Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Orientation | Semester Start | Semester End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (Trimester B) | 15 March | 15 April | 6-10 July 2026 | ||
| Academic Year 2026-2027 | 15 March | 15 April | 6-10 July 2026 | ||
| Spring 2027 | 15 October | 1 November | ~week before semester | ||
| Calendar Year 2027 | 15 October | 1 November | ~week before semester | ||
| Calendar Year 2026 | 15 October | 1 November | 23-27 February 2026 |
View the University of Waikato's important dates.
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted by the University of Waikato and they have shared key dates with you.
Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
Program Overview
- Population of Hamilton: 175,000
- Distance to Auckland: 70 miles
- Distance to Sydney, Australia: 1,400 miles
Hamilton, known as a college town, sits on the banks of the Waikato River on New Zealand‘s North Island. Education and research are paramount to Hamilton’s economic development. The city center is a particularly vibrant area, with many shops, eateries and entertainment offerings. Beyond the lively city, the Waikato region offers rolling green pastures and fascinating landscapes to explore. West of Hamilton is the coastal town Raglan, a surfer’s paradise. South of Hamilton, the iconic Waitomo Caves offer visitors caving adventures: abseiling, black water rafting, and glow worm cave explorations. Nearby Rotorua is famous for its Maori cultural center and geothermal activity, including geysers and thermal pools. Located just south of New Zealand's largest city Auckland, the Waikato region has starred as Middle-earth in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” series.
The University of Waikato is one of the most innovative and modern universities in New Zealand. With a student population at 13,000, it is similar in size to UMD. The university hosts a diverse student body that includes over 2,000 international students and about 2,500 Maori students. In fact, it welcomes the highest percentage of Maori students in New Zealand. Culture and language is a significant part of the university’s identity as well as the local community. The university encourages participating in indigenous culture and history by offering plenty of opportunities for students to get involved.
The University ranks in New Zealands top 3 universities and is highly ranked internally. The business school has the prestigious 'triple crown' of international accreditation (U.S.-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), International, European-based (EQUIS), and UK-based Association of MBAs Association of Master of Business Administration (AMBA) placing it in the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
UMD works with the University of Waikato's Study Abroad & Exchange Office to offer this program.
Academics
University of Waikato
At the University of Waikato, courses are called "papers," and credits are called points. Most papers are worth 15 points (4 UMD credits). Full-time enrollment consists of 3-4 papers or 45-60 points.
Understand how your grades abroad will convert at UMD by viewing the New Zealand University Grade & Credit Equivalents.
As a study abroad student you are eligible to enroll in most papers. Make sure you meet any prerequisites listed on the University of Waikato's website. Courses are generally not limited in class size.
- Current courses (papers) can be viewed via the University of Waikato's Catalogue of Papers
- View University of Waikato courses already reviewed at UMD
- Syllabi are available on the University of Waikato's website
- However, if you don’t see the syllabus online, contact the Waikato Study Abroad (see email below); using the UMD syllabus request template
- This program counts for the UMD Liberal Education Global Perspectives requirement
- Study abroad foreign courses must be reviewed at UMD prior to program participation so that you know how they will contribute to your degree progress.
- To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
- Compare these program costs to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition
- On-site pick-up service from the Auckland airport
- Entry visa assistance
- On-site orientation
- On-site staff support
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- Re-entry support
These estimated costs do not include the $50 application fee.
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- UMD Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Housing
Housing Options
The University of Waikato offers on-campus and off-campus accommodation. Living on campus provides a friendly community with New Zealand and international students.
Living on campus you'll have your own bedroom via fully catered or self catered housing option
- Fully Catered accommodation includes housing and three meals a day, seven days a week, with late meals and packed lunches available.
- Self Catered placements including housing with access to a kitchen (shared with 3-5 other students) to make all of your meals in an apartment or residence hall
- UMD students have lived in the following housing facilities:
- Bryant Hall
- College Hall
- Student Village
- Orchard Park (typically hosts upperclassmen and graduate students)
On-campus housing is in high demand, so apply early. For more information check out Waikato’s Accommodation resources.
*This is the option recommended by UMD Study Abroad staff and alumni of this program*
Off-campus housing is available via a homestay or flatting/private rental. A homestay option may be available but contact the UMD program coordinator early to inquire about this. Flatting & private rentals are also available but will require you to thoroughly research and identify critical details including the location & access to campus, housing contract details (e.g. ,the length of the contract), if it is furnished, etc. Some assistance in finding a flatting or private rental is provided by the University of Waikato.
*Finding a place to live off campus will require you to be very independent and pro-active.*
Travel Documents
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- A New Zealand student visa is required. Assistance will be given by our office.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance from the foreign university.
Contact
University of Waikato Study Abroad & Exchange
email: [email protected]
"UWH is truly a Kiwi university. I had an amazing time getting engulfed in the culture and the way of life."
"My semester in New Zealand was a rewarding experience. I explored the country, met students from around the world, and learned about Māori culture and traditions."
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Study in Hamilton, New Zealand: University of Waikato;
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Academic Year 2026–2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
