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Immersion - New Zealand Universities

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 abroad 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.
  • 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.
Students attend classes with host country students.

Course Opportunities

Take regular university courses in your major or a related field. EAP immersion programs in New Zealand offer UC students the rewarding opportunity to be fully integrated into the academic and social life of any one of our exchange partners. Although each institution has its own specializations and strong offerings in many fields, they are similar in academic structure and most academic disciplines are available. With EAP, you are guaranteed a top public university that provides a consistently strong undergraduate education and offers a wide range of disciplines.

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Course Restrictions

At the University of Auckland, EAP students may not take the following courses:
  • Business School courses for:
    • BBIM degree—any course with a “9” in the middle of the catalogue number (e.g., ACCTG 291)
    • Graduate School of Enterprise in finance, information systems, marketing, and operations management—shown as “Graduate Programmes” in the Auckland course catalogue
  • Foundation certificate courses—shown by a 2-digit catalogue number followed by “F” or “H” (e.g., ESOL 91F or MAORIHTH 14H)
  • Stage 1 Architecture and Planning courses
  • Stage 1 Fine Arts courses (if interested in taking Stage 2 or 3 Fine Arts courses, you need to submit a portfolio and a written statement; contact the Auckland Abroad office for more information)
  • Medicine, Pharmacy or Nursing courses
The following subjects have limited enrollment. Indicate a second choice for each course:
  • General Education courses, shown in the course code with a “G” following the number (e.g., PHYSICS 107G)
  • Stage 2 and 3 Psychology and Biological Science courses
At Victoria University of Wellington, the following course restrictions apply:
When searching for courses: in New Zealand courses are often referred to as 
"papers".

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units per semester are required.

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

None


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study and internships for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution. Predeparture preparation may be required.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Spring :  
February to early July ​

Year :  
February to 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. You should choose the type of housing option that best suits your needs and preferences. Residence in university dormitories or university-owned apartments is recommended at most universities, although you may seek private off-campus rentals. Students live with international students, UC students, or host country students.

On-site Support

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.
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).​

Host Institutions

As part of the application process, you will be asked to rank your university preferences, so you are encouraged to carefully explore the host university websites. In evaluating the differences between universities, you might consider whether courses in your major are offered to exchange students; the number of students enrolled; the layout of the campus; the size of the nearest city and nearby attractions; the comments of knowledgeable family, friends, and returnees; and your preference for an urban, suburban, or rural locale. Each host institution offers all the usual campus amenities, sports facilities, and cultural learning opportunities.
 
Ranking these wonderful institutions may seem daunting, but remember: 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!
 

 

Lincoln University, Christchurch

Lincoln University, Christchurch
 
Lincoln University, located outside of Christchurch in a rural area of rich farmland, was established as an agricultural school in 1878. The university enrolls approximately 4,500 students in the faculties of Agriculture and Life Sciences;  Commerce; and Environment, Society, and Design. Lincoln University welcomes international students, representing more than 60 countries. Strong course work is available for UC students in agriculture, business and management studies, viticulture, and environmental and ecological sciences.
 
The University is located about 20 minutes by car from the city of Christchurch in a small township (population 1,500). The township offers a range of shops and essential services, including a service station, supermarket, bakery, post office, student pub, and banks. In addition, the surrounding area has an impressive range of outdoor recreational activities in both the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
 
 
 

Massey University, Palmerston North

Massey University, Palmerston North
 
Massey University was established in 1927 in Palmerston North. The original campus, located alongside the Manawatu River, is within walking distance from the Palmerston North city center. The university has a large student body spread across three campuses, with about 9,000 students attending the Palmerston North campus.  Much of the student body is made up of international students from more than 100 countries.  The University offers course work within the colleges of Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Sciences. You will find strong course work in agriculture, Maori studies, and Pacific studies.
 
Palmerston North is located on the North Island, 90 miles from Wellington. Its population is about 79,000. Palmerston North, which was settled more than 100 years ago to service New Zealand farming country, has become a prosperous industrial, educational, and commercial center. Massey University also has campuses in Wellington and Auckland. Students with comparable majors can request to study at either of these campuses.
 
