Overview

The International Relations programme at the University of Waikato provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how nations and global organisations interact within an increasingly interconnected world. This degree prepares individuals to address pressing global challenges through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Why International Relations at the University of Waikato?

Students benefit from a curriculum that bridges the realms of arts, human rights, and business, offered through the School of Arts and the Faculty of Law. The university provides a unique perspective on the role of Aotearoa New Zealand within the Pacific and global contexts, supported by a vibrant academic community. A distinctive feature of the programme is the emphasis on language acquisition and intercultural competence, ensuring graduates can thrive in diverse international settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: NZD 38250 per year
National fee: NZD 8620 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge before moving into specialised global topics. Modules may include:

International Relations of the Indo-Pacific
International Relations
Communication Competencies
Management
French for Beginners
Chinese for Beginners
Geopolitics in the New World Disorder
Diplomacy and Politics in Asia
Global Environmental Politics and Policy

Careers with International Relations

Graduates are prepared for a wide variety of roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The skills gained during the programme are highly applicable to careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, and international development.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Patriots, Racists, and Foreigners: Ethnicity and Identity in Global Perspective

Protest Movements in the Asia-Pacific

Politics and the Media

Modern Political Thinkers

Political Systems around the World

Public Policy Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-17 00:00:00

More details

Applications submitted after the deadline may be accepted if space is available.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hamilton, New Zealand

Disciplines

International Relations View 18 other Bachelors in International Relations in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) - Applicants must have qualified for the diploma with grades of 3 or higher in each of at least 4 subjects.

International Baccalaureate (taken in NZ or overseas) - Completed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) - A minimum of 120 points on the New Zealand CAIE Tariff at A or AS level, including at least three subjects (excluding Thinking Skills) in which no grade is lower than D.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Waikato and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38250 NZD / year

≈ 38250 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8620 NZD / year

≈ 8620 NZD / year

Additional Details

Domestic: $8,132 - $8,290 per year

Living costs

Hamilton

New Zealand

1470 - 2020 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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