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.
Review your Eligibility and Application Deadlines
Eligibility
Students planning to Study Abroad or do an Exchange at Waikato must meet the following requirements:
- Completed at least two trimesters/semesters of study AND be currently enrolled at a recognised tertiary institution
- Achieved a minimum B-grade average or equivalent
- Meet the English Language Requirements (if applicable)
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
Approximate Dates:
|
Early July – Early November
Approximate Dates:
|
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.