 
 

The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland
 
The University of Auckland, established in 1883, is New Zealand’s largest university. The main campus extends over eight city blocks and covers nearly 40 acres. The university conducts teaching and research within faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Creative Arts and Industries, Education, Engineering, Law, Medical and Health Sciences, and Science. You can find strong course work in Pacific studies, chemistry, history, Maori studies, mathematics and statistics, and many other fields.
 
With over 1.3 million people, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, housing more than a quarter of the country’s population. It is located on the North Island on an isthmus between the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. The harbor is one of the city’s major features. Auckland is a major business and manufacturing center, built on the sloping hills of extinct volcanoes. Its famed War Memorial Museum contains some of the most comprehensive Maori arts and crafts collections in the world.
 
 
 

University of Canterbury, Christchurch

University of Canterbury, Christchurch
 
The University of Canterbury, established in 1873, is situated on a spacious campus in suburban Christchurch, about three miles from the city center. More than 22,000 students are enrolled in the university’s six colleges. The university has strong science and engineering departments. In addition to the broad range of course work available, UC students can benefit from courses related to New Zealand (European and Maori studies) and courses in Pacific art, literature, history and culture, and Antarctic studies. The university operates an astronomical observatory and a number of field stations around New Zealand’s South Island.
 
With a population of more than 400,000, Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. It is British in character and has many old buildings, gardens, museums, and churches. Christchurch offers excellent access to recreational resources, including national parks for skiing, boating, and hiking.
 
 
 

University of Otago, Dunedin

University of Otago, Dunedin
 
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was established in 1869. It is located in a residential district close to Dunedin’s town center. Otago enrolls more than 21,000 students in divisions of Commerce, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences. A comprehensive range of course work is available in the areas of the humanities, business, sciences, and health sciences. Many EAP participants have been majors in psychology, chemistry, the liberal arts, and the biological sciences.
 
Dunedin, a historical coastal city of about 122,000 people, is a typical New Zealand town with a mixture of old and new. Originally a planned Scottish settlement, it grew rapidly with the discovery of gold in the 1860s. The town, which is surrounded by rolling green countryside, contains many old churches, mansions, museums, and a large harbor. Dunedin’s heritage includes gold rush days, early Maori culture, the whaling industry, and the early Scottish farmers. Dunedin has a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, penguins, and a world-famous colony of Royal Albatross.
 
 
 

The University of Waikato, Hamilton

The University of Waikato, Hamilton
 
The University of Waikato was established in 1964 and enrolls more than13,000 students. Fifteen percent of these students identify themselves as Maori, and some 2,200 are international students from 70 countries. The university is organized into schools of studies in Arts and Social Sciences, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Education, Law, Management, Maori and Pacific Development, and Science and Engineering.. You will enroll in one school of study and will likely select courses from offerings in that school. Of particular note are courses in environmental and ecological sciences; Pacific, Maori, and indigenous studies; communication studies; electronic commerce; and women’s and gender studies.
 
Hamilton is located on the North Island in a prosperous dairy-farming district. Lakes, rivers, beaches, caves, and mountains in the surrounding area offer a wide range of recreational and adventure opportunities. Hamilton’s Museum of Art and History holds a valuable collection of Maori artifacts and chronicles Hamilton’s past as a military settlement.
 
 
 

Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington
 
Victoria University was established in 1897. The main campus is located in Kelburn, a residential area of Wellington about one mile from the city center. The Law Faculty, part of the Faculty of Commerce and Administration, and schools of Architecture and Design are located in the heart of the city. In addition to institutes and research facilities, the university has faculties of Architecture and Design, Commerce and Administration, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, and Science. You can find strong course work in English and New Zealand literature, indigenous studies (including Maori, Pacific, and Asian studies), linguistics, environmental and ecological sciences, geography, political science, and theater and film.
 
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is located in the southwestern tip of the North Island. Wellington is a particularly good choice if you are interested in observing New Zealand politics. As an intellectual and cultural center, Wellington has numerous museums and art galleries, drama and musical societies, and professional theater companies.
 
 

Estimated Cost

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 represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2011-12. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2011-12 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
 
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

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Spring
  • Year
  • $18,000
  • $31,900
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

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.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

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.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: