Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
The University of Waikato, located in the central North Island city of Hamilton, is an internationally recognized institution offering degree programs designed to produce job-ready graduates. The Faculties and Schools of Study at the University of Waikato include the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Education, Health, Sport and Human Performance, Law, Maori and Indigenous Studies, Science and Engineering, and the Waikato Management School, The University of Waikato has two campuses, the Hamilton Campus and the Tauranga Campus. Students will study at the Hamilton Campus which has over 12,000 students.
The Waikato international student experience starts with a week-long orientation to help you find your way around campus, meet other students, and get settlsd before classes begin. During orientation, you'll have the opportunity to join student clubs and the International Buddy Program, learn more about volunteering in the Waikato community, and sign up for international student trips.
Dates
Academic Year: late June - late June
Fall: late June - early November
Spring: mid February - late June
Refer to the University of Waikato Key Dates for the specific dates, if available.
Location
New Zealand is a small yet mighty country of 4.5 million people located in the South Pacific. A study and travel experience in New Zealand is transformative. Students will join a world-class education system, meet friendly locals, see amazing sights, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance. The University of Waikato is centrally located on the North Island in the city of Hamilton, just 1.5 hours south of Auckland. The main University of Waikato campus is based in the vibrant multi-cultural city of Hamilton. Hamilton is the fourth largest city in New Zealand and also one of the fastest growing cities. Daily life in Hamilton is relaxed - students can easily walk or bike into the city center, the locals are friendly, and you don't have to compete with heavy traffic like that found in Auckland.The location makes it easy to explore New Zealand's stunning beaches, forests, and mountains... all in one day!
Hamilton boasts an array of award-winning restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. Sport is a big part of life in the Waikato region, which is home to New Zealand's Olympic rowing and cycling teams, and the Waikato Chiefs rugby team. A rugby game at the Waikato Stadium is an experience not to be missed! One of the biggest perks of living in Hamilton is its proximity to other scenic and adventure-filled destinations. Hamilton is located near the center of the North Island 1.5 hours from Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. You can be at the beach, in the forest, or up in the mountains in less than an hour. The tourism hotspot of Rotorua and golden sand beaches of Mount Maunganui are both just over an hour from campus. If you're an adrenaline lover, surf the waves at Raglan, world-famous for its left hand break, plough down the ski fields of Mt Ruapehu, or go black water rafting through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
If you prefer something a bit more relaxed, there are many beautiful and scenic river walks or cycle ways alongside the Waikato River, have a stroll around the award winning Hamilton Gardens, or experience the magical Hobbiton Movie Set. Hamilton also boasts many retail and vintage shops for you to browse around, visit an exhibition at the Waikato Museum, or have a soak and unwind at Te Aroha Mineral Spas.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.