The University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus continues to grow, reflecting increasing student demand and the strengthening role of the University within the Bay of Plenty.

Recent developments across enrolments, accommodation and programme delivery show continued momentum, alongside a focus on supporting student success and contributing to the region’s workforce and wider community.

Enrolment growth and student profile
Enrolments at the Tauranga campus have increased by 9% compared with the same time last year, with more than 1,029 equivalent full-time students (EFTS), representing over 1,500 students now studying in the city centre.

International enrolments have also doubled, contributing to a more diverse student cohort and bringing a broader mix of perspectives to the campus.

These trends reflect Tauranga’s growing appeal as a place to study, particularly for students looking for a smaller, more connected campus experience, while still being part of a growing city.

Student accommodation and campus integration
To support this growth, the University has continued to expand its presence within the city centre through a combination of property acquisitions and long-term accommodation arrangements.

The University purchased the Bongard Centre at the end of 2025, and additional student accommodation is being developed close to campus, improving access to student housing and supporting a stronger and more consistent student presence in the city centre.

This sits within a broader approach to campus development, focused on embedding the University within the city and contributing to a more connected and active urban environment.

Programme development and delivery
Programme delivery in Tauranga continues to evolve in response to regional needs and areas of workforce demand.

Alongside established programmes, the University has introduced new and expanded offerings in areas aligned with regional growth, including health, education and environmental science, with a continued focus on disciplines that support the Bay of Plenty’s key sectors.

New programmes planned across 2026-28 include:

• Master of Construction Management and Master of Engineering Practice Civil (construction) and Mechanical (robotics)
• Expansion of health programmes, including Biomedical Science minor, Certificate of Health Science, Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance​
• Education: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Master of Social Work Practice and Master of Teaching and Learning​
• Psychology and Law: Masters in Coastal Planning and Management​
• Expanding Bachelor of Business and MBA, Master of Management in Marketing and Fintech.

These are supported by teaching approaches that emphasise applied learning and real-world experience.

New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine
Opening in 2028, the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will be New Zealand’s first graduate-entry medical school. It will introduce a proven international model of medical education designed to help address the chronic shortage of doctors in primary and community care in New Zealand.

Construction of a new Health Precinct is underway at our Hamilton campus, which will be home to students studying nursing, midwifery, pharmacy and medicine. The building footprint is now established and foundation works are progressing onsite.

The Health Precinct will provide modern, purpose-built facilities to support the delivery of the programme. Once complete, the facility will support clinical skills training and interdisciplinary learning.

Public Lecture Series highlights research impact

In our monthly Public Lecture Series, the community is invited to hear the latest research from our new Professors, established academics and alumni. This year’s series begins in April with LAW not War: A Nobel Effort from international peace advocate, Distinguished Alumni and former Tauranga local Alyn Ware on the role of peace during wartime.

Be the first to know about the next event in the series by signing up to the database.

Looking ahead
The continued growth of the Tauranga campus reflects a long-term commitment to the region.

The University will continue to work alongside industry, local government, iwi and community partners across the Bay of Plenty to support student success, contribute to workforce development and strengthen Tauranga as a university city.