Summer Start International

Summer Start classes are taught in the Summer School semester. In 2026 the dates for Summer School will be Monday 5 January 2026 through to Wednesday 18 February 2026.

If you are an international student currently in New Zealand and are graduating from a New Zealand high school or foundation programme, Summer Start International with the University of Auckland could be the perfect transition for you.

Summer Start International is an opportunity to begin your studies at the University of Auckland over the summer. If you would like to stay in our university accomodation, you are welcome to complete an application to stay in our modern, fully-catered accommodation on campus in the heart of Auckland City for 6 weeks, while completing your first course towards your degree.

Summer Start aims to increase students’ preparedness and success at university. Fees for international students currently in New Zealand and who are about to graduate from a New Zealand high school or foundation programme are in line with the University’s schedule of undergraduate fees for international students.

The Summer Start programme is only 6 weeks (less than 3 months). International students graduating from a New Zealand high school or foundation programme, who currently hold a valid visa in New Zealand may participate. Please submit your valid visa here before 5th January 2026. 

Note that students must obtain the correct Student Visa for their intended full-time Bachelor’s studies at the University of Auckland before the programme begins.

For any questions regarding your visa for this programme, please contact AskAuckland - University of Auckland.

If you are a school leaver planning to enrol in a full degree with the University of Auckland, you can get a head start on your studies by joining us for Summer Start.

You will complete one course that will count towards your University of Auckland degree programme* before Semester One classes start.

If you intend to enrol in a different university after Summer School, you may be able to transfer your credit.

*Conditions may apply for students intending to apply for Engineering, or clinical programmes, e.g. MBChB, BPharm, BOptom, BMedImage.

The focus for Summer School is not just on academic preparation, but will also include free, fun social and cultural activities outside of class time. You can enjoy optional extras and more at no additional cost, for example:

• Orientation
• Quiz nights
• Events on and off campus
  
• Weekly sport sessions
• Common room with games

Make new friends, explore Auckland City in your free time, and get a taste of what life on campus is like!

You can apply to stay in our modern, catered accommodation on campus in the heart of Auckland City for 6 weeks, while completing your first course towards your degree.

If you have questions, please contact our Accommodation team at accom@auckland.ac.nz

Do you have a question about our Summer Start programme? Check out the Summer Start FAQs for more information or contact us at summerstart@auckland.ac.nz