The University of Waikato
Overview
Based in the city of Hamilton in New Zealand, the University of Waikato is an internationally recognised institution which offers hundreds of different programmes with the aim of getting its graduates job-ready.
Waikato has been awarded QS five stars for facilities, social sciences and management, employability, internationalisation, teaching, and inclusiveness. The university has jumped 127 places in the QS World University Rankings over the last five years, making it number 274 out of more than 1,000 universities around the world.
The University of Waikato is an international institution, with over 2,000 of its students coming from overseas. It has an enthusiastic and energetic support team who pride themselves on helping international students with a variety of issues, such as preparing for graduate events and job fairs. All of the teaching staff at Waikato also have an ‘open office hours’ policy, so students can visit them to discuss their work and raise any issues they may have with the course content.
International students who attend Waikato can also get involved with the ‘International Buddy Programme’. This scheme pairs them up with an existing student at the institution to help them settle in more smoothly to life in a new country.
Lots of employers in New Zealand visit Waikato throughout the year to spread the word about internships and graduate positions that they have available. The university also holds a ‘Job-Ready Day’ that sees students liaise with employers and alumni and get advice on preparation for future jobs.