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CertAttainFSt
Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies

The Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies is our international bridging programme for students who have completed high school but have not meet the academic entry requirements for entry into degree study.

This Foundation Studies programme is for international students that have not met the academic entry for undergraduate study. Papers in this programme will teach you skills for successful tertiary study within New Zealand.

The programme includes compulsory English language and electives across a range of study areas. Classes include New Zealand students to encourage international students to improve their English and make New Zealand friends.

Why choose the Waikato Pathways College Foundation Studies programme?

  • The programme offers guaranteed entry to most University of Waikato undergraduate degrees upon successful completion
  • The programme is recognised by all New Zealand universities
  • The curriculum develops subject knowledge and skills as well as leadership and team skills to help equip you for university
  • The programme offers flexible intakes, with three points of entry during the year
  • Taught on the University of Waikato main campus so you have access to all services and facilities as degree level students

Key information

Years: 0.5 to 1
Study Locations: Hamilton
Start Dates: Semester A (February), Semester B (July) and Summer School (November)
Fees (International): $10,120 per semester (Accelerated course = 1 semester; Standard course = 2 semesters)
Faculty/s:
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Apply now

University of Waikato Foundation Studies Scholarship

For international students who are enrolling for the first time into the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies (Standard or Accelerated Programme) (CAFS)or the Certificate of University Preparation (CUP) at the University of Waikato. The value of the scholarship will be up to NZD$5,000.

Closing Date: 2025-12-31 23:59:00

Students must be 16 years of age or older. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Entry Requirements

Standard Foundation Programme

  • IELTS score 5.5 or above (with at least a 5.0 in writing)
  • Successfully completed Certificate of Attainment in Academic English Level 6

Accelerated Foundation Programme

  • IELTS overall 5.5 or above and at least a 5.5 in writing with no band less than a 5.0
  • B grade overall and a B grade in writing in Certificate of Attainment in Academic English Level 6

Academic Entry Requirements

  • Have completed secondary school study, equivalent to New Zealand Year 12, or
  • Have a completed secondary school qualification from your country of origin (view table below)

Country

Standard Foundation Programme

Accelerated Foundation Programme

China

Successful completion of Senior High School Year 2 or 3.

Completion of Senior High School Year 2 or 3 with at least 80% in four subjects or GaoKao Band 2 (high end).

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a Grade 2 or better in the four core subjects.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with three subjects at Level 3.

Indonesia

Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate of Completion (Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar Sekolah Menengah Atas (STTB SMA)) with a grade average of 6.5.

Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) between 6.5 and 8.5.

Korea

Graduated from senior high school with a C grade average in Year 3 (Grade 12) of senior high school.

Case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

General Secondary Education Centre (GSEC) with an average higher than 70% in academic subjects.

General Secondary Education Centre (GSEC) with an average higher than 80% in academic subjects.

Malaysia

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a grade B4 average in five subjects.

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a grade A2 average in 5 subjects or STPM at least 1 C grade.

Myanmar

Successful completion of the Basic Education High School Examination / Matriculation Examination.

Case-by-case basis.

New Zealand

NCEA Level 2.

Attempted NCEA Level 3 and narrowly missed attaining University Entrance.

Oman

Successful completion of the Secondary School Certificate (Thanawiya Amma) with at least an 80% average.

General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) with 70% average.

Saudi Arabia

GSEC with a 60% average.

General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) with 85% average in academic subjects.

Taiwan

Senior High School Learning Certificate with a C grade average in Grade 12 (Year 3) of senior high school.

Case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Matayom 6 (M6) with a passing grade (1.0) in each subject studied.

Case-by-case basis.

UAE

Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihiyya) with at least a 70% average.

Case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate (Bang tot nghiep pho tong trung hoc) or Diploma of General Education (Bang tu tai) with scores of 5.0 or better on a 10 point scale.

Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate (Bang tot nghiep pho tong trung hoc) or Diploma of General Education (Bang tu tai) with scores of 7.0 or better on a 10 point scale.

Contacts

Waikato Pathways College- Te Huanui

Phone: 0800 WAIKATO or + 64 7 858 5600
Email: pathwayscollege@waikato.ac.nz
Website: www.waikato.ac.nz/pathways/