Thank you for choosing to study at the University of Waikato. This section and the Onshore Student Enrolment Guide or the Offshore/online Students Enrolment Guide for our online application tool will guide you through the application process for international students. Check the application and enrolment dates to ensure we receive your application on time to start your study.
- Check your eligibilityYou will be accepted into the University of Waikato if you meet the entry requirements and any additional requirements.Find out if you are eligible:
- Undergraduate qualifications eligibility
- Postgraduate qualifications eligibility
- Higher Degrees eligibilityUniversity pathway programmesIf you do not meet the academic or English language requirements for entry you can find out how to apply for a pathway programme, or if you are ready you can apply directly using the online application form on the Waikato Pathways College site.
- Check tuition feesTo help you estimate the cost of your study, check out our international tuition fees
Offshore students studying online – please also refer to online study information. - Choose your programme of studyOnshore students
Use our Course Finder to see what we offer.Offshore students studying online
Check out what programmes are available online here. - ApplyIf you currently live in Africa or Pakistan, you may need to apply through an authorised agent. This is due to the large number of applications we receive from your region. If there is no agent in your region, please complete this webform so we can help you.You do not need to apply through an agent if:
- You are applying for a Higher Research Degree
- You currently live in Mauritius or South Africa
- You are a citizen of an African country or Pakistan but live elsewhere. When applying online, you will need to upload a proof of residency document such as a valid visa or ID card.There are several ways to apply:
- Direct Application
Once you have decided your programme of study, you can apply online - Applying through an agent
If you think you may need some extra help, one of our approved International Recruitment Agents in your home country can assist with submitting your application. - Study Abroad or Exchange
Short term study, home institution, you may like to Study Abroad or Exchange. - Higher Research Degrees
If you are applying for a Higher research degrees program such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Masters of Philosophy (MPhil), you should look at the Higher Research Degrees Application Process. - Pathway Programmes
If you do not meet the academic or English language requirements for entry, you may choose to study pathway programme at the Waikato Pathways College. You can choose to apply for the Foundation Studies programme in preparation for an undergraduate degree, or you can apply for one of the English language courses, in preparation for the Foundation Studies programme at the Waikato Pathways College or a degree-level course at the University of Waikato. Find out how to apply or if you are ready apply directly by using the online application form. - Apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously undertaken tertiary or non-formal education, you may apply for Credit (for formal studies) or Recognition of Prior Learning (for non-formal studies). This recognises your previous studies and can reduce the number of papers required to complete your University of Waikato qualification. You need to apply at least six weeks prior to your first trimester of study. You can apply for both Credit and RPL through the MyWaikato online application form. For further information about what you will need for RPL please visit Recognition of Prior Learning.
- Scholarships You may be eligible for one of our scholarships In most cases you will need to submit a separate application.
Offshore students are encouraged to read about online programme offerings. - Accept your offer Onshore students
At the University of Waikato, you accept your offer by paying your tuition fees. You can apply for your student visa before you accept your offer and pay your tuition fees. When Immigration New Zealand provides you with a letter that confirms your visa will be approved (known as AIP or ‘Approval in Principle’), you can accept your offer and pay your tuition fees. Once your payment has been received by the University, you will receive an official receipt that you will use to complete your student visa application. Offshore students studying online
Once you accept your offer in our application system, the University will advise you of the papers (units/modules) we think you should take in your first trimester studying with us. There may be some limitations regarding the choice of papers you can take online but every paper you take will count towards your qualification.
You can take one paper, or four papers, that choice is yours so you can reduce the number of papers to suit your needs.
When you agree to these papers in our system, we will calculate your fees, less any discount.
To complete your enrolment online, you must pay your tuition fees. You can pay your fees by credit card or online banking. - Apply for a student visa Onshore students
You will need to be in New Zealand on a valid visa. Most international students apply for an International Student Visa.Offshore students studying online
You do not need a student visa to commence your studies online while you are living outside of New Zealand. However, when you are ready to come to New Zealand to continue your studies face-to-face, you will need to apply for a student visa before travelling.You will need to visit the Immigration New Zealand website for information about the application process. - Prepare to come to New ZealandWhen the time comes, to ensure you arrive in New Zealand with everything you need to complete your enrolment, and to settle into your new home, check out our pre-departure info.
