Climate Ambassador Programme 2026
- Lian Soh
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
The Climate Ambassador Programme 2026 is a 15-week journey designed for passionate Year 13 students who want to contribute to a better climate future. Run by the University of Waikato, the programme blends online learning with on-campus opportunities—connecting rangatahi with science, leadership, and action in the climate space.
What’s Involved?
Students will complete the first-year paper Introduction to Climate Change Science (15 points), delivered fully online. This course covers the scientific basis of climate change, giving students university-level knowledge they can carry into the Bachelor of Climate Change or another qualification.
Alongside weekly online workshops and mini-lectures, students will take part in two on-campus hub days in Hamilton. These days include:
A case study competition on real-world climate issues.
Workshops and talks from climate leaders.
Networking with like-minded peers from across Aotearoa.
📅 Hub Day: Thursday 23 April 2026
📅 Summit Day: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Commitment
The programme is designed to fit around school life. Students commit to:
One 2-hour online workshop after school each week.
2–3 short online lectures (20 mins) to watch in their own time.
Two on-campus hub days in Hamilton.
Schools provide minimal admin support—approval is all that’s required.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to all Year 13 students who:
Have NZ citizenship or permanent residency.
Meet discretionary entrance (DE) requirements, or hold NCEA Level 2 endorsed with Merit/Excellence.
Have school approval.
Students without DE or an endorsed Level 2 can still apply with a supporting letter of recommendation from their school.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 programme are now open and close on Friday 13 February 2026. Selection is first-come, first-served.
✅ Fill in the application form.
✅ Get your school to complete the approval section.
✅ Email your form (and recommendation letter if needed) to climate_ambassadors@waikato.ac.nz.
✅ Create a MyWaikato account.
More details: Climate Ambassador Programme – University of Waikato
Ngā mihi A special thank you to Jim Critchley for informing our network of this opportunity, and to the University of Waikato for running such a future-focused programme for Year 13 students. |
