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 2027.

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 and quiz challenges.

In 2026, 99% of student survey responders agreed that they would recommend Summer Start to other students.

Past participants have said that Summer Start has increased their confidence, created a sense of belonging at the university, and helped to make them feel prepared and supported as they begin their university studies. 

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. You'll complete this first course before Semester One classes start on Monday 1 March 2027. 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 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 optional tutoring and study skill sessions that will enable you to kick-start your University journey
• Orientation around both the University and Auckland city
• Accommodation options in a First-Year Catered Hall
• Potential future leadership opportunities
• Study, tutorial and hangout spaces
• Student leader led fun activities such as sports and quizzes to introduce you to university life
• An AT Hop card to support with travel
• Summer membership at Hiwa
• An opportunity to apply for Kōkiri Raumati Scholarships

Join us for our Induction Day on the 7 December 2026 to find out more about the Kōkiri Raumati 2027 programme, take a tour of Hiwa our new rec centre and join our application and enrolments clinic for guidance and support to apply and enrol.

Please register your attendance along with any dietary requirements.  

The Kōkiri Raumati Scholarships are available to students taking part in the Summer Start, Tōia ki Waipapa or UniBound programmes beginning in January 2027 and may be able to offer support with Accommodation and Fees for the summer programmes. 

Keep an eye out for more information about our 2027 Kōkiri Raumati Scholarships coming soon.

• Choose your Summer Start course - Check out the Summer Start Course List for details of the courses available and any course requirements. The 2027 course list will be coming soon. 
• Complete an application for Summer Start - Need help? See How to Apply, contact us, or drop in to one of our Student Hubs for help.
• Apply for the Kōkiri Raumati Scholarship before the closing date.
• Get your ID documents ready in case the university needs these to verify your ID. You won't be able to enrol until your ID is verified.
• Our Admissions team will receive your application and will check you meet all the requirements. This checking will begin in October.
• If you meet all the requirements for the programme and your chosen course, our Admissions team will send you an offer to the programme which you can accept.
• Enrolments will open for 2027 on 1 November 2026. If you have received and accepted an offer to Summer Start, you will be able to enrol into the course you applied to by logging back into your account. Need help? We will be running an Induction Day with an Application and Enrolment clinic on 7 December 2026 at the City Campus, or you are welcome to visit our student hubs. 
• Applications for Kōkiri Raumati 2027 will close on 8 December 2026. If you would like to request to submit a late application, please contact us. 
• All offers to participate in a Kōkiri Raumati Summer Programme (Summer Start, UniBound or Tōia ki Waipapa) will expire on 18 December 2026. If you do not accept your offer by this date, the offer will expire and you will not be able to participate in a Kōkiri Raumati Summer Programme 2027.
• The University of Auckland will be closed from over the Christmas and New Year period with limited staff available during this time.
• Orientation Day will be held on the 5 January 2027.
• The first day of Summer Start classes will be the 6 January 2027.
• Summer Start exams will be from 15 to 17 February 2027.
• Summer Start will end on 17 February 2027. 

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