The University
Located in the heart of the North Island and next door to some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the University of Waikato’s (UW) Hamilton campus is the largest and one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. UW ranks first among New Zealand’s universities in a number of academic programs and offers a range of first class facilities including a state-of-the-art performing arts complex.
The Surrounding Area
The University of Waikato is located in the city of Hamilton, an easy 2-hour drive south of Auckland on the north island of New Zealand. The surrounding area offers incredible beaches, outdoor activities and opportunities for exploration with geysers, hot springs, and other sites of geologic interest. Trips to Wellington, New Zealand’s South Island, Tasmania and the Australian Continent are possible on the weekend or during semester breaks.
Location................................................ Hamilton, New Zealand
City Population ..............................................................159,000
University Enrollment.......................................................13,000
Student Life
The University of Waikato is known for its first class facilities and laid back atmosphere. There are over 50 sporting and cultural clubs active on campus. Extensive sporting fields, an indoor recreation center, numerous events, and weekly activities organized by the Student Union make it easy for students to get involved. Most basic amenities, including a bookstore, a pharmacy and medical center, banks, and cafés are available on campus. Buses also leave from campus every half hour for the nearby city center and surrounding suburbs. The city of Hamilton has the energy of a thriving urban center without the usual big city stresses. With access to shopping, sporting venues, cafes, art galleries and more, there is plenty for students to do and see.
- Degree-seeking student
- At least sophomore standing at time of participation
- Good judicial standing
- 2.75+ GPA at time of application
- Must be at least 18 years of age at time of participation
Students accepted into the UNC Wilmington study abroad program with the University of Waikato will receive credit toward their degree requirements for most majors. Areas of study available include biology, business, communications, environmental science, marine biology, music, literary arts and other arts, chemistry, computer science, human development, mathematics, and writing studies. This program is AACSB accredited and approved by the Cameron School of Business for business students.
At the University of Waikato, classes are called papers. Each paper is 15-20 credit points. A typical course load is three or four papers per semester. This is equivalent to 12-15 UNCW credit hours. Please make an appointment with the education abroad advisor for New Zealand to discuss Waikato's course offerings and credit transfer process.
Students at the University of Waikato, Hamilton campus, can choose from three residence halls that offer both fully catered (meal plan) and self catered (no meal plan) living options. On-campus apartments are also available. Amenities such as in-room wifi, tv room, computer room, game room and leisure centre are available and may vary by location. Accommodation is priced weekly and costs are stated in New Zealand dollars (NZ$).
As with all New Zealand schools, the University of Waikato follows the southern hemisphere calendar.
Fall Semester Dates (this is Waikato's Spring term or Trimester B)
Mid-July to Early November
Spring Semester Dates (this is Waikato's Fall term or Trimester A)
Early March to Late June
Program Cost
This program is available as an Exchange or as Study Abroad:
- Exchange - This means you pay your regular tuition and fees to UNCW, and your room and board costs abroad.
- Study Abroad - This means you pay your tuition, fees, room and board abroad.
With each option, there will be additional costs for international airfare, passport, visa, health insurance, and local transportation. Please meet with the education abroad advisor for New Zealand to discuss your budget and to determine which program is best for you.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Federal and state financial aid may be applied towards this program. Even if you are normally ineligible for financial aid, you should submit a financial aid application (FAFSA). You may find that you are eligible for additional funding.
UNCW students may also apply for a UNCW Education Abroad Grant and additional study abroad scholarships. Grant applications and additional information are available at http://www.uncw.edu/international/abroad/aid.html.
