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Kia ora, greetings from Aotearoa New Zealand
Welcome to our March 2026 agent newsletter.
In this issue: |
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Orientation - Trimester A 2026 |
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| On Monday 23 February, we kicked off Orientation across our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses and welcomed more than 1,000 international students during the enrolment period. The week was packed with vibrant activities — from Pōwhiri and International Student Orientation to academic skills sessions, a scavenger hunt, Hamilton bus tour, beach day at Tauranga, and so much more.
We loved welcoming such a diverse group of students, all bringing unique backgrounds, experiences, and excitement as they begin this new chapter. We can’t wait to see them connect, grow, and make unforgettable memories in their new home. |
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Deadline for Master of Pharmacy Practice applications - A2027 |
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The Division of Health have confirmed that the application deadline for the Master of Pharmacy Practice (MPharmPrac) for the A27 intake will be 31 July 2026, instead of the previous 31 August date. The revised deadline is intended to streamline the selection process and enable offers to be issued sooner. This will give applicants greater clarity earlier in the cycle and provide you with support in managing student expectations and planning. |
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Reminder:Teaching Applicants - Deposit Deadline Approaching |
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We would like to remind you to encourage any students holding an unconditional offer for our Teaching programmes to pay their deposit ahead of the 24 April 2026 deadline. These programmes remain in high demand, and the Division of Education requires a deposit to formally secure a student’s place. The required amount is $4,000, and timely payment is essential to confirm their spot in the intake.
The $4,000 deposit is fully refundable and counts toward the total fees students are required to pay.
Students should already have received our communication outlining the deposit requirement, and we ask that you reinforce this message within your networks. The Division has confirmed that no extensions or exceptions will be granted beyond the 24 April deadline, so it is important that students act promptly to avoid losing their place.
If you or your students have any questions or concerns, please contact your Regional Manager for further assistance. |
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Teaching Applicants - Invitation to continue application |
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After completing the selection process for our teaching programmes, we now have a limited number of additional places available. We are reopening applications to a small group of students who have already met the English language requirements and whose areas of interest align with the spaces we can offer. We will be contacting these students directly by email and phone next week to invite them to continue with the process.
If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Manager for further assistance. |
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Apply for the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship |
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The University of Waikato offers the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship, providing up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees based on merit. We are increasing the amounts offered to students, who will receive either $15,000, $10,000 or $8,000. If you have a student offered a lower amount in the previous round, please contact Margaret Anderson at margaret.anderson@waikato.ac.nz to receive the higher amount.
Who Can Apply? International students enrolling for the first time in an undergraduate or postgraduate (taught) programme. Open across all subject areas except quoted programmes such as teaching, nursing, pharmacy and others as stated in the regulations.
Extended Deadline for B 2026
We recognise that our offers have not been made at our usual rate so in recognition of this, we are extending our deadline to apply for the VCIES scholarship for B2026. Applicants for the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India will have until 15 May to apply. Applicants from all other versions of the VCIES will have until 29 May to apply; however, we strongly encourage students from South Asian countries to apply as soon as possible due to visa processing times.
Applicants must have an offer from us in order to apply for the VCIES and have not paid their fees or applied for a visa.
If you are wanting a quicker option, please ask our team about the International Office bursary. |
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Highlight - Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship |
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Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships support prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in partner countries while building lasting connections between scholars, Aotearoa New Zealand, and future global leaders.
Recipients gain a world‑class education, an authentic New Zealand experience, and the skills to help their home countries thrive — all while forming lifelong bonds with fellow scholars and with Aotearoa.
Grounded in manaakitanga — the act of hosting, supporting, and uplifting others — the programme strengthens the mana of both partner countries and New Zealand. Managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), these scholarships empower emerging leaders and offer a truly life‑changing opportunity.
Applications are open from 1–31 March 2026. Eligible students can now apply for this scholarship.
Only citizens of the regions and countries identified as eligible are able to apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. You can view the list of eligible countries here. |
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New Qualification - Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services |
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We’re excited to introduce the Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services (MPSOCS) — a 180‑point qualification offered exclusively at our Tauranga campus.
This programme is designed for internationally qualified social, community, and health professionals who want to advance their careers in Aotearoa New Zealand. It builds on existing qualifications and is not intended as a first‑qualifying programme. The MPSOCS blends advanced coursework, applied research, and community‑based practice to prepare graduates for leadership, policy, and professional roles across New Zealand’s social and health sectors.
