The University of Waikato was established as locals of Hamilton demanded their own university. The university was officially opened in 1964. Sticking to the motto 'For the People', the university aims to be dynamic and contribute to the advancement of knowledge by delivering only the best education and coming up with the best research.

Based on Times Higher Education rankings 2015, the university is in the 401-500th band. Meanwhile, based on QS World University Rankings, the University experienced quite a leap in rankings, currently placing 324th. A five-star is also granted upon the University by QS.

The following areas make up for the entirety of the school: Arts and Social Sciences, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Education, Law, Science and Engineering, Management, and there is the School of Maori and Pacific Development, teaching anything Maori-related the language, arts, culture, and communication. Waikato is strongest at these subjects according to QS Subject University Rankings: Modern Languages, Education, Law, Economics and Econometrics, and Computer Science and Information Systems.

Waikato equips you with the best facilities. For instance, there is an access room which provides simplicity to people with disabilities. If you have banking needs, there are two branches of banks at the university: ANZ and ASB. Besides, to cater to your essential and daily needs, there are a salon, a pharmacy, and a grocery store.