High school students from across New Zealand are set to descend on Tauranga today as the University of Waikato hosts its largest recruitment event of the year.

The University of Waikato Tauranga Open Day will involve hundreds of prospective students visiting the city centre campus to explore study options and experience student life, the tertiary institute said.

The event will feature short lectures on available study pathways, tours of the Selwyn St Studios student accommodation, and recreational activities at the Campus Clubhouse alongside partners including the Magic netball team.

University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Alister Jones said the open day was a key way the institution connected with its community and supported regional growth.

“We see first-hand how education, research and innovation can strengthen communities, support economic growth and create opportunities for future generations,” Jones said.

“Events like Open Day are a critical part of this, where our community can connect with our unique and welcoming campus and see first-hand the world-class education we offer.”

Local schools strongly backed the initiative.

Mount Maunganui College has regularly sent busloads of students to the event since the Tauranga campus opened in 2019, with principal Alastair Sinton describing the university as a major asset for the city.

“A strong local university gives our young people genuine choices,” Sinton said.

“The ongoing city centre developments are incredibly exciting, and we encourage students to attend the open day to explore the fantastic pathways available right on their doorstep.”

The school’s career pathway manager Jane Doherty said the campus expansion presented significant opportunities for Bay of Plenty students.

“We strongly support students attending Open Day because it allows them to explore high-quality tertiary education close to home while gaining insight into emerging career pathways linked to the region’s future workforce needs.”

Doherty said the growth of tertiary education in Tauranga would help retain local talent and strengthen connections between education, industry and employment.

First-year Bachelor of Science student Davi Vogel-Brayner, a former Mount College pupil, said choosing to study in Tauranga has paid off.

University of Waikato Tauranga student Davi Vogel-Brayner. Photo / University of Waikato

“I thought, why not study here? I can save money and stay close to my parents,” he said.

“You can still make new friends and have the same unique student experience as other cities, but it has the benefit of being on a smaller campus and the lecturers are so supportive.”

Originally from Brazil, Vogel-Brayner is studying marine science and said Tauranga’s lifestyle was a major drawcard.

“I like Tauranga – it’s very warm and beachy. Not many universities you can go to the beach on the same day as attending lectures.”

The Tauranga campus continues to grow, with student numbers up 9% compared with 2025.

International enrolments have also doubled year-on-year, with overseas agents attending the open day as the university looks to further expand its global reach.

The university recently signed a strategic partnership with Tauranga City Council aimed at increasing study and accommodation options while supporting the ongoing development of the city centre.

The Tauranga Open Day runs from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday, with students and parents able to register online and view the full programme.