MATH198 STAR course
Are you excelling in mathematics at school? Already tackling advanced calculus and keen for more?
If you’re ready to extend yourself, our zero fees, zero credit MATH198 course might be for you.
Why study MATH198?
Push beyond high school maths
If you’re a high-achieving student, MATH198 offers the opportunity to challenge yourself with university-level linear algebra and calculus and advance beyond the standard year 13 curriculum.
Start university with confidence
Learn in a university teaching style with lectures, tutorials, and exams, with access to tutors and services to support you. Previous STAR students say that taking the course has eased their transition from school to university.
You’ll also meet like-minded students from across the country and can start building valuable connections.
Discover UC life
Whether you’re based in Christchurch or studying from a distance, you’ll get the chance to experience UC life.
Local students benefit from being on campus for lectures and become familiar with the university environment, while distance students can apply for a FREE residential camp - a unique opportunity to meet fellow maths students, and experience what the university campus and Christchurch have to offer.
Free up your future timetable
A B+ (or better) in MATH198 sets you up to take 200-level Mathematics (MATH) or Engineering Mathematics (EMTH) during your first year of university, leaving space in your schedule to select additional personal-interest subjects or added flexibility if you choose to pursue a conjoint degree.
Please note, unlike other STAR courses, participation in MATH198 does not offset credit requirements for a degree at the University of Canterbury.
Boost your GPA
Your MATH198 grade can be used in place of EMTH118 and EMTH119 in your Engineering first year grade point average (GPA) - a potential advantage should you wish to enter year two of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. First-year GPA grades are used to determine placement into our limited-entry Engineering disciplines.
A good MATH198 GPA result is also a great addition to your CV, and for scholarship or hall of residence applications. Arcady hall and University Hall East reserve a limited number of beds specifically for MATH198 graduates.
Course Information
- MATH198 runs to the university timetable, not the school terms. See the University timetable
- MATH198 is a full year course, running parallel with MATH102 in semester 1 and MATH103 in semester 2.
- Assessments consist of weekly quizzes and attendance, tests, and an assignment, with an exam at the end of each semester.
- Course material is presented in comprehensive online resources for self-study.
- Each week, our distance students meet in small groups for online tutorials while our local students come on campus each Thursday for a lecture and tutorial.
- The course requires around 8 hours of work per week
- Proven success in mathematics. For example, 20 Level 3 Calculus credits with Excellences, or very strong Level 2 Mathematics if taking Level 3 concurrently.
- Your application will need to be endorsed by the STAR coordinator at your school.
- Ability to work independently and stay organised.
- Time to fit at least 8 hours of study into your week.
- MATH198 students must be enrolled in a NZ high school.
- Visit How to apply to a STAR course for instructions.
- Get sign-off from both your school and caregiver.
- Provide proof of identity (passport or birth certificate).
- Talk to your school Careers Advisor or Head of Maths if you need help.
How does MATH198 differ to MATH199?
MATH199 is no longer offered for 2026 enrolments and will be replaced with our new zero-fee, zero-credit MATH198 course. The content and delivery model remains the same.
How does MATH198 differ from other STAR courses?
In 2026 most STAR courses at UC carry a fee of $671 per 15 points, and these points can be credited towards a UC qualification. MATH198 is free. While it does not carry points, it does act as a prerequisite for our 200-level MATH and EMTH papers.
What scholarships are available to MATH198 students?
The University of Canterbury offers a wide range of scholarships for students, view our scholarships for more information.
Does MATH198 carry a grade despite being a zero credit course?
Yes, your MATH198 grade will be taken into consideration when GPA calculations are made. This can be particularly beneficial for entry into highly competitive disciplines for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
If I come to UC to study engineering after passing MATH198, do I have to take first year engineering maths?
No, you can take other courses instead. A B+ in MATH198 is sufficient preparation for EMTH210.
Can MATH198 be credited to other university courses?
As MATH198 is a zero-credit course, it does not allow transfer of credits to UC or other university degrees.
However, other universities may at their discretion consider MATH198 a sufficient entry point into their relevant 200-level programmes.
I’m an international student. Can I enrol in MATH198?
Yes, you will need to submit your visa with your application.
Do I need to have done NCEA Level 3 Calculus?
Not all schools offer acceleration programmes, so we will consider enrolments with only Level 2 Mathematics results for students taking Level 3 Calculus concurrently with MATH198. Equivalent preparation in Cambridge or IB is also acceptable.