- Enrol Onshore students
To officially enrol at the University, you will need to show your student visa and any other required documentation when you arrive on campus, including evidence of medical and travel insurances, or purchase the University’s insurance policy. Make sure you download and view our handy pre-arrival guide. For more information, please refer to our How to Enrol page. Offshore students studying online
You will be successfully enrolled after accepting your offer in MyWaikato, choosing your papers and paying your fees.
International tuition costs 2020
To help you estimate your annual tuition fees and costs, set out below are the approximate tuition fees and other costs you are likely to incur if you are enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Your final tuition fee will depend on your choice of papers. See How Your Fees Are Calculated below.
All amounts are in New Zealand dollars and refer to study in 2020.
Pre-degree programmes
| Qualification | Total tuition fees |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies (standard, 12 months) | $22,510 |
| Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies (accelerated, 5 months) | $11,255 |
| Certificate of University Preparation (6 months) | $11,255 |
| International Diploma of Business (1 year) | $26,000 |
Bachelors
| Qualification | Approximate first year tuition fees (120 points) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | $25,160-$32,750 |
| BA majoring in: Anthropology, Education and society, English, History, International languages and cultures, Law, Linguistics, Mathematics, Māori and Indigenous Studies, Māori and Pacific Development, Māori cultural studies/Tikanga Māori, Māori language/Te reo Māori, Māori media and communication, Pacific and indigenous studies, Philosophy, Political science, Population studies, Sociology, or Writing studies | $25,160 |
| BA in Economics | $29,380 |
| BA in Environmental Planning | $32,750 |
| BA in Geography | $32,750 |
| BA in Music | $32,750 |
| BA in Psychology | $32,750 |
| BA in Screen and Media Studies | $30,595 |
| BA in Social Policy | $29,380 |
| BA in Theatre Studies | $30,595 |
| Bachelor of Business (BBus)All major subjects: Accounting, Digital business, Economics, Finance, Human resource management, Marketing, Public relations, Strategic management, Tourism and hospitality management | $29,380 |
| Bachelor of Business Analysis (BBA)All major subjects: Accounting, Economics, Finance | $29,380 |
| Bachelor of Communication Studies (BCS)Either major subject: Marketing, Public relations | $29,380 |
| Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours (BCMS(Hons))All major subjects, years 1-3: Computer science, Data analytics, Mathematics.Honours papers, usually studied in your fourth year, are subject to postgraduate fees. | $30,595 |
| Bachelor of Design (BDes)All major subjects: Communication design, Interface design, Media design | $30,595 |
| Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons))All major subjects, years 1-3: Chemical and biological engineering, Civil engineering, Electronics engineering, Environmental engineering, Materials and process engineering, Mechanical engineering, Software engineeringHonours papers, usually studied in your fourth year, are subject to postgraduate fees. | $36,770 |
| Bachelor of Environmental Planning (BEP) | $32,750 |
| Bachelor of Health (BHealth) | $28,685 |
| Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance (BHSHP)All major subjects: Community health, Human performance science, Sport development and coaching | $25,160 |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB)Single Major, Double Major, or with Honours | $30,260 |
| Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (BMS(Hons))All major subjects, years 1-3: Accounting, Digital business, Economics, Finance, Human resource management, Marketing, Public relations, Strategic management, Tourism and hospitality managementHonours papers, usually studied in your fourth year, are subject to postgraduate fees. | $29,380 |
| Bachelor of Music (BMus)All streams: Academic, Composition, Performance | $30,595 |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | $30,595 – $32,750 |
| BSc majoring in: Aquaculture, Chemistry, Earth sciences, Ecology and biodiversity, Environmental sciences, Materials science, Molecular and cellular biology, or Psychology | $32,750 |
| BSc in Applied Computing | $30,595 |
| BSc in Computer Science | $30,595 |
| BSc in Data Analytics | $30,595 |
| BSc in Mathematics | $30,595 |
| Bachelor of Science (Technology) (BSc(Tech))All major subjects: Chemistry, Earth sciences, Ecology and biodiversity, Environmental sciences, Materials science, Molecular and cellular biology | $32,750 |
| Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc) | $25,160 – $32,750 |
| BSocSc majoring in: Anthropology, Digital learning, Education and society, History, Human development, Linguistics, Māori and Indigenous Studies, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, Philosophy, Political science, Population studies, or Sociology | $25,160 |
| BSocSc in Economics | $29,380 |
| BSocSc in Environmental Planning | $32,750 |
| BSocSc in Geography | $32,750 |
| BSocSc in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management | $29,380 |
| BSocSc in Psychology | $32,750 |
| BSocSc in Screen and Media Studies | $30,595 |
| BSocSc in Social Policy | $29,380 |
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | $25,160 |
| Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg)All BTchg streams: Early childhood, Kakano rua, Primary, Secondary | $29,780 |
Masters
All fee amounts are approximate, and subject to change.
