The welcoming Waikato community helps students from New Zealand and around the world feel right at home so they can make the most of world class educational and recreational opportunities.
The Waikato region offers students an excellent education across all levels of learning, from primary, intermediate and secondary schools to institutes of technology, private training organisations, vocational training, language training and a world-leading university. Imagine student life in a place that has all the benefits of a safe, vibrant student city without the hassles of big city living.
Hamilton is compact, relatively low cost, easy to live in and has people from many different countries and cultures. There are great restaurants, fantastic shopping, theatres and many outdoor recreation facilities, as well as a buzzing nightlife - the city has a network of underground bands, and over 60 bars and cafes on one block alone.
A great base to explore New Zealand
Students studying in the Waikato have many of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions in their back yard. Check out the Visit section and transport yourself to a Hobbiton movie set, ski at Mt Ruapehu, learn to surf on the beaches of the west and east coasts, discover Māori culture, explore the Waitomo caves and have fun on the mighty Waikato River - all just 90 minutes from Auckland.
Career Opportunities
Waikato’s strong agricultural and horticultural sectors have close links with the region’s education institutions. Dairy, meat, forestry, agritech and geothermal industries generate part-time and full-time jobs, as well as opportunities for work placements. Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s export industry, and a vital part of the regional economy – 30 per cent of the country’s dairy herds are in the Waikato. It’s an ideal place to study and work for students who have a passion for growing food.
Student Jobs
With a low unemployment rate and a wide range of industries, Hamilton offers students a range of part time and holiday work in its many restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs and bars. Part-time jobs - including many jobs based around sport and the outdoors - are also available in the Waikato region’s booming tourism industry.
Research and Tech Hub
Waikato is a centre for research and technology, and plays an important role in training the researchers and technology leaders of the future. The region is home to many research institutions, business incubators, and science and technology parks.
Our learning places and spaces
Train your own brain, or kickstart your family’s learning!
Find out more about our world-class schools and educational institutes.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is a world-ranked university and one of New Zealand’s major research organisations. The QS World University Rankings rate Waikato as 338th in the world, with 10 subjects in its top 200 rankings, while Waikato Management School is part of an elite group of business schools to have earned Triple Crown status. The University of Waikato has New Zealand’s only dedicated cyber security lab and its first Masters degree in cyber security.
Visit the University of Waikato website
Wintec
Wintec, the Waikato Institute of Technology, has more than 20,000 students across three main Hamilton campuses and other facilities located in Thames and Ōtorohanga. Wintec is one of New Zealand's largest and leading Institutes of Technology, and has more than 90 years of experience in building skills and knowledge. The special support it provides international students has been acknowledged with an outstanding achievement award at the Institutes of Technology New Zealand annual awards.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is New Zealand’s second largest education provider, offering a wide range of course options, from certificates to degree level qualifications. With campuses across the Waikato, the education they provide is guided by Māori principles and values, and based on a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
Early childhood education
Primary and secondary schools
News
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University of Waikato launches a strategic partnership with Cardiff University in Wales
The University of Waikato has launched a strategic partnership with Cardiff University in Wales, designed to deliver world class collaborative research and opportunities for researchers, staff and students.
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When we roll as a whānau we move as one
When Peter Rameka signed up for pre-trade TIG welding training before completing his Trade Certificate at Waikato Polytechnic 20 years ago, he found it “hard and culturally uncomfortable”. He got through the tough times by listening to his father who said, “just put your head down and make a change later”.
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Waikato Management School Ranked #1 in New Zealand
The University of Waikato Management School has been ranked number one in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
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Start-up Wānanga 2021 is open for Applications
Do you have a business idea you want to get off the ground? Find out how we can help. Start-up Wānanga is an opportunity to cultivate your skills as an entrepreneur fast. Shape your business or start-up business idea through a series of 10 learning ‘sprints’ and practical exercises over a weekend. On the final day, pitch your business proposal to a panel of judges and a live audience. Start-up Wānanga will be hosted over the weekend of 25-27th November. Ignite you passion as an entrepreneur and be in to win heaps of prizes! Applications close on the 21st of November for more information check out | https://www.ahikomako.nz/events-workshops/start-up-wananga/