Programs : Budget Sheet

University of Waikato - Spring 2025
Approx. Program Dates: Feb 19 - June 21, 2025
Credits: 12 - 15
Click Here for Printable Budget

Students should factor possible inflation rates into their budget estimates.

Cost & Financial Aid

The WMU program fee includes: tuition for 12-15 credits ($12,009 NZD or $7,660 USD), international health & emergency insurance, orientation upon arrival, academic transcript fees, and administrative fees.

The program fee does not include: Accommodation, airfare, NZ health insurance, passport, books, local travel, meals, tips, immunization, and personal expenses. Costs not included in the program fee are estimates and may vary according to individual needs and preferences. Students should factor possible inflation in their estimates for non-billable subtotal. This budget does not include activities which are not part of the academic program, such as personal travel, entertainment, shopping, etc.

Housing fee is calculated based on renting a shared flat or apartment with at least 1 bedroom.

Program fees are subject to adjustment due to changes in actual exchange rates or other factors. In addition, programs may be modified or cancelled in the event of insufficient enrollment. Program dates are subject to slight adjustment by the home/host university.

Note: For tax purposes, the university requires the program fee billing be divided into qualified (expenses and fees related to the class or program) and non-qualified (other costs).  The total program fee equals the study abroad commitment fee plus qualified and non-qualified expenses added together.
Example:
   Program commitment fee
+ Qualified (expenses and fees related to the class or program)
+ Non-qualified (other costs)
= Total program fee

Program commitment fee:  Once a student is accepted to the program, they need to decide to officially "commit" to the program or withdraw. When a students makes the commitment decision, this is a financial commitment. Once a student is "committed", the Program commitment fee is non-refundable. Additionally, students are responsible for the Program Fee, less any expenses that WMU Study Abroad is able to recover. The program fee is billed to the WMU student account for the semester of enrollment in study abroad credits. The program fee is due within 30 days once charged to the WMU student account. After 30 days, per university accounts policy, holds will be placed on past-due balances.


Scholarship
All WMU participants will receive a NZD$1,500 (~$1,090) travel award upon beginning the program. This award is not released until students arrive in Hamilton.

WMU Students taking courses in the Arts & Sciences on this program are encouraged to consult the University of Waikato's Study Abroad Fees Scholarship.

Additionally, three new awards have been announced by Education New Zealand for Generation Study Abroad students from the United States. Students can now apply for a US$2,000 travel award to help with flights to New Zealand and US$500 towards study at a university or participating institute of technology or polytechnic.
More information: Click here
Application forms and instructions: Click here

Additionally, Education New Zealand is offering a full scholarship ($15,000)  for study in New Zealand that is being offered through GoOverseas.com. You can read more about this opportunity here: more information.

Please note that the decision on awards and amount of the scholarship is determined by officials at the Education New Zealand (ENZ), not officials at WMU.

Financial Aid
Students eligible for federal or state financial aid may use their awards for studying abroad.  After a student has been accepted to the program, they must complete required paperwork with WMU Financial Aid to apply financial aid to the program costs.  It is the student's responsibility to complete the paperwork prior to departure and to maintain compliance with financial aid regulations while studying abroad (i.e., remain enrolled full-time).  Non-WMU students must apply for financial aid through their home university.

Please note: Disbursement of financial aid may not coincide with the start date of the program abroad, so plan ahead!  Some out-of-pocket costs may occur prior to receiving financial aid for the semester, such as the program commitment fee, passport, airfare, immunizations, visa or residence permit fees (if applicable).  These costs vary by program and WMU Study Abroad Specialists are available to answer questions about the program budget.