Marine Science for Conservation Summer Program
Explore New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems through hands-on marine science and conservation fieldwork. Join international students in a unique program blending research, adventure, and environmental stewardship.
Marine Science for Conservation at the University of Waikato is a hands-on, field-based summer program designed for international students passionate about ocean ecosystems and sustainability. Based in beautiful Tauranga, New Zealand, the program combines academic study with practical research in marine biology, conservation, and environmental science. Students explore coastal habitats, engage in lab and fieldwork, and learn from leading scientists while experiencing Māori perspectives on marine stewardship. Accommodation, cultural activities, and support services are included to ensure a rich and immersive learning experience.
Key information
Application information
Program details
The information below was last updated in October 2025
12 Waikato points = 3 units at UCalgary. Students who complete this program can get 2 UCalgary courses of transfer credit. Please check with your UCalgary academic advisor to ensure that the course(s) you are interested in taking will transfer back to your degree.
29 June – 9 August 2026
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Costs
This is a Fee-Paying program, which means that you will pay tuition fees to University of Waikato directly as well as any other required program fees such as social events, etc.
You will pay a $150 placement fee to UCalgary, but otherwise you will not owe any fees to UCalgary for this program.
The program fee is $16,680 NZD | $13,289 CAD*
*Fees are set in New Zealand Dollars. Canadian Dollars are approximate values and subject to conversion rates.
This includes accommodation, tuition, insurance, airport pickup from Auckland, cultural excursions and the social activities part of the program.
Flights, meals, personal expenses, visas, etc are the responsibility of the student.
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Funding
Fee-paying programs might be able to obtain additional funding. Students are responsible for verifying eligibility for any funding you wish to pursue at UCalgary. If you wish to apply for student loans, please confirm eligibility with Alberta Student Aid or your responsible loans provider. If you wish to apply for our office's awards, such as the Global Learning Award, note that your program must receive at least 3 units of academic credit at UCalgary to qualify.
As part of the program you will stay in an iconic holiday park located on the famous Mount Maunganui Main Beach.
Each cabin features its own deck – the ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by. Make sure you get up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean!
You will share a spacious cabin with two other students on the Marine program. The cabins all have a table and chairs, flat screen TV, small fridge, kettle and heaters are provided too. Each cabin will be provided with crockery, cutlery, and linen. All cabins are within an easy walk of the clean and tidy amenities block, where you will find the shared kitchen, showers, laundry and more.
- Applicants must be enrolled in UCalgary
- Must have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
- Pre-requisites: 90 Waikato points in Science (equal to 8 UCalgary courses in Science)
- Applicants must upload all required documents and complete the online application before the deadline.
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Application to UCalgary
Please submit an application in the UCalgary application system, RAISA. Your application must be submitted by the UCalgary deadline, which is advertised in the yellow banner at the top of this page.
In RAISA, you will be asked some basic questions about your interest in studying abroad, and confirm that you understand this is a Fee-Paying program.
By applying in RAISA, the UCalgary Global Learning office will better be able to support your preparation to travel, including providing resources for your safety abroad and guidance on the academic transfer credit process.
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Application to University of Waikato
Independent of your UCalgary RAISA application, you must also submit an application to University of Waikato. Your Global Learning Advisor will send you a reminder to apply, but it is your responsibility to gather the necessary documents and submit them following their provided instructions through the application system during the application period.
Have questions?
The Global Learning Advisor for this program is: Andrea Santos V.
How to Apply
Identify your programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs by the priority deadline. If you are applying to a mixture of fee-paying and exchange or research programs, please consult with a Global Learning Advisor. Fee-paying programs often have different timelines; we can help identify if your desired programs are competitive or any other unique considerations.
Check requirements and deadlines
Please review the "Eligibility and application requirements" section above. Some fee-paying programs require students to apply both to UCalgary and to the host university, while others may have different instructions. If you are uncertain about application procedures, you are welcome to contact a Global Learning Advisor and/or the host university for guidance.
Start your application
Be mindful that if your desired program requires applying both to UCalgary and to the host university, there may be different timelines for each application. Make note of the requirements for each application, prepare in advance when possible, and ensure you don't miss the deadline!
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.