or,

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

 Overall score of 56 with no band less than 46; or,
Duolingo English Test (DET)
 120; or,
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic)
 Level 5; or,
Language Cert - International ESOL (LRWS)
 B2 Communicator expert with 38-50 score per skill.

For a complete list of accepted English proficiency tests and their minimum scores, download and read the Postgraduate English Language Requirements PDF. This document also outlines additional English requirements for certain programmes, including the:

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
  • Master of Teaching and Learning
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
  • Master of Teaching and Learning
  • Master of Nursing Practice
  • Master of Clinical Practice.

Postgraduate pathways

If you don’t meet the postgraduate requirements listed, our alternative pathway programmes can help with the skills and qualifications you need.

PG English

Academic English language programme

Start your postgraduate studies without additional IELTS testing.

PG Pre masters

Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters

Direct pathway to a range of postgraduate degree programmes.

Higher degrees by research entry requirements

If you’re applying to study at a higher education level, such as a PhD or other doctoral programmes we have full details on admission criteria and how to apply on our PhD and Doctoral Application process page. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Contact us

International Office

+64 7 807 9275