How to Apply: Study Abroad and Exchange

Follow the instructions below to plan your Waikato experience. The Study Abroad & Exchange team are here to help if you have any questions along the way.

student

Review your Eligibility and Application Deadlines

Eligibility

Students planning to Study Abroad or do an Exchange at Waikato must meet the following requirements:

Application Deadlines

  • A Trimester deadline: 1 December
  • B Trimester deadline: 1 May

Understand our study periods

The University of Waikato is split into three (3) periods of study, with A and B trimesters making up the main academic year.

A Trimester B Trimester C Trimester

Late February – Late June
Also known as Spring Semester

 

Approximate Dates:

  • Move-in: Mid-February

  • Orientation: Mid to late February

  • Classes begin: Late February

  • Trimester break: Mid-April (2 weeks)

  • Classes end: Late May

  • Final exams: Mid-June (2 weeks)

Early July – Early November
Also known as Fall Semester

 

Approximate Dates:

  • Move-in: Late June

    Orientation: Early July

  • Classes begin: Early-Mid July

  • Trimester break: Late August (2 weeks)

  • Classes end: Early October

  • Final exams: Late October (2 weeks)

Late November – Mid-February

 

Study Abroad & Exchange students don't typically start classes with us during the C Trimester. But if you're studying with us in B Trimester, you have the chance to continue studying in C Trimester.

Decide which courses/papers you want to take

At Waikato, courses are called papers. Study Abroad & Exchange students are expected to have a full-time workload in each Trimester. A full-time workload is outlined below.

A or B Trimester (one trimester)

A and B Trimester (two trimesters)

C Trimester (late Nov - Early Feb)

3 or 4 papers

45 to 60 Waikato points

12 to 16 US credits

22.5 to 30 ECTS

6 to 8 papers

90 to 120 Waikato points

24 to 32 US credits

45 to 60 ECTS

3 papers

45 Waikato points

12 US credits

22.5 ECTS

 

Note: C trimester is slightly shorter in length and therefore the normal full-time load is 3 papers. (if you choose to study in C trimester, and another trimester, there is flexibility to enrol in 30 points worth of papers in C trimester if you enrol in 60 points in B Trimester).

When planning your Study Abroad or Exchange experience with us, you will need to:

  • Find 3 to 4 papers that you would like to enrol in before you make your application to enrol to ensure we have enough courses to meet your academic needs.
  • Ensure that your papers are in being taught in the trimester you're planning on studying at Waikato.
  • Ensure your chosen papers are being taught at your chosen campus.
  • Check the prerequisites (or proof of prior knowledge) for the papers you are interested in. You will find a list of prerequisites on each paper page.

At Waikato, as a rule with few exceptions, papers are not limited in class size, so you do not need to be concerned about missing out or enrolling in a specific paper. You can also change or switch your papers without penalties until the end of the second week of classes (subject to home university approval).

Browse our papers

Gather your documents

When applying to study abroad at The University of Waikato, you will need:

  • Transcript(s) from current and previous tertiary (university level) study.  This must be a scanned copy signed & stamped by home university or official electronic copy.  If your transcript is not in English, include the transcript in original language and an official English translation.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
  • A copy of your passport

You do not need to submit your high school/secondary transcript.

Decide if you’re a Study Abroad or Exchange student

Your nomination acceptance email will inform you if you are classed as either an Exchange or Study Abroad student - if you're still unsure which category you fit in, please chat with your university advisor.

If your university is listed on our Exchange partners page, please check with your adviser if you're nominated to study at Waikato as an exchange student as some of our partners are both Exchange and Study Abroad.

If your university is not listed, then please apply as a Study Abroad student.

Check the fees

If you haven’t already, check the tuition fees associated with your Study Abroad or Exchange experience.

Submit your application to enrol

Apply to study abroad in our student portal, MyWaikato. If you haven’t already, you will need to create an account.

In the Qualification Search, select Study Abroad and Exchange as your qualification.

You should receive your acceptance letter – called an “Offer of Place” – by email 2-4 weeks after submitting your application.

Next Steps

Once you've completed and submitted your online application check out your Next Steps.

Ready to apply?