Gap Year Study Experience
Fresh out of high school or can't decide where to start your Bachelors degree? Spend your first one or two trimesters at a world-class university in New Zealand.
Your first year at university can be one of the most exciting times of your life — making new friends, discovering your academic passions, and trying experiences you’ve never had before. Now imagine doing all of that in New Zealand, surrounded by stunning landscapes and vibrant student life.
At the University of Waikato, you’ll enjoy an authentic Kiwi first-year experience. Live in one of our fully catered halls of residence, choose from hundreds of 100-level papers (courses), and join in on fun university-organised trips and activities.
Academics
Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. We focus on providing students with practical experience that easily translates from the classroom into the workforce.
Choose from hundreds of papers taught at the 100-level, perfect for beginning your university studies. All 100-level papers are open and available to Gap Year Experience students.
A typical course load is 4 papers per trimester. Papers usually have both big lectures and a smaller tutorial session, a discussion-based class where you have the opportunity to get to know your tutor and classmates.
Eligibility
Gap Year Student Experience students must:
- Be at least 18 years old at time of enrolment.
- Live in one of the fully-catered residence halls (Bryant Hall, Student Village, or College Hall).
- Enrol in a minimum of 45 or a maximum of 60 credit points at the 100-level.
- Meet university entry requirements both for academics and English language.