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.
We're pleased to offer a $2,500 CUP bursary for new applicants. This bursary is available to domestic students who successfully complete CUP and go on to enrol full-time in an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Waikato during the next available intake. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit University of Waikato Preparation Bursary.
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
| Entry requirements | Visit entry requirements page |
| Duration | 1 trimester |
| Start dates | Trimester A – February Trimester B – July Trimester C – November |
| Location | Hamilton |
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
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.
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)