University of Waikato

Why Waikato University?

Waikato University is the largest in New Zealand and, with its leafy grounds and beautiful lakes, could easily be the most beautiful. But it’s more than just a pretty face – a 2006 Tertiary Education Commission research study ranked ten of the subjects on offer at Waikato University as the best in the nation.

With an abundance of modern, state of the art facilities (a carbon dating lab is the newest addition to the campus) Waikato University is an academically sound choice.

The university also has a lot of offer culturally. The campus’s contain cafes, bookstores, galleries and, at the Hamilton campus, a movie theatre. They also organise cultural events like market day and live music Wednesday, and have their own campus radio and magazine.

The WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts is another world-class facility on offer.  The specially designed theatre offers performing arts students a place to practice, and their fellow students a chance to enjoy inexpensive theatre.

Waikato University, Hamilton

Hamilton is a beautiful town situated on the banks of the Waikato River.  As a town with a large student population, it naturally houses a lot of student friendly facilities, such as cinemas, galleries, cafes and specialty stores.

Accordingly, Hamilton also has a fantastic night life, with an impressive range of pubs and clubs on offer.  Hamilton is within close proximity of some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches, ski resorts and hot springs, and nearby Taupo (offering extreme activities like bungee jumping and wake boarding) is a thrill seekers paradise.

The annual Gallagher Great Race is an important date on the Hamilton social calendar.  The Great Race sees the Waikato rowing team compete with teams from such illustrious universities as Harvard and Oxford in a race up the Waikato River.
Waikato University, Hamilton, is located conveniently near all important amenities, and houses all faculties, administrative buildings and halls of residence.

Waikato University, Tauranga

The newest campus is located on the gorgeous Bay of Plenty. Tauranga’s dry, sunny climate and beautiful beaches make it a must-see for tourists. The town has a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, like Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano, and the Tauranga Art Gallery, although the most popular attractions are the beaches, coral reefs and outlying islands.

The Tauranga Campus was formed in partnership with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and offers a limited selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Business, Social Sciences and Education.

Waikato University offers degrees in the following:

• Art and Social Sciences
• Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• Maori and Pacific Development
• Education
• Science and Engineering
• Law

An AA Education Network team member can help you choose an appropriate field of study.

Accommodation:

Waikato University has four halls of residence, each with a distinct personality.
Bryant Hall contains 178 fully furnished single bedrooms.   Each floor has a communal bathroom and kitchenette facility.  The hall also has a library, computer room, television room, volleyball court and outdoor barbeque area.  Bryant Hall’s senior residents are constantly hosting a variety of fun activities for students.  As of 2009, a room at Bryant Hall is $225 per week.

College Hall contains 327 fully furnished single rooms.  About two thirds of the hall is catered, while the other third is self catered.  Communal amenities include a computer lab, media room and leisure centre.  The hall organises sporting and social occasions throughout the year.  As of 2009, a catered room at College Hall is $225 per week, while a self catered room is $130 per week.

Student Village contains 294 fully furnished rooms, 42 of which are self catered.  They provide one bathroom and kitchenette between six or seven rooms.  They also organise social activities throughout the year and provide an academic support programme for residents.  Student Village is TEAP accredited.  As of 2009, a catered room at Student Village is $225 per week, while a self catered room is $130 per week.

Orchard Park, a more independent residential option, contains 26 fully furnished cottages with four or six bedrooms.  Orchard Park is fully self catered.  A recreation building houses a television, study area, pool table and kitchen.  There is also a separate computer room.  As of 2009, a room at Orchard Park is $105 per week.
All rooms and cottages at Waikato University are phone and internet ready.  It is up to the resident to organise connection.  All rooms require a $100 application fee, a $100 activities fee and a refundable deposit of $300.  Parking may cost extra in some halls of residence.

International Student Services:

Waikato International is a service aimed at helping international students with any problems or issues they may have.  They provide a team of professionals trained to assist with immigration, insurance, academic, administrative and employment matters.  They also run a variety of programmes:

• International Orientation provides students with information on the university and advice on how to transition into New Zealand culture,
• The Waikato International Student Lounge features free internet and telephone facilities, and pamphlet and brochures on a variety of topics,
• Workshops on practical matters, such as obtaining a New Zealand drivers licence, and
• Social excursions and other events that help international student make friends and explore Hamilton.

