Trimester Study Abroad & Exchange

New Zealand is a small, yet mighty country of 5 million people located in the South Pacific. The University of Waikato is centrally located on the North Island in the city of Hamilton, just 90 minutes south of Auckland. Our location makes it easy to explore New Zealand's stunning beaches, forests, and mountains...all in one day!

Study Abroad and Exchange students are welcome to study with us for one or two trimesters (each trimester is an 18-week experience). Get the credits you need with ease, with most of our classes open to Study Abroad and Exchange students. Mix and match courses across our academic divisions to curate a uniquely Waikato study experience.

Our study abroad and exchange programme is open to students who have:

• 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)

The University of Waikato is home to academics who are passionate about teaching and research and are dedicated to supporting each student throughout their study journey. Our staff encourage students to engage in learning by asking questions and challenging thinking. Waikato’s award-winning professors and experts are approachable and welcoming, and teach theory through practical application and robust discussion

Typically, each paper (course) is worth 15 Waikato points. Most students choose to take 4 papers each trimester.

Requirements for each trimester:

• Minimum: 45 Waikato points
• Maximum: 60 Waikato points

Visit the Info for New Students page to learn more about the Waikato academic system, including paper names and codes, timetables, lectures, and assessments.

Visit the Tuition Fees and Other Costs page to find more information about the fees to Study Abroad & Exchange at Waikato.

Waikato has several Student Exchange partners – this means that both institutions have signed an agreement and are committed to balancing an exchange of students between them. This also means you pay your tuition to your home university instead of Waikato.

Find out if your institution is an exchange partner of ours.

Terminology around the world differs to describe the study abroad experience. At Waikato, you are a Study Abroad student if you are required to pay tuition fees to Waikato. Some of the terms used to describe this are Direct Enrol, study abroad, free mover, fee-paying student, and trimester-paying student – just to name a few!

Visit the How to Apply page to apply and learn more about the steps required to study at Waikato.

If you have already applied to study with us, check out the Next Steps page, to continue planning for your journey to New Zealand.