QS Stars awarded the university a 5-star rating for employment, cutting-edge facilities, internationally renowned research, and outstanding teaching and student satisfaction in 2016. The University also holds a QS rank of 266. Waikato Management School holds a triple accreditation of EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. Waikato also has a global ranking from QS for certain subjects: Accounting and Finance, Business and Management studies, Communication and Media Studies, Computer Science, Economics, Education, English language and literature, Environmental sciences and Sociology.
The university offers 100s of scholarships and more than 2000 industry placements and internships. The courses are offered in the following broad categories: learning, natural sciences, , animal care, applied computing, linguistics, arts, behaviour analysis, engineering, sciences, languages, business & communication, community, computer, counselling, creative arts, performing arts, data analytics, design media, digital, business & commerce, education, English, environmental sciences, ethics, social studies, health, sports, and law. The University has two main campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga.