UniBound Summer

Are you a Pacific school leaver ready to take the next step towards university?

Starting uni can be exciting and a bit daunting. At Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, UniBound Summer is here to help you find your feet and feel confident in your new environment.

UniBound Summer gives Pacific school leavers a head start with a summer experience, including a credit-bearing course that counts towards your degree. You’ll get hands-on experience on campus, plus culturally responsive support to help you settle in and succeed.

Key dates

  • Kōkiri Raumati | Summer Programmes Induction Day: Monday 7 December 2026
  • UniBound Summer programme begins: Tuesday 5 January 2027
  • UniBound Summer programme closes: Wednesday 17 February 2027

Kōkiri Raumati | Summer Programmes Induction Day

Join us on 7 December 2026 to learn more about UniBound Summer and the Kōkiri Raumati 2027 programme, explore Hiwa (our new recreation centre) and get one-on-one support at our applications and enrolments clinic. Keep an eye out for further details later in the year. 

Find out more about the Induction day.

What we offer

  • A strong sense of belonging and meaningful connection within the university community
  • Fun and engaging activities both on and off campus
  • The option to choose one of four credit-bearing courses that supports your future pathway: ARTSGEN 104, CHEM 150, STATS 101 or STATS 108 - Statistics for Commerce
  • Academic and pastoral workshops to build skills and boost confidence·
  • Peer mentoring for ongoing support
  • A free AT HOP card for convenient travel
  • Free summer gym membership

...the different programmes and support they give towards us Polynesian students as well as anyone that is in need of support is so great and a privilege to have... the different relationships and connections I’ve made had got me thinking that if my people can do it then so can I.

UniBound Summer student 2026

Deciding on what course to take

Under the UniBound Summer programme, you can study one credit-bearing course. Below are the courses you can choose from and a little more about what they have to offer you.

ARTSGEN 104 - Te Pārekereke 

ARTSGEN 104 is grounded in Mātauranga Māori and Pasifika knowledge systems. Students will explore how indigenous knowledge and values complement Western knowledge while developing essential university skills, supported by an understanding of university systems and resources.

If you're interested in a Bachelor of Arts programme (BA) this course equips you with Indigenous knowledge and essential academic and relational skills to support success at university and beyond. Find out more about ARTSGEN 104.

CHEM 150 - Concepts in Chemistry 

Explore the fundamentals of chemistry to enhance your understanding of the chemical nature of the world around us and to build a foundation for further study in chemistry. It is recommended that students with a limited background in chemistry take this course prior to CHEM 110, CHEM 120 or CHEM 190. This course can be good preparation for students considering pathways to clinical programmes as preparation for CHEM 190. 

CHEM 150 is ideal for students interested in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) who need to strengthen their chemistry foundations, gain practical lab experience, or prepare for further chemistry study and clinical programme pathways. Find out more about CHEM 150.

STATS 101 - Introduction to Statistics 

STATS 101 helps students develop confidence in understanding and working with data, building practical skills that can be applied to study, future careers and everyday decision-making.

STATS can be for anyone wanting to better understand and use data, developing skills that are valuable across university study, careers and everyday life. Students interested in studying a BA or BSc would typically take this course. Find out more about STATS 101.

STATS 108 - Statistics for Commerce 

While the content is similar to STATS 101, STATS 108 is the standard Stage I Statistics course for students who study a Faculty of Business programme or major in Economics under a BA.

If you are interested in studying a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Propety (BProp), Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) (BUrbPlan (Hons)) or a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), this is the course for you. Find out more about STATS 108.

Scholarship information

The opening and closing dates for the University of Auckland Kōkiri Raumati 2027 Scholarships are currently being confirmed. These Scholarships are available to students taking part in the Summer Start, Tōia ki Waipapa and UniBound programmes beginning in January 2027 and may be able to support with costs associated with the summer programmes. 

Keep an eye out for an update on the key dates coming soon.

Apply for UniBound Summer

Registrations are open for students who have already applied to a University of Auckland accredited programme. If you haven’t formally applied yet, UniBound provides guidance and support to help you through the application process.

UniBound is also open to Pacific students who may not yet have met University Entrance requirements or received an offer but are eager to prepare for their university journey.

Contact us

If there’s anything you’re unsure of relating to the UniBound Summer programme, please do not hesitate to contact our team below. 

For general application, and enrolment questions related to studies during summer, please submit an enquiry through our AskAuckland portal.

UniBound Summer Team

UniBound Summer Manager
Sara Toleafoa
Email: sara.toleafoa@auckland.ac.nz

UniBound Summer Student Support Advisor
Seulele Vine 
Email: cecile.vine@auckland.ac.nz

UniBound Room
20 Wynyard Street
Auckland CBD 1010
Building 273, Room 201G