Program Overview

Certificate of University Preparation

The Certificate of University Preparation (CUP) is a one-trimester pathway for students who don’t meet university entrance, helping build academic skills for degree study. Taught in Hamilton, with a Trimester A option in Tauranga.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time: 60 points, 6 months

Locations

• The study locations where the qualification is offered: Hamilton, Tauranga

Area of Study

• This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under: University of Waikato College

Start Dates

• Which trimester this qualification can be started in: Trimester A (March), Trimester B (July), and Summer School (November)

Why Study the Certificate of University Preparation?

The Certificate of University Preparation is for:

• Students without University Entrance (UE)
• Students returning to study after time away from school
• Those needing extra academic preparation before a degree

What it Prepares You For

The Certificate of University Preparation builds your academic confidence, study habits, and critical thinking skills. It’s designed to prepare you for success in undergraduate study and support your transition into university life.

Benefits of Completing the Programme

You’ll gain University Entrance (UE) and be ready to move into a bachelor’s degree. The programme also helps you improve your academic writing, research skills, and ability to learn independently.

Flexibility and Accessibility

CUP is offered three times a year, with intakes in March, July, and November. You can also apply to study part-time with approval, making it easier to fit study around your life.

Pathways to Future Study

Completing CUP gives you direct entry into a wide range of bachelor’s degrees at the University of Waikato. You’ll build a strong foundation in your chosen area of interest, whether that’s business, science, the arts, or another field.

Degree Information

Entry Requirements

All applications will be assessed on a case by case basis if you don't meet one of the following entry criteria:

• NCEA Level 3 30 credits in university-approved subjects with numeracy and literacy
• NCEA Level 2 certificate and 12 credits each in three university-approved subjects with numeracy and literacy. Students must not have been enrolled in a high school within the last 12 months
• Successful completion of a Level 3 or 4 tertiary certificate

When applying, please include a statement telling us a bit about yourself and what you would like to do after CUP.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic students: Estimated fees $3,811 (one-semester Full time) per year
• International students: Please refer to the university's website for international student fees
• Scholarships: Visit the Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships

Course Requirements

For a full-time student, there are up to 17 hours of class, and around 20 hours of self-directed study a week. Students are required to take four papers (two compulsory and two electives).

Classes are scheduled between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday.

Students have the option to study part-time with approval.

Papers

Students are required to take a total of four papers: two compulsory and two electives. Options are listed below.

Compulsory Papers

All papers are available in Trimester A, B, or C:

• FOUND001 Academic Essentials
• FOUND002 Foundations of Critical Thought

Elective Papers

Any two elective papers are required:

• FOUND003 Foundations of Arts
• FOUND004 Foundations of Social Sciences
• FOUND005 Foundations of Business Studies
• FOUND014 Foundations of Business Financials
• FOUND015 Foundations of Health
• FOUND007 Foundations of Calculus
• FOUND008 Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics
• FOUND009 Foundations of Biology
• FOUND011 Foundations of Physics
• FOUND012 Foundations of Science

What's Next After CUP?

After completing the Certificate of University Preparation, you’ll be ready to move into one of our undergraduate degree programmes. If you’re relocating to Hamilton or Tauranga, explore accommodation options and our new student guide to help you settle in.

International students can access dedicated support throughout their studies. If you have any questions, please refer to the university's support services.

Student Testimonials

1. It had been 20 years since I’d been at school, and things change; what you need to know changes. I did calculus and basic maths papers, critical thought, and physics. It was all about learning to learn again, including those all-important soft skills.
   • Greg Pearce, Master of Business Administration
2. There was a lot of wrap-around support at Waikato, and that was really important to me.
   • Javier Doorbar, Bachelor of Business
3. Waikato provides all the opportunities a student needs to confidently enter the workforce and add value to a business.
   • Nicole Davey, Bachelor of Business, Certificate of University Preparation
4. I’d always thought that uni was only for high achievers. But it’s also for people who are prepared to work hard.
   • Roman Akroyd, Master of Educational Leadership, Certificate of University Preparation
5. The science labs, especially for molecular biology subjects, are super enjoyable – they relate to current research in the field and also to ourselves as people.
   • Rebecca Prestidge, Bachelor of Science