Summer Start is a six-week programme for school leavers that will help you make the transition to university with confidence ahead of Semester One 2026. 

We know that sometimes it can feel challenging when you’re new to university. Summer Start sets you up for success in your first year by helping you get familiar with all the ins and outs of uni life, from tutorials to exams and everything in between! It’s a great opportunity to make the most of the summer and gain the skills you need to survive and thrive at university.

If you’re looking for an easy way to settle into university – and the chance to have some fun while doing it – then this is the programme for you. You’ll gain credit towards your studies, make heaps of new friends and learn to navigate your way around campus. We’ve got dozens of social events you can attend outside of class time too, with everything from sports competitions to trips around Auckland to quiz challenges.

In 2025, 98% of students surveyed said that they felt ready to begin their degree after participating in Summer Start. They found the programme to be a fun experience that gave them a sense of belonging at university and the support to tackle their first semester with confidence.

Over the six-week programme, you’ll complete one course from the Summer Start course list that will go towards your University of Auckland degree programme before Semester One classes start on Monday 2 March 2026. There’s a diverse range of courses to choose from, and we’re sure we can find one that’s right for you. 

As a Summer Start student, you’ll also have access to mentoring and support options to help you get the most out of your studies. Whatever your future goals are, we have the options available to help you achieve them.

*Students considering Engineering or Science should see the Summer Start for Engineers or Summer Start for Science Students information. Conditions may apply for students intending to apply for Engineering or clinical programmes, e.g. MBChB, BPharm, BOptom, BMedImag(Hons).

• Enrolment in one credit-bearing course to help give you a head-start in your university studies.
• Access to Summer Start mentors who will provide academic, pastoral and social support throughout the programme.
• Additional tutoring and study skill sessions to enable you to kick-start your University journey with an academic win!
• Orientation to both the University and Auckland city.
• Accommodation options in a First-Year Catered Hall.
• Potential future leadership opportunities for students in the Summer Start programme.
• Study, tutorial and hangout spaces.
• Fun activities such as sports and quizzes to introduce you to university life.

University of Auckland Kōkiri Raumati Scholarships will open in August 2025 for students studying in Kōkiri Raumati in Summer 2026. These Scholarships are available to students taking part in the Summer Start, Tōia ki Waipapa and UniBound programmes beginning in January 2026 and may be able to support with Accommodation and Fees for the summer programmes. 

Applications for 2025 will close on 29 October 2025.

Want to learn more? Check out our FAQs for more information about Summer Start.