How to Apply: Study Abroad and Exchange
For Study Abroad and Exchange students planning on studying at Waikato.
How to apply
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Apply to study abroad in our online student portal, MyWaikato. If you haven’t already, you will need to create an account.
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Read the study abroad and exchange application guide, which contains screenshots and tips to help you complete your application successfully.
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In the Qualification Search, select Study Abroad and Exchange as your qualification. Do not select any other option other than Study Abroad and Exchange.
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Further into your application, make sure you select Study Abroad or Exchange as per your welcome email.
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You should receive your acceptance letter – called an “Offer of Place” – by email 2-4 weeks after submitting your application.
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Your Offer of Place will either be unconditional or conditional, if you have not supplied an official transcript or met English language requirements.
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If you have any questions about the conditions you need to meet, email studyabroad@waikato.ac.nz.
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Once you have received your offer
Once you have received your offer, you will need to accept it in MyWaikato
The papers you selected as part of your initial application for an offer were only a pre-selection. To formally enrol, please re-select the papers you want to complete with us so that they can be assessed. Once papers have been assessed, they will move from ‘Pending’ to ‘Enrolled’.
100 level papers can be approved quite quickly, but 200 level papers and above need to be internally assessed by an academic advisor so take a bit longer. Paper approval for these levels can take a few weeks. If you have any concerns about pending papers, please email studyabroad@waikato.ac.nz.
You can apply for accommodation before you receive your "Offer of Place”. We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible to ensure you get your preferred option.
Campus housing is guaranteed for study abroad and exchange students if the accommodation application is submitted before the due date. Applications after the due date are welcome, however, the guarantee of placement does not apply.
If you're looking to improve your English or want a home away from home, try a homestay and live with a local New Zealand Family.
Accommodation application open and due dates
A Trimester
Opens: 1 August
Due: 1 December
B Trimester
Opens: 1 April
Due: 1 May
You're strongly encouraged to apply early to secure your preferred housing option. Self-catered flats are in the highest demand and not always available. We encourage you to talk to your study abroad and exchange advisor to discuss your accommodation options at Waikato.
On-campus accommodation
The rooms are single study bedrooms with a single bed, mattress, mattress protector, chair, desk, desk light, bookcase, drawers and a wardrobe. All rooms have curtains, are fully carpeted and centrally heated. All utilities are included in the cost of rent.
Linen packs are available and consist of a pillow, duvet inner, duvet cover, sheet set and 2 towels. We recommend purchasing the linen pack before you arrive. This way, it will be waiting for you when you arrive after spending a long time flying and don’t want to worry about venturing out to buy bedding!
Each hall has a laundry with washing machines and dryers.
Fully-catered means that all meals are provided in the residence hall’s dining room - 3 meals/day, 7 days/week.
Self-catered accommodation provides you with a fully-equipped kitchen and you are responsible for buying your own food and cooking meals.
Homestay is fully-catered; all meals are provided by your host family.
Find out more about the University of Waikato accommodation options.
Trimester Study Abroad & Exchange
We recommend applying for your student visa as soon as you receive your offer of place letter. Visa processing times range from 3-12 weeks, depending on your visa type. See up-to-date visa processing times here.
Study Abroad students will need a Fee Paying Student Visa. Exchange students will need an Exchange Student Visa.
If you intend to be in New Zealand before or after your Study Abroad or Exchange experience, and would like the opportunity to work while you travel, then the Working Holiday Visa may suit your needs. This visa is a one-time visa; therefore, we recommend you study with us on a specific student visa if you are primarily in New Zealand to study. We recommend you contact Immigration New Zealand if you have questions about which visa is right for you.
Short programmes (under 3 months)
Students from visa waiver countries studying on our short programmes can enter New Zealand and stay for up to 3 months.
Please read carefully through the visa waiver visitor visa information and be sure that you apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours before travelling. Students from non-visa waiver countries must apply for a visitor visa to enter New Zealand.
Please contact Immigration New Zealand directly if you have questions regarding your visa application.
To complete your enrolment at the University of Waikato, you are required by the New Zealand government to have appropriate medical and travel insurance for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
The University of Waikato uses StudentSafe as its provider of insurance. The charge for StudentSafe is automatically added to your Waikato student account after applying to enrol.
If you wish to use another provider for your insurance, or already have insurance with your home institution, please view our list of alternative policies accepted by the University of Waikato.
If your current policy is not listed as fully compliant/approved, please send it for assessment at least two weeks before the course start date. Our insurance team will assess if it meets the requirements to be used as an alternative to StudentSafe.
The insurance fee can be found on the fees page.
To ensure that we are prepared for your arrival, you will need to complete an arrival form at least 7 days before you arrive in New Zealand to let University staff know when you are expecting to arrive. We will send this form to you closer to the start of your programme.
This form also enables you to request free pick up from Auckland International Airport (1.5-2 hours drive from Hamilton - this is where most students arrive), Hamilton Airport, or Tauranga Airport. If you choose this option, a shuttle will be sent to collect you and take you to your pre-arranged accommodation in Hamilton or Tauranga. The shuttle is only available to new students. Family members/children are not permitted to use the shuttle service.
Please note: a return airport shuttle at the end of the term is not provided, but we are happy to assist you in arranging transport.
Participate in the Buddy Programme, volunteer at a local organisation, join a student club (or many), and discover the diverse group of people and cultures that make up the Waikato atmosphere and experience.
Check out what it’s like to live and study at the University of Waikato!
Learn all about upcoming Welcome to Waikato Orientation week events and activities - attendance at the International Student Orientation and Study Abroad & Exchange Orientation sessions are mandatory!
Join our private Facebook group for Study Abroad and Exchange students - it’s a great way to connect with fellow students coming to NZ and ask any questions not answered on the website.