Learning is delivered through workshops, collaborative projects, independent research, and strong community partnerships. Field trips and Indigenous approaches enrich the experience, helping you develop cultural responsiveness, ethical decision‑making, and evidence‑based practice skills. Students can also choose to study this field through the 120‑point Postgraduate Diploma (PGDipPSOCS) or the 60‑point Postgraduate Certificate (PGCertPSOCS).
Applications are now open for the July 2026 intake. |
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Agent Training - MPSOCS Webinar |
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| We are hosting a training session introducing the Master of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services (MPSOCS). This session will cover key programme features, entry requirements, and the types of students best suited to the qualification, helping you feel confident when promoting it to prospective learners.
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026 Time: 5pm - 6pm NZST |
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Webinar - Discover Tauranga - Your Guide to the University of Waikato’s Coastal Campus |
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Join our upcoming agent training webinar for a fast, informative overview of the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus. Get up-to-date insights on programme offerings, student life, campus facilities, and the support services that make Tauranga an exceptional study destination.
This session will equip you with the key information you need to confidently guide prospective students considering study in Tauranga.
Date: Monday 13 April Time: 6pm - 7pm |
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International Student Guide 2026-2027 |
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The International Student Guide for 2026–2027 has now been printed and is ready for distribution. Our warehouse distribution partner, BPO, is scheduled to commence shipping at the end of March or in early April.
Please be aware that current regional conflicts may result in delivery delays. We will notify you should any issues arise.
A reminder that the University is a BPO partner. Their database, Ascent One, is used to load your information to our website - Find a recruitment agent. Your information is also used for shipping brochures so please ensure you update your agency details regularly on Ascent One.
If you haven't already, please register your agency with Ascent One. Once it is done, please let us know and we’ll link your agency to University of Waikato, this means students who are searching for a Waikato agent will find you as our authorised representatives on our website. If you experience any issues while registering with Ascent One, please email their support team at support@ascentone.com for prompt resolution. |
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Holidays and Important Dates |
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Eid al-Fitr - Friday 20 March Eid al‑Fitr in 2026 is anticipated to fall on Friday, March 20, marking the close of Ramadan. Depending on the moon sighting, celebrations may span March 19–21. The holiday is typically observed over three festive days filled with special prayers, shared meals, and gatherings with family and friends. |
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| Daylight Savings Time ends - Sunday 5 April
In New Zealand, Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, 5 April 2026, at 3:00 a.m. At that moment, clocks shift back one hour to 2:00 a.m., returning the country to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). This “fall back” change effectively adds an extra hour of sleep to the morning. |
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Good Friday and Easter - Friday 3 April - Sunday 5 April
Good Friday is observed by Christian and Catholic communities as the day that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, celebrates Jesus’ rising from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Easter filled with peace, love, and happiness. The University will be closed to observe the public holiday until we return on Wednesday 8 April.
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| Songkran Day - Monday 13 April - Wednesday 15 April - Thailand
Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, is celebrated annually with lively water festivities, traditional cleansing rituals, and family gatherings. The use of water symbolizes washing away misfortune, past negativity, and sins, welcoming a renewed and positive start to the year. |
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Khmer New Year - Tuesday 14 April - Thursday 16 April - Cambodia
Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) is a three‑day celebration that marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the solar new year, featuring traditional games, temple visits, and spirited water festivities. |
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| Thingyan - Monday 13 April - Thursday 16 April - Myanmar Thingyan, Myanmar’s New Year, often called the Water Festival, features water‑throwing to symbolically wash away past sins and misfortune, welcoming a fresh start. It blends playful water festivities with traditional dance, merit‑making, and pagoda visits as the country prepares to enter the 1388 Myanmar year. |
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Thank you for reading our emails!
We would like to thank you for engaging with our newsletter content. Please share with your New Zealand teams.
For more information on our updates, please contact your Regional Manager. International and Engagement Office University of Waikato |
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Stay connected with the University of Waikato and be the first to receive updates designed especially for our international recruitment partners. Click the image above to subscribe to our monthly Newsletter, where we share key insights, campus events, resources, and opportunities to support your work with prospective students.
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