Why Study Bachelor of Science (Technology)

The Bachelor of Science (Technology) at the University of Waikato is designed for students who want to combine scientific knowledge with practical workplace experience. The programme integrates theoretical learning, laboratory work, research and professional experience to prepare students for careers in science, technology and related industries.

The degree includes a 10-week work placement, helping students gain real-world experience and develop professional skills before graduation. Students can explore different scientific fields in their first year and specialise in a chosen discipline in subsequent years.

Key Benefits

• Practical learning through laboratory sessions, research activities and hands-on scientific projects.

• A 10-week relevant work placement, generally undertaken during the summer between the second and third years.

• Opportunities to develop industry connections and gain professional experience, with some students receiving permanent job offers following placements.

• Flexible study options, allowing students to select a major and complementary minor.

• Access to modern science laboratories, research equipment and advanced scientific technologies.

• Opportunities to develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, research, communication and teamwork skills.

• Preparation for employment in scientific, environmental, technological and research-based industries.

Program Structure

The programme requires 360 points over three years of full-time study, with courses organised across different levels of academic difficulty.

• Year 1: Students study foundational science papers, explore different disciplines and develop core scientific knowledge.

• Year 2: Students focus on their chosen major, undertake advanced subject papers and develop specialist knowledge.

• Year 3: Students complete higher-level science papers, consolidate their specialist skills and undertake a 10-week industry work placement, supported by workplace preparation.

Students must complete:

• 360 points across 100, 200 and 300-level papers, with the degree regulations also permitting approved 400-level papers.

• At least 225 points above 100 level and at least 75 points above 200 level.

• The requirements of a major, including at least 135 points for a single major.

• Additional papers from the science field and approved elective or minor subjects, according to the selected programme.

Discipline / Specialisation

Students can select a major according to their interests and career goals. The available majors include:

• Chemistry

• Earth Sciences

• Ecology and Biodiversity

• Environmental Sciences

• Marine Science

• Materials Science

• Molecular and Cellular Biology

• Computer Science

• Aquaculture

Programme Highlights

• Industry work placement: A 10-week relevant work placement provides practical exposure to professional scientific environments, generally during the summer between the second and third years.

• Modern facilities: Students have access to well-equipped laboratories, advanced research equipment, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and DNA sequencing facilities.

• Practical learning: Laboratory sessions, research activities and applied scientific projects help students develop industry-relevant skills.

• Career preparation: A workplace preparation paper supports students in understanding professional expectations, communication and workplace practices.

• Intakes: The main intakes are Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July).

• Scholarships: Eligible international students may apply for University of Waikato scholarships, including international entrance and academic merit awards. Eligibility, award value and application requirements vary by scholarship. Some awards are automatically assessed, while others require a separate application.

• Fees and funding: Indicative international tuition fees are NZD $42,235–$44,347 per year for 2026–2027, depending on the papers selected. The final amount is calculated on a per-paper basis. Additional costs may include the Student Services Levy, medical and travel insurance, accommodation, transport and living expenses. Students may explore eligible university scholarships, external scholarships and education loans to help fund their studies.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Technology) can pursue careers across scientific, environmental, research and technology-related sectors, depending on their major and professional experience.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Conservation Biologist

• Conservation Ranger

• Environmental Scientist

• Forensic Technician

• Geologist

• Geotechnical Officer

• Laboratory Technician

• Marine Ecologist

• Microbiologist

• Research Assistant

• Scientific Analyst

• Laboratory and Environmental Monitoring Technician

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students intending to study full-time in New Zealand for this three-year degree will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand.

Typical requirements include:

• An official offer of place from the University of Waikato.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or confirmation of an eligible scholarship.

• Proof of living expenses, generally at least NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary study.

• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance for the duration of the stay.

• A valid passport and supporting identity documents.

• Evidence of good health and character, including medical examinations or police certificates if required.

• Evidence of genuine study intentions and plans to leave New Zealand when the visa expires.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The programme is offered at the Hamilton campus, with the principal intake periods in March and July.

• The qualification requires 360 points and normally takes three years of full-time study.

• For Indian applicants, the University generally requires an average of 75% across the best four academic subjects in Class XII from CBSE, CISCE or eligible State Boards, with at least 60% in English. Alternative admission pathways may be considered.

• The general English language requirement for undergraduate international applicants is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent, such as TOEFL iBT 80 with a writing score of 21 or PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skill score below 42. Approved English-medium study may qualify for an exemption, subject to assessment.

• Mathematics, Statistics or Calculus is recommended preparation. Specific science subjects, such as Biology or Chemistry, may be useful depending on the selected major, although there is no general formal subject prerequisite for the degree.

• Students must complete the required workplace preparation and work placement components as part of the approved programme.

• Tuition fees are indicative and subject to annual revision. Students should confirm the applicable fee, scholarship eligibility, available majors and paper requirements for their intended intake before enrolment.

• Students who do not meet direct entry requirements may be considered for an appropriate foundation or academic English pathway offered through the University of Waikato College.