University of Waikato College (Pathway to University of Waikato)

PROFILE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO COLLEGE (PATHWAY TO UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO)

locationNew Zealand

Ranked #281

QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Waikato’s overall global position

Ranked #1 in New Zealand

Research measured by citations per faculty member in QS World University Rankings 2026.

Ranked #401 to #500

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University of Waikato’s global band ranking.

University of Waikato College is a pathway provider delivering programmes on behalf of the University of Waikato, designed mainly for international students who want to progress to University of Waikato undergraduate or selected postgraduate degrees. It offers foundation studies, international diplomas that lead into second year study in selected degrees, a pre masters postgraduate preparation diploma, and English language programmes with frequent 2026 start dates. Students study on the University of Waikato Hamilton campus and can access University services and facilities while preparing for degree study.

ACHIEVEMENTS

University of Waikato College delivers University pathway programmes on behalf of the University of Waikato, including foundation and diploma routes that enable progression into degree study, plus a pre masters preparation diploma with defined progression options. It also provides English language study with scheduled 2026 term dates, supporting students who need language preparation for academic study.

  1. Foundation Studies offers multiple entry points and course length options, taught on the University of Waikato Hamilton campus with access to services and facilities.
  2. International Diploma programmes are 1 year and allow progression into University of Waikato degrees, including entry into second year for Computer Science pathways.
  3. Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation has stated English entry requirements and published progression routes into selected University of Waikato masters degrees.

FACILITIES

Students in University of Waikato College pathway programmes study on the University of Waikato Hamilton campus and can access University services and facilities as degree level students. Accommodation options are available through University managed residences in Hamilton and Tauranga. IELTS testing is also offered through the Waikato College IELTS Centre.

  1. Student services and facilities access, in Hamilton campus
  2. Fully catered halls of residence, in Hamilton campus
  3. University managed student apartments and residences, in Hamilton campus
  4. University managed student accommodation, in Tauranga CBD campus

LOCATION

Hamilton campus

The University of Waikato, Gate 1, Knighton Road, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Tauranga CBD campus

101-121 Durham Street, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 5.5

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: NA

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.0

Programmes

List of all foundation programmes

  1. Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies, Accelerated Five months (one trimester)
  2. Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies, Standard Eight to nine months (two trimester)

List of all diploma programmes

  1. International Diploma (Business)
  2. International Diploma (Computer Science)

List of postgraduate programmes

  1. Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters (DipPP)

List of other programmes

  1. General English
  2. IELTS Preparation Programme
  3. Certificate of Attainment in English Language

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

NA

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

NZD 16,000 to NZD 31,500 per programme

NA

NZD 31,500 per programme

Living Cost

Approximately NZD 1,667 per month including accommodation

ACCOMODATION

on-campus
Fully catered halls of residence, Bryant Hall

A fully catered hall of residence option at the University of Waikato Hamilton campus. It is described as part of the University’s fully catered halls offering daily meals and residential support.

on-campus
Fully catered halls of residence, College Hall

A fully catered hall of residence option at the University of Waikato Hamilton campus. It is listed as one of the University’s fully catered halls with an on campus community setting.

on-campus
Fully catered halls of residence, Student Village

A fully catered hall option at the University of Waikato Hamilton campus, described as a pod style living arrangement. It is part of the University’s fully catered halls offering meals and support.

on-campus
Student apartments, Knighton Road Apartments

University managed apartments at the Hamilton campus with published 2026 weekly costs for different room types. It is an on campus option for students seeking more independent living.

off-campus
Flatting and private rentals

An off campus accommodation route where students rent privately and may share a house or flat with others. The University provides guidance on considerations such as location, budget, transport, and property conditions.