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New Zealand Universities

Program Overview

Known in the Maori language as Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud), New Zealand is a paradise for sports devotees, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Study opportunities are available on both the North and South Islands.
 
  • Locations on the North Island provide a wealth of culture and activities to enjoy. Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world, has a strong maritime heritage, while Hamilton boasts a flourishing music and art scene. Palmerston North is home to a substantial student population and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The political and cultural capital Wellington is a compact urban area surrounded by natural beauty with an impressive art scene and nightlife.
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  • Often referred to as the mainland despite it’s smaller population, the South Island provides the opportunity to explore Christchurch, a cultural center with European grace and charm, and Dunedin, known for its thriving Scottish heritage, lively night life and easy access to beaches, hiking and wildlife.

Arrival and Mandatory Orientation

The program begins with a UCEAP group orientation in Auckland. Students must arrange to arrive in time for the beginning of this orientation program (dates available under the Calendar tab of the UCEAP Participants page), booking their own flights to Auckland, New Zealand. Participants are required to attend the full UCEAP orientation program in its entirety. At this event students:
 - meet and bond with other UCEAP participants;
 - take part in fun excursions and interesting discussions about life and study in NZ;
 - meet the UCEAP Liaison Officer and On-site Coordinator, the key contact people in NZ;
 - learn about Kiwi culture, language differences, and the social and political scene in NZ;
 - understand academic requirements and how to register their courses for UC credit.

Orientation at the Host University
Upon completion of the UCEAP orientation, participants make their way to their Host Universities to participate in the International Students Orientation. Host University orientations are also a requirement for UCEAP participation. The dates of these events can be found under the Calendar tab on the UCEAP Participants page. Orientation and semester dates are added to the page as host universities update their calendars. Participants are encouraged to check for updates regularly.

 

Students attend classes with host country students.

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

None


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
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Fall :  
Mid-June to mid-November

Spring :  
February to early July.

Year :  
February to mid-November.​

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You may extend your EAP participation from the spring to the year at the same university.​

Housing

Housing is not included in the program and is not arranged or provided by UCEAP. Students choose the type of housing option that best suits their needs and preferences. Residence in university dormitories or university-owned apartments is recommended at most universities, although many students seek private off-campus rentals.
Each university has a housing office (or website) with information about on- and off-campus housing. Because of their proximity to campus and student life, the most practical accommodations are at the university colleges, which are residence halls and not colleges in the American sense. Most UC students live in university halls of residence or other university-managed facilities, at least for the first term. Past EAP students have also rented private flats(apartments) and shared rental houses. These vary in quality and cost and are at a premium near the universities, but most students have reported good experiences with private rentals.

Food
Beef, lamb, chicken, and fresh fish are abundant; pork is less popular and more expensive. Fresh vegetables are available throughout the year. Dairy products are plentiful and reasonably priced. New Zealand has good domestically produced and imported cheese. Yogurt, sour cream, whipping cream, and cottage cheese are also available. Butter is inexpensive, usually costing about the same as margarine. "Table" margarine is made from vegetable oil and is similar to American margarine, except it is not as flavorful. "Cooking" margarine is made with animal fat.

Eating Out
Restaurants are plentiful and widely varied in cuisine, ambience, and price. First-rate restaurants are usually comparable in cost to American restaurants. Drive-in or fast-food restaurants are rare; American-style fast food can be found in “milk bars.” Mexican cuisine generally is not available. Although there are such familiar establishments as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC in major cities, you will also discover new foods like meat pies and New Zealand fish and chips. Sandwiches are available at many small shops at lunchtime. Many
restaurants are closed on Mondays and reservations are essential on weekends at popular locations. Many of the best bargains are found at BYO (bring your own) restaurants. Various guides to dining out are available at newsstands or bookshops. Many pubs, especially in the city center, offer counter lunches and meals in addition to drinks.​


Extracurricular Activities

Student Unions and Clubs
Participating in extracurricular cultural and social activities while on EAP is an excellent way to meet people and integrate more fully into the community. Join sports, musical, theater, or arts groups; volunteer at local organizations; attend lectures and receptions held in academic and community circles; and get the most out of your time abroad.

Some New Zealand universities offer membership in student unions. A union membership fee usually allows access to films, dances, concerts, sporting events, and sporting equipment at reduced rates. With a university identification card, you may get discounts for most commercial films, performances, and exhibitions.

Outdoor Activities
University students in New Zealand are very outdoors-oriented. There are many opportunities for hiking (called tramping), mountain climbing, nature walks, “orienteering,” sailing, bird watching, fishing, beach activities, and water sports. Every university has a variety of sports and outdoor clubs. Past EAP participants advise joining one or more clubs, which provide excellent social
outlets as well as inexpensive opportunities for outings and for rental of all kinds of gear (sports equipment is expensive in New Zealand).


On-site Support

The EAP program in New Zealand is currently overseen by the UCEAP Liaison Office in Auckland. EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. Host faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
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See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​
UCEAP in New Zealand offers UC students the rewarding opportunity to be fully integrated into the academic and multicultural social life of any one of our seven New Zealand institutions. As part of the application process, you will be asked to rank your university preferences, so you are encouraged to carefully explore the program offered at each host university as well as their websites (follow links below). New Zealand is full of wonderful opportunities, new people, and interesting places, so whatever host university offers you a place, you are in for the time of your life!
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Host Institutions


Select a host institution for specific information on courses and credits.
* Indicates quarter term
Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

The program in New Zealand is characterized by independent and self-directed study focused in the major. Instruction is divided into lectures, seminars, tutorials, and labs or practicals. The tutorials are small discussion groups during which students take short exams, write and analyze papers, and discuss lectures and readings. Advanced classes often follow a seminar format. Regardless of course level, students are expected to have strong writing skills.

When viewing courses found on New Zealand university websites, keep in mind that the normal undergraduate degree program run for three-years. First year courses will therefore usually appear on your UC transcript as lower division; second (and third) year courses will usually translate to upper-division courses at UC.  Third-year courses in New Zealand correspond to UC fourth-year advance courses that may require more previous knowledge than those at UC, so you will want to be confirm that you meet the course prerequisites prior to enrolling.
 
Use the following resources to learn about taking courses in New Zealand on EAP:
 
  • EAP Program Search This link takes you to a list of general areas of study at each New Zealand University.
  • New Zealand university online catalogs or course listings, available through the links below
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students in New Zealand. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since many courses offered in New Zealand have not yet been taken for credit by UC students, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
When searching for courses: in New Zealand courses are often referred to as "papers"; the units earned from a course are called "points" and the university catalog is called the "calendar". So what does "course" mean in New Zealand? It's the term they use to describe a degree program or program of study. 

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units per semester are required.
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall2121 - 2414 - 16$8,250$8,500 - 9,350
Spring2121 - 2414 - 16$7,700$10,300
Year4142 - 4828 - 32$14,150$17,750
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at host institution
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by the New Zealand host institution at which you are placed.