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 and 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. You'll complete this first course 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 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 that will enable you to kick-start your University journey with an academic win!
• 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
• 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 enrolling in Kōkiri Raumati in Summer 2026. These Scholarships are available to students taking part in the Summer Start, Tōia ki Waipapa or UniBound programmes beginning in January 2026. They may be able to offer support with Accommodation and Fees for the summer programmes. 

Applications for 2025 will close on 29 October 2025.

• Choose your Summer Start course - Check out the 2026 Summer Start Course List for details of the courses available and any course requirements.
• 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 of 29 October 2025.
• 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 2026 on the 3 November 2025. 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 2 December at the city campus, or you are welcome to visit our student hubs. 
• If you have applied for a Kōkiri Raumati Scholarship, these will be awarded in late November and will need to be accepted by the 8 December 2025.
• Applications for Kōkiri Raumati 2026 will close on 8 December 2025. 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 the 19 December 2025. 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.
• The University of Auckland will be closed from the 20 December 2025 - 5 January 2026 with limited staff avaialble during this period.
• If you are moving into University of Auckland accommodation or have been awarded a Kōkiri Raumati Scholarship covering fees and accommodation, move-in will be from the 4 January 2026. Our Accommodation team will provide further details with your contract. 
• The first day of Summer Start and Orientation Day will be the 5 January 2026. 
• Summer Start exams will be from the 16 - 18 February 2026.
• Summer Start will end on the 18 February 2026. 

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