 

Entry Requirements:

Applications for Waikato University are processed individually, with admission dependent on your chosen field of study and your country of origin.  That said, undergraduate applicants generally require a pass mark or higher on their countries Secondary School Qualification and evidence of previous tertiary study.

Some degrees additionally require an audition or portfolio submission.
Students over the age of 20 who do not qualify academically may still be offered special admission to Bachelor degrees if they have had relevant post-secondary education or work experience in a related field.

Undergraduate students who have failed to meet specific subject requisites for a particular degree may be asked to undertake foundation classes to satisfy the requirement.

Waikato University offers a vast range of postgraduate degrees. Admission differs accordingly. Keep in mind that these are not all encompassing, and students who satisfy the above requirements are not guaranteed a place at Waikato University.  An AA Education Network member can give you more information.

English Language Requirements:

Students who use English as a second language are required to provide evidence of English proficiency.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Applicants must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any band. Some postgraduate degrees require an overall score of 7.0.

Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Applicants must have one of the following:

• A paper-based TOEFL score of 600, with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5.0
• A computer-based TOEFL score of 233, with a TWE score of 5.0
• An internet-based TOEFL score of 90, with a Writing score of 22.
• A limited number of postgraduate degrees require higher TOEFL scores.

 

Other

Waikato University may waive language requirements if students have undertaken at least two years of university study in English.  Applicants must provide academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation from a teacher who has taught the student in English for at least two years.

Fees:

Waikato University charges fees based on the students course enrolment, not the programme.  Fees differ between faculties.  An AA Education Network member will give you a more accurate expectation of tuition costs.

The university charges an administration/services levy of $275, which must be paid at enrolment.  They also charge for additional services, such as airport pick-up.
US students may be able to claim US Financial Aid.

Waikato University offers many scholarships for international students. Your AA Education Network representative will let you know if you qualify and can help you with the application process.

Important Dates:

Application Deadlines

• Applications for Semester One must be in before 1 December of the previous year
• Applications for Semester Two must be in before 1 May
• Academic Calender
• Semester One commences in February
• Semester Two commences in July

Accommodation

• Applications for international students requesting campus accommodation close on 1 December.

Late submissions are accepted if there are rooms available.

How to apply

Whether you’re a student seeking a world class education, or a thrill seeker wanting to stay within close proximity to some of New Zealand’s most extreme attractions, Waikato University is the place for you.  To enrol, contact AA Education Network.

Sir Howard Morrison to be awarded honorary doctorate by Waikato University

The University of Waikato will be awarding an honorary doctorate to Sir Howard Morrison at an April graduation ceremony this year.

The award is in recognition of Sir Howard Morrison’s outstanding service to the community, particularly in the areas of Māori education and business development, and his enormous contribution to important community endeavours over a long period of time.

Sir Howard Morrison has been a long-standing contributor to youth-at-risk initiatives in New Zealand, dating back to the 1970s. He established the Sir Howard Morrison Education Foundation for Te Arawa rangatahi entering university study, is a trustee of the Books in Homes initiative and is currently patron of Victim Support New Zealand. He is also a founder and trustee of the PTE Manaakitanga Aotearoa Trust, based in Rotorua, and a founding member of the TÅ« Tangata business studies programme.

Sir Howard Morrison is a member of the Committee of Management for the Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands Inc. and is a board member for Parenting with Confidence. He has previously held board positions with NZ Tourism, NZ Broadcasting Authority and the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

The honorary doctorate is consistent with the key themes of the University’s Vision associated with Excellence, Distinctiveness and International Connectedness, and marks what promises to be a very productive long-term relationship between the University of Waikato and Sir Howard. The University looks forward to his involvement and collaboration in a variety of educational and research projects, especially in the School of Māori and Pacific Development, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Waikato Management School. Sir Howard’s talents, expertise and interests are of relevance across many subject areas, not only in the creative and performing arts, but also in business and education.

The honorary doctorate will be conferred during a graduation ceremony on Friday 28 April. Prior to the conferment, a celebration to mark the announcement of the award will be held in the WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts on Friday 10 March.

With the University of Waikato honorary doctorate Sir Howard Morrison joins a distinguished list of recipients, including Janet Frame, Dame Malvina Major, Don Stafford, Hare Puke, Tui Adams, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Neil and Tim Finn, Michael King and Margaret Mahy.

