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.
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.
Looking for general education information?
Study in New Zealand, in the Waikato | Study Waikato
International students
Early childhood education
Find an Early Learning Service in Waikato Region | Education Counts
Primary and secondary schools
News
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Mark Hamilton was forced to rethink his work when on lockdown
On Wednesday 25 March 2020, photographer Mark Hamilton locked his Hamilton city studio and drove home to Pukekawa in the North Waikato with his partner Robyn, one camera and one lens. It was the evening before Covid-19 Alert Level 4, when New Zealanders went home to stay home, and fight a pandemic.
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Business is sweet for this young Hamilton entrepreneur
As a young Wintec business student, Josh King earned extra cash by cleaning cars at his Dad’s car-yard in Hamilton. Fast-forward five years and he has converted that same car-yard into his very own real fruit ice-cream business.
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Māori astronomer receives Prime Minister's award
University of Waikato Professor Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe), has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Science Communications Prize from the Royal Society of New Zealand.
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University Of Waikato Shows How Large Organisations Can Tackle Contact Tracing
While many businesses across the Waikato have adopted some form of contact tracing as part of Alert Level 2 guidelines, one of the region’s largest organisations has stepped up to the challenge.
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University celebrates Queen's Birthday Honours recipients
A University Council member recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.
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University of Waikato Masters student wins international chemistry scholarship
Nyssa Hewitt has been awarded the 2020 Harvey W. Wiley Scholarship for analytical science, an award administered by AOAC International.
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How Anna is getting paid to study sport
When 20-year-old Wintec sport student Anna Blackburn got the call to say her study fees were going to be covered thanks to a scholarship, she thought someone was playing a practical joke.
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Esports tournament kicks off this week at the University of Waikato
High school gamers from around the country are getting ready for the NZ High School League of Legends Championships esports event that kicks off this week.