Certificate of University Preparation
The Certificate of University Preparation (CUP) is a one-trimester programme at the University of Waikato for students who don’t meet university entrance and want a pathway into degree study. Taught in Hamilton, it helps build skills for academic success.
60 points, 6 months
Hamilton
Trimester A (March), Trimester B (July), and Summer School (November)
Why study the Certificate of University Preparation?
The Certificate of University Preparation is for:
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Students without University Entrance (UE)
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Students returning to study after time away from school
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Those needing extra academic preparation before a degree
What it prepares you for
The Certificate of University Preparation builds your academic confidence, study habits, and critical thinking skills. It’s designed to prepare you for success in undergraduate study and support your transition into university life.
Benefits of completing the programme
You’ll gain University Entrance (UE) and be ready to move into a bachelor’s degree. The programme also helps you improve your academic writing, research skills, and ability to learn independently.
Flexibility and accessibility
CUP is offered three times a year, with intakes in March, July, and November. You can also apply to study part-time with approval, making it easier to fit study around your life.
Pathways to future study
Completing CUP gives you direct entry into a wide range of bachelor’s degrees at the University of Waikato. You’ll build a strong foundation in your chosen area of interest, whether that’s business, science, the arts, or another field.
60 points, 6 months
Hamilton
Trimester A (March), Trimester B (July), and Summer School (November)
Degree information
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Entry Requirements All applications will be assessed on a case by case basis if you don't meet one of the following entry criteria.
- NCEA Level 3 30 credits in university-approved subjects with numeracy and literacy OR
- NCEA Level 2 certificate and 12 credits each in three university-approved subjects with numeracy and literacy. Students must not have been enrolled in a high school within the last 12 months OR
- Successful completion of a Level 3 or 4 tertiary certificate
When applying, please include a statement telling us a bit about yourself and what you would like to do after CUP.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$3,595 (one-semester Full time) per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 March 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$13,377 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 March 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
All applications will be assessed on a case by case basis if you don't meet one of the following entry criteria.
- NCEA Level 3 30 credits in university-approved subjects with numeracy and literacy OR
- NCEA Level 2 certificate and 12 credits each in three university-approved subjects with numeracy and literacy. Students must not have been enrolled in a high school within the last 12 months OR
- Successful completion of a Level 3 or 4 tertiary certificate
When applying, please include a statement telling us a bit about yourself and what you would like to do after CUP.
Estimated fees
$3,595 (one-semester Full time) per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 March 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$13,377 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 March 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Course requirements
For a full-time student, there are up to 17 hours of class, and around 20 hours of self-directed study a week. Students are required to take four papers (two compulsory and two electives).
Classes are scheduled between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday.
Students have the option to study part-time with approval.
Papers
Students are required to take a total of four papers: two compulsory and two electives. Options are listed below.
Compulsory papers
All papers are available in Trimester A, B, or C.
Elective papers
Any two elective papers are required.
- FOUND003 Foundations of Arts
- FOUND004 Foundations of Social Sciences
- FOUND005 Foundations of Business Studies
- FOUND014 Foundations of Business Financials
- FOUND015 Foundations of Health
- FOUND007 Foundations of Calculus
- FOUND008 Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics
- FOUND009 Foundations of Biology
- FOUND011 Foundations of Physics
- FOUND012 Foundations of Science
What's next after CUP?
After completing the Certificate of University Preparation, you’ll be ready to move into one of our undergraduate degree programmes. If you’re relocating to Hamilton or Tauranga, explore accommodation options and our new student guide to help you settle in.
International students can access dedicated support throughout their studies. If you have any questions, check contact us for help.