Waikato University was ranked No. 1 for the quality of its research into Communication, Journalism & Media Studies by the Tertiary Education Commission's
Learn from the best! Waikato University was ranked No. 1 for the quality of its research into Communication, Journalism & Media Studies by the Tertiary Education Commission's Performance Based Research Fund report.

Lord of the Rings: the journey continues
No. 1 in Communications & Media

They were epic movies that did New Zealand proud. New Zealand talent and ideas were thrust onto the world stage and the world's movies screens.

How did Kiwis do what would have been impossible in Hollywood and what can we learn from it so we can repeat the success?How do you successfully translate a much-loved book into a film? And turn the film into an extended edition DVD? How does the rest of world view New Zealand now? How do you produce, design, market, distribute and spin-off such a complex project?

That's one of the projects that a team of Screen & Media Studies researchers from Waikato University - just a stone's throw from the Hobbiton movie set itself - are looking into. They're writing a book about the movie of the book. The result will be an in depth analysis of the Lord of the Rings movie phenomenon and a guide for others on how to study a globalised media product.

Overview

“There is no stopping you” - its motto sums up what the University of Waikato is all about. The institution places a strong emphasis on providing its students with a comprehensive education meeting the highest standards of todays employment market. With a student body of more than 13.000, the University takes great pride in the high percentage of international students within its courses. Over 2200 young people from more than 70 countries around the world are enrolled at UW at any time. A close relationship with local and international companies ensure hands-on-experiences during the courses and enhance future job-opportunities. As a result of this ambition, Waikato University was voted No.1 for its research on Computer Science, Info Tech & Info Sciences by the Tertiary Education Commission's Performance Based Research Fund report.

Location

The University is located in the Waikato region, in the enchanting city of Hamilton. The seventh largest city in New Zealand, Hamilton is home to around 130.000 people. Nestled on the banks of the Waikato River the town has a history as a major hub in the rural and agricultural industries. Today however, and not least due to its ever-growing student population, Hamilton has grown into a cultural, intellectual and culinary center. Actually, it sports a density of cafes and entertainment hot-spot, bested only by Auckland. The climate is pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters when frost rarely occurs.

Campuses

The University features two campuses. The major campus is set in Hamilton, where most of the courses and programs take place. Modern equipment and the latest teaching technologies ensure comprehensive studies, aided by a well-equipped library.
A satellite campus is located in the town of Tauranga, some 100 kilometer from Hamilton on the eastern coast of the Northern Island.

Application

Are you interested in enrolling at UW? Simply contact the team at AA Education Network. One of our Student Counselors will gladly provide you with all the information and paperwork you will need for your application. This service is free of charge.

Courses

There are a number of courses on offer at the University of Waikato. Here are the main program areas:

• Management
• Art & Social Sciences
• Science & Engeneering
• Computing & Mathematical Sciences
• Education
• Maori & Pacific development
• Law

Foundation Studies

International students from a non-english-speaking background can participate in the Foundation Studies Program which prepares them over a course of two semesters for studies at Universities in NZ. The program provides successful participants with the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies qualification, a great step towards university.
Enrollment dates

Most courses at the University of Waikato commence in early March.

Student activities

There is a lot to do in andaround Hamilton and Tauranga. As always in New Zealand, outdoor-based activities are hugely popular pastimes. Hiking in the hills around town is a great way to discover the area – so is mountain-biking. Waterbased fun of all sorts can be had during the summer months. Regular Market Days in town, a rich cultural scene and good nightlife provide an appealing contrast to the rugged times outdoors. The abundance of possibilities makes it a good idea to talk to the locals and fellow students, to find out about “the places to go”.

Application

Are you interested in enrolling at UW? Simply contact the team at AA Education Network. One of our Student Counselors will gladly provide you with all the information and paperwork you will need for your application. This service is free of charge.

Entry requirements

These vary depending on the course chosen and, with international students, the country of origin. German applicants for instance have to have successfully passed their Abitur or Allgemeine Fachhochschulreife. Plese contact one of the counselors at AA-Education for details.

English language requirements consist of an IELTS-score of 6.0 or higher or a TOEFL-score of 550 (5.0). Special requirements exist for students from Sweden and Norway as well as students from english-speaking countries.