| Qualification | 120 points (1 year) | 180 points (1-1½ years) |
|---|---|---|
| All Master degrees except those listed below (including most MA majors) | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Applied Finance (MAppFin) | – | $44,935 |
| Master of Applied Psychology (MAppPsy) | $34,930 | – |
| Master of Arts (MA) in Geography, Music, or Psychology | $34,930 | $52,395 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | $55,000 (March 2020 intake) | |
| Master of Business and Management (MBM) | – | $45,900 |
| Master of Arts (Applied) (MA(Applied)) | $30,695 | – |
| Master of Counselling (MCouns) | $30,695 | – |
| Master of Cyber Security (MCS) | $34,345 | $51,520 |
| Master of Design (MDES) formerly Master of Computer Graphic Design (MCGD) | $34,345 | – |
| Master of Digital Business (MDigiBus) | $29,955 | $44,935 |
| Master of Education (MEd) | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Educational Leadership (MEdLeadership) | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Engineering (ME) | $37,985 | – |
| Master of Engineering Practice (MEngPrac) | – | $54,620 |
| Master of Environment and Society (MEnvSoc) | $34,345 | $51,520 |
| Master of Environmental Planning (MEP) | $34,930 | – |
| Master of Environmental Sciences (MEnvSci) | $34,930 | $52,395 |
| Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech) | $34,345 | $51,520 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | $32,680 | – |
| Master of Laws in Maori/Pacific and Indigenous People’s Law | $32,680 | – |
| Master of Management Studies (MMS) | $29,955 | $44,935 |
| Master of Māori and Pacific Development | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Media and Creative Technologies | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Music (MMus) | $34,345 | – |
| Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcct) (220 points) | – | $51,000 |
| Master of Professional Writing | $30,695 | $46,045 |
| Master of Science (MSc) | $34,930 | $52,395 |
| Master of Science (Research) | $34,930 | – |
| Master of Science (Technology) | $34,510 | – |
| Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) | $30,695 – $34,930 | $46,045 – $52,395 |
| Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn) | – | $46,050 |
Graduate Diplomas and Certificates
Graduate Certificates
- 60 point qualifications
- Approximate tuition fees are half the equivalent Graduate Diploma fee
Graduate Diplomas – approximate tuition fees
| Graduate Diploma (GradDip) | Approx fees (120 points) |
|---|---|
| All Graduate Diplomas not listed below | $25,160 |
| Accounting | $29,380 |
| Agribusiness | $29,380 |
| Applied Computing | $30,595 |
| Biochemistry | $32,750 |
| Biological Sciences | $32,750 |
| Biotechnology | $36,770 |
| Chemistry | $32,750 |
| Computer Graphic Design | $30,595 |
| Computer Science | $30,595 |
| Creative Technologies | $30,595 |
| Design Media | $30,595 |
| Earth Sciences | $32,750 |
| Economics | $29,380 |
| Electronic Business | $29,380 |
| Electronic Commerce | $29,380 |
| Electronics | $35,100 |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation | $29,380 |
| Environmental Planning | $32,750 |
| Environmental Sciences | $32,750 |
| Geography | $32,750 |
| Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management | $29,380 |
| Law | $30,260 |
| Leadership Communication | $29,380 |
| Management subjects: Human Resource Management Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management Management and Sustainability Strategic Management Supply Chain Management Tourism and Hospitality Management | $29,380 |
| Marketing | $29,380 |
| Materials and Processing | $32,750 |
| Music | $30,595 |
| Physics | $32,750 |
| Psychology | $32,750 |
| Teaching (153 points) | $37,965 |
| Theatre Studies | $30,595 |
Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
Listed fees are all approximate and subject to change.
