The University of Waikato

Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato is committed to academic quality, research excellence and innovative teaching programmes. It prides itself on maintaining internationally relevant, globally significant research and degree programmes while remaining very much a university that keeps the needs of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty the regions at the forefront.

The University of Waikato is distinct from other universities because the Hamilton campus is located on land returned to Waikato-Tainui following the tribe’s 1995 settlement with the government. The Tauranga campus, which was opened in early 2019, is situated on Ngāi Tamarāwaho land. This distinctiveness is underpinned by the University’s commitment to working in partnership with Waikato-Tainui and the iwi of Tauranga Moana specifically and through the Treaty of Waitangi to all iwi.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley is leading the University through a new phase of development. This includes strengthening programmes to meet national and international skills shortages, addressing global issues, such as water quality, indigenous studies and cyber security, and enhancing teaching and research quality in health and high performance sport.

Research is a key focus for the University. Students are taught in research-intensive environments by experienced lecturers, and much importance is placed on fostering an active research community and producing critical-thinking, future-focused graduates who are globally aware.

The University is the tertiary partner of the Grassroots Trust Velodrome in Cambridge and the Adams Centre for High Performance in Mount Maunganui. Staff and postgraduate students based in these facilities work closely with High Performance athletes and the community, to enhance their performance.

The University campus in Tauranga works with tertiary partners in the Bay of Plenty region, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, to deliver study programmes and research activity that provide students with pathways to lifelong learning. Tauranga is also home to the University's Coastal Marine Field Station where staff and students undertake research to enhance water quality, increase kaimoana stocks, and improve the environmental impacts on marine life.

The University of Waikato stands proudly on the world stage as an institution providing a future-focused internationally-relevant education and plays an active part in global research. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings place Waikato 235th, 3rd in New Zealand and among the top 16% of institutions ranked by QS. 11 subjects are ranked in the top 350 by QS. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Waikato sits in the 401-500 band, =3rd in New Zealand.

The University also ranks highly for student satisfaction. The International Student Barometer survey showed more than 90% of international students surveyed who studied at the University of Waikato were satisfied with their experience and over 80% would recommend the University of Waikato to others. International students were particularly satisfied with the University’s response to Covid-19, with over 90% of students rating this positively.

Part of the University’s success is due to the high priority it places on student pastoral care. The development and wellbeing of every student is an important dimension of the institution’s uniqueness. Staff have a strong reputation for excellence and take an innovative approach to student support. Staff have a track-record of effectiveness for supporting students as they transition to university study.

While the University of Waikato has renowned strength in the teaching and research of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, its Māori teaching and research expertise can also be found across the various disciplines including Māori psychology, business, education, law, social sciences, science and computer science.

The Māori student communities on campus are vibrant and are key contributors to campus events, and there are many University programmes and activities dedicated to supporting Māori student achievement and success.

Over the past few years, the University implemented a new curriculum, which was reviewed and revitalised to ensure teaching continues to be relevant to student, employer and societal needs. As a result, work-integrated learning programmes and compulsory work experience are now included in all undergraduate degrees.

Helping to support students making the transition to university-level study is the University’s Study Advising programme which is designed to help new students over their first year of undergraduate study. Every first year student is automatically allocated a dedicated staff member – a Study Advisor. Most Study Advisor’s will be from the student’s main area of study, but all have roles aimed at helping students to succeed in their study goals.

The University of Waikato is dedicated to supporting student success. Along with the Study Advising Programme, we have a variety of pastoral services, that are available to students to help them achieve their educational goals.