Application

Are you interested in enrolling at UW? Simply contact the team at AA Education Network. One of our Student Counselors will gladly provide you with all the information and paperwork you will need for your application. This service is free of charge.

Ministerial visit discusses Maori education and research at Waikato University 1 June 2006
Education Minister, Hon. Steve Maharey, and Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon. Parekura Horomia, visited Waikato University yesterday (Wednesday 31 May) to learn about teaching and research projects at the University which are regarded as excellent examples of collaboration between universities and local iwi.

The ministers met with University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford, members of senior management and the Chair of Te Ropu Manukura, Dr Apirana Mahuika. Te Ropu Manukura is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the Treaty of Waitangi for the University of Waikato.

Prof. Crawford said the ministers' visit was part of an ongoing dialogue between the University and Government. "Yesterday’s discussions specifically focused on current projects underway at Waikato that are designed to align the University's capabilities with Maori educational, research and developmental aspirations," he said.

"The University of Waikato has a long-standing reputation for leading the way with initiatives to support Maori in tertiary education. Since our foundation we have worked closely with local iwi to foster an environment of success, resulting in the highest proportion of Maori students of any New Zealand university.

"We take very seriously our role in creating knowledge that contributes to the wellbeing of the region and the nation. We also see connectedness with our communities as an essential component of an effective research programme."

During the meeting Prof. Crawford outlined the University's major successes in Technology Transfer in recent years. "Especially given the significant land assets of the iwi we work with, a focus on R&D is essential in generating better economic outputs from their land base," he said.

Both Ministers responded very positively to the particular aspects of Waikato University's unique character associated with its strong links with Tainui and the other iwi in its region.

"The opportunity to welcome both ministers to our campus was extremely productive," said Prof Crawford.

The New Zealand Digital Library Group at Waikato University has scored its' way into the final of the 2006 Stockholm Challenge with its' innovative Greenstone digital library software.

Amazingly, the softwate has been selected from 1,100 entries filed from across the globe. The software has managed to secure a spot as one of 32 finalists in the Education category.

The software has been produced with assistance from UNESCO and the Human Info NGO based in Belgium. Greenstone is a multi-lingual software and issued under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

This achievement is another triumph for the Greenstone team which, previously, has won the 2004 IFIP Namur Award for raising international awareness of the social implications of information and communication technologies.

More recently, the team leader of the New Zealand Digital Library Group, Professor Ian Witten, was awarded the 2005 Hector medal for his pioneering work in his particular field of expertise.

The finals will be held from 8-11 May 2006 and representatives from the New Zealand Digital Library Group hav been invited to participate. The winners in each category will be announced on the final day of the ceremony.

Waikato research has international impact
University of Waikato researchers have been invited to participate in a prestigious international research meeting from April 7-11 in San Francisco.

The annual American Educational Research Association (AERA) meeting is the largest gathering of researchers in education in the world. University of Waikato staff will give a two-hour keynote presentation to Division K: Teaching and Teacher Education.

The University of Waikato keynote presentation will be facilitated by School of Education Professor Russell Bishop, Mere Berryman (Poutama Pounamu Director of Research), Rangiwhakaehu Walker (kuia for the project and Whakarurhau o Poutama Pounamu), and Dr Tom Cavanagh a School of Education researcher.

The title of this presentation is: “Te Kötahitanga: A kaupapa Mäori approach to improving Mäori student achievement in mainstream schools”.

Te Kötahitanga is a research and professional project that examines a kaupapa Mäori solution to the educational crisis that is currently facing Maori students in mainstream educational settings in a way that connects politics, pedagogy and action.

Professor Bishop says Te Kötahitanga aims to improve the educational achievement of Mäori students.
“This is done through operationalising Mäori people's cultural aspirations for self-determination within non-dominating relations of interdependence. In this sense, the project is informed by a kaupapa Mäori theory of self-determination.”

Dr Tom Cavanagh, a University of Waikato Senior Research Fellow says it is exciting and of great value for the university to be part of the AERA meeting.
“Delivering a keynote at AERA is a great honour and rarely granted to people outside of North America, let alone a small country like New Zealand.”

Other University of Waikato educational researchers have also had papers accepted for presentation at the AERA meeting.