Are you a student with a New Zealand secondary school qualification eager to pursue a degree at the University of Waikato? Or a mature student keen to return to study? Our one-trimester Certificate of University Preparation programme is here to provide you with the necessary academic foundation to meet your degree’s entry requirements.
This university bridging course is tailored to empower you, whether you require additional academic preparation or are looking to make a career change. Your successful completion of this programme will equip you with the confidence needed to embark on your university degree.
| Entry requirements | Duration | Location | Start dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit entry requirements page | 1 trimester | Hamilton | Trimester A – February Trimester B – July Trimester C – November |
| Visit entry requirements page | 1 trimester | Tauranga* | Trimester A – February |
*The programme is offered at the Tauranga Campus in Trimester A 2026 with limited core and elective papers. For detailed information regarding paper offerings and available degree progression options, please refer to the Course Planner below.
Seamless Path to Undergraduate Degrees: Transition smoothly to most undergraduate degrees at the University of Waikato.
Nationally Recognised: Your pathway is recognized by all New Zealand universities, providing choice.
Skill Development: Develop essential university skills, including research, essay writing, time management, and critical thinking.
Access to Campus Resources: Enjoy full access to student services and facilities on the University of Waikato campus.
Inclusive Community: Become part of a welcoming and supportive community that champions your educational journey.
Discipline-Specific Electives: Explore your chosen discipline through engaging elective courses, enriching your academic experience
As a full-time student, you will study around 17 hours of class and 20 hours of self-directed study a week. There is also an option to study part time, with approval.
During the programme, you will take a total of four papers: two compulsory and two electives (listed below).
All papers are available in Trimester A, B and C
Any two elective papers are required.
Note – Not all electives are offered each trimester
* Tauranga Campus: Students who wish to study CUP in Tauranga in Trimester A 2026, will study 2 core and two elective papers:
If you are interested in studying CUP in Tauranga in Trimester A 2026, please contact 0800 WAIKATO to discuss this option.
Successful completion of the Certificate of University Preparation programme will enable you to progress to most undergraduate degrees at the University of Waikato or any New Zealand university.
For more information and to apply, visit the University of Waikato website.
Note: The full CUP programme, including the complete selection of papers and progression into most undergraduate degrees, is offered at the Hamilton campus. For students from Tauranga region who wish to enrol in the full programme on the Hamilton campus can register to use the free Kaimai Shuttle, which travels between campuses.
For the Tauranga campus, limited paper options are available in Trimester A 2026, which cater to students progressing into a select number of degrees.
From the most recent Certificate of University Preparation programme survey, which was conducted in 2020, 97.5% of the survey group indicated they received good, very good or excellent preparation for degree study.
80% and 73% respectively considered the core papers, Introduction to Study Skills and Introduction to Critical Thought and Expression, are either very good or excellent in terms of usefulness.
95% of the surveyed group felt their tutors did everything they could to help them succeed in the CUP programme.
(Certificate of University Preparation programme survey 2020)