| Subject | PGDip (120 points) | PGCert (60 points) |
|---|---|---|
| All subjects not listed below | $30,695 | $15,350 |
| Accounting | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Agribusiness | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Biological Sciences | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Chemistry | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Computer Science | $34,345 | $17,175 |
| Earth Sciences | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Economics | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Electronic Commerce | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Electronics | $39,115 | $19,560 |
| Engineering | $39,115 | $19,560 |
| Environment and Society | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Environmental Planning | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Environmental Sciences | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Finance | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Geography | $34,345 | $17,175 |
| Law | $32,680 | $16,340 |
| Leadership Communication | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Management subjects: Human Resource Management International Management Management Management and Sustainability Management Systems Strategic Management Tourism and Hospitality Management | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Marketing | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Materials and Processing | $39,115 | $19,560 |
| Music | $34,345 | $17,175 |
| Physics | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Psychology | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Public Relations | $29,955 | $14,980 |
| Science and Technology | $34,930 | $17,465 |
| Social Enterprise | $29,955 | $14,980 |
Higher Research Degrees (PhD, Research Thesis, MPhil, EdD)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The approximate annual tuition fees below are based on 120 points (full-time study) for study in 2020.
New international PhD students, studying full-time, may be eligible to pay domestic New Zealand annual tuition fees ($6,261-$7,021).
International Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) domestic fees entitlement
International Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students enrolled in recognised research programmes at New Zealand universities may qualify for domestic student status. To hold domestic student status, international Doctor of Philosophy students must be resident in New Zealand during their study, except for temporary absences for the purposes of their research (conducting research and fieldwork appropriate to their course of study). The University defines a ‘temporary absence’ as no more than 12 months in total during the period of their candidature. A student enrolled in a New Zealand university but remaining resident overseas does not have domestic student status.
If you do not qualify for the International Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) domestic fees entitlement, you will need to pay full international PhD tuition fees.
| PhD | Approx international fees | Domestic |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | $33,345 | $6,445 |
| Business, Accountancy, Management | $31,630 | $6,578 |
| Computer Science | $39,245 | $6,845 |
| Education | $33,345 | $7,227 |
| Engineering, Technology | $41,595 | $6,845 |
| Fine Arts, Music & Performing Arts | $39,245 | $6,845 |
| Law | $34,945 | $6,578 |
| Science | $38,795 | $6,845 |
Research Thesis, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Education (EdD)
Approximate tuition fees for 120 points of study are shown.
| Research Thesis, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Education (EdD) | International |
|---|---|
| Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | $33,345 |
| Business, Accountancy, Management | $31,630 |
| Computer Science | $39,245 |
| Education | $33,345 |
| Engineering, Technology | $41,595 |
| Fine Arts, Music & Performing Arts | $39,245 |
| Law | $34,945 |
| Science | $38,795 |
Study abroad programmes
| Study Abroad fees (Individual paper credits IPC) (For a maximum of 70 points per trimester) | |
|---|---|
| All undergraduate courses (1 trimester enrolment) | $12,500 |
| All undergraduate courses (1 academic year (2 trimester) enrolment) | $25,000 |
Additional fees
Below are some levies that you will need to pay on top of your tuition fees to cover University services. There may be other additional non-tuition fees such as the International students refund administration charge you might need to pay.
| Non-tuition related fees and costs | 1-year full-time |
|---|---|
| Student Services Levy | $734 (2020) |
| Studentsafe medical insurance (single student, 12 months) | $620 (2018 – see other rates) |
*The Student Services Levy is dependent on the location and duration of your study.
How your fees are calculated
Your tuition fees are calculated on a per-paper basis. You will enrol in a number of papers during each year of study. These can be found in the Catalogue of Papers. Each paper has a set fee based on the degree area and the level of the paper. You only pay for the papers which you choose to take. If you know the papers that you wish to study, you can use the Fees Calculator to work out the total cost for your programme of study.