University of Waikato

Waikato offers a wide variety of subjects, including Anthropology, Asian Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering (Biochemical, Electronic, Materials, Mechanical, Software), English, Environmental Science, Geography, History, Linguistics, Media Studies, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Work, Sociology, Sport Studies, Statistics, Women's Studies and more.

Haskayne students, please apply through Haskayne.

Course Information: Courses at Waikato are called "papers". Exchange students are expected to take 60 Waikato Points per semester. 3 UCalgary units (1 Half-Course Equivalent) = 12 Waikato Points.

Student Experience: "I took classes which are within my academic major but I was not expecting the difference in classes. My major and career path is the same as expected, however the perspective I gained at Waikato has made me rethink how to approach history and what I would like to focus on post-grad. I truly enjoyed my classes and the unique perspective they gave me about how historical events ripple across the world. I loved being a part of a community in Waikato that supported itself and welcomed strangers."

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.

• Semester A runs from mid-February to late June
• Semester B runs from early July to mid-November.

Students can start in either semester, however full-year students must start in February.

Exchange students to Waikato are guaranteed housing from a range of options.

• If you wish to stay on-campus, you may apply for a Hall of Residence, which offers either private rooms with access to a fully-catered dining hall or private rooms in an apartment for five with a shared kitchen.
• If you wish to stay off-campus, you can rent inexpensive flats privately or with flatmates.
• You can also apply for a homestay with a local family. All host families have been approved by the university and will provide a room and daily meals for students. Because of the range of housing types and meal packages, rental fees can vary greatly.

Students are encouraged to look into the detailed information provided.

Student Experience: "I lived in the Student Village fully-catered dorms. The housing arrangements were cheap and provided everything necessary. For a short, one semester, exchange, living on campus was easier than finding a place on my own. I liked that classes were so close and the living arrangements forced me to interact with others. Our housing provided food, the dining hall was located in a building directly outside my dorm building. The dining hall provided a cold breakfast of cereal or toast, and a hot lunch and dinner each day. Food was not available outside of the scheduled meal times, however students could arrange for a meal to be packaged and picked up early if they were unable to attend a meal. Meal cards could not be traded or used by anyone other than the student it was assigned to."

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).

Haskayne students must apply through the Haskayne-only option.

What's special about Waikato?

Waikato's main campus is located in Hamilton (click here), while their secondary campus is in Tauranga (click here). Each campus has an array of facilities & resources to support students while giving you exposure to a different environment in New Zealand.

Waikato has a smoke-free campus policy. Smoking on campus is not permitted. 

Student Experience: "NZ is a first world country with many of the same products as Canada, however because of its distance from other countries, certain things are extremely expensive. Reese's peanut butter cups, Nutella, and sweets made by Hershey are expensive and worth taking if you cannot live without them. Another Canadian student I met had brought with her a 5 month supply of Tim Horton’s hot chocolate!"

What resources are available for new students?

Waikato runs a compulsory International Student Orientation with a variety of informative and social events for incoming students.

Student Experience: "The school planned for us to go to a Marae, a local hike, a beach which is nearby and other trips. Each trip was free for international students. The school also had an international culture week where the main social area became an area of activities and food from multiple cultures and it ended with a lantern lighting ceremony over the lake. 
I did not join any clubs, but I did join the intramural Indoor Netball team. The team cost $20 for 8 weeks of sport. Our team had a game every Thursday which lasted ½ an hour. It was not competitive but was a fun way to make friends and learn the sport without pressure to preform well. Take any opportunity and make friends with locals who can direct you to places a travel pamphlet might not tell you about."

What accessibility resources are available?

Waikato's Disability Support Services office provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities.