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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How a chance meeting changed this meat worker's life
When Ilaisa Bale moved from Fiji to Hamilton, New Zealand, a couple of years ago, he didn’t expect to wind up in tertiary education. This November, Bale is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Information Technology from Wintec.
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Pioneering Te Tohu Paetahi Māori language programme celebrates 30 years for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
The University of Waikato’s pioneering total immersion Māori language programme, Te Tohu Paetahi, is celebrating 30 years since its establishment with more than 1600 students supported on their te reo Māori journey.
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Waikato research recognised for international impact in latest world rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, released today placed the University of Waikato in the top 401-500 universities worldwide, out of more than 1,500 universities from 93 different countries. The University has moved up a band from being ranked in the 501–600 band, in 2020.
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International students return to Wintec
Dawei Wang has returned to Wintec from China as one of 1,500 international students invited to complete their study in New Zealand after 18 long months of waiting.