Ara Institute of Canterbury

Quick Facts about Ara Institute of Canterbury

• Founded: 1961
• Type: Public
• Students: 19,000
• International: 9%
• Campus: Multiple Campuses
• Tuition: $17,500 – $28,500/year
• Language: English, Te Reo Māori, Samoan
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Ara Institute of Canterbury

Academics

Ara Institute of Canterbury provides a diverse range of programs from certificates to postgraduate qualifications across various faculties. Key faculties include Business and Information Technology, Creative Arts, Engineering and Architectural Studies, Health and Wellbeing, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, and Primary Industries. The institution is known for its practical, hands-on teaching approach, integrating work-integrated learning, internships, and industry-based projects into most programs. Notable programs include engineering, nursing, applied health, business, and creative industries, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for in-demand sectors. Ara also focuses on multidisciplinary strengths, such as in its NDL lab where civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering students collaborate on projects.

International Students

Ara Institute of Canterbury welcomes a diverse international student body, with over 1,700 international students from more than 50 nationalities. The International Office provides comprehensive support services, including orientation programs, academic assistance, career advice, and help with accommodation. All programs are offered in English, ensuring a world-class education for international students. Ara fosters cultural integration through various clubs, events, and student societies, and celebrates diversity within its community.

Campus & Location

Ara's largest campus is situated in central Christchurch, the biggest city in New Zealand's South Island. Christchurch offers a vibrant city life with a blend of English heritage and Māori influence, featuring numerous art galleries, museums, a thriving restaurant scene, and a large student population. The City campus provides a wide range of facilities including a gym, recreation center, health center, library, and on-site cafes. Transportation to and from the campus is convenient, with Christchurch's Metro bus system offering services that pass the campuses, and a Tertiary Student Metrocard providing discounted fares for students. The campus is also within walking distance of attractions like Hagley Park, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Career Outcomes

Ara Institute of Canterbury boasts strong employment rates, with a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation for its students. The institution maintains close industry connections and partnerships with companies, ensuring that programs align with current workforce needs and offering extensive work placement opportunities. Ara's dedicated career services team assists students with job searches, CV writing, interview preparation, and career advice. Notable employment success has been observed in nursing, with 98.5% of registered nursing graduates seeking work achieving employment. Christchurch itself has a growing IT sector and a strong manufacturing industry, offering various employment opportunities. The Ara Innovation Hub also supports entrepreneurship, providing incubators and funding for startups.

Information for International Students at Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand welcomes international students, with 9% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 9% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English, Te Reo Māori, Samoan

Admissions Requirements for Ara Institute of Canterbury

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Ara Institute of Canterbury:

• IELTS minimum: 6
• TOEFL minimum: 79
• GPA minimum: 2.5

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Programs at Ara Institute of Canterbury (20 programs)

Ara Institute of Canterbury offers 20 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.

Bachelor Programs (17)

• Bachelor of Nursing (BSc) — 36 months · English · $24,500/yr · STEM
  Prepares students for registration as a comprehensive nurse through a mix of clinical practice and theoretical knowledge in health sciences.
  Field: Nursing
  Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Health Consultant
• Bachelor of Applied Management (BA) — 36 months · English · $21,000/yr
  Covers core business functions including accounting, marketing, and human resources with a focus on strategic management.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Executive, HR Officer
• Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education (BA) — 36 months · English · $22,000/yr · STEM
  Integrates environmental science with outdoor leadership and sustainability education in a practical, field-based environment.
  Field: Environmental Science
  Career outcomes: Environmental Educator, Outdoor Guide, Sustainability Consultant
• Bachelor of Language (Japanese) (BA) — 36 months · English · $20,000/yr
  Develops high-level Japanese language proficiency and cultural understanding for international careers.
  Field: Languages
  Career outcomes: Translator, International Relations Officer
• Bachelor of Performing Arts (NASDA) (BA) — 36 months · English · $23,000/yr
  Intensive training in acting, singing, and dance for musical theatre and dramatic performance.
  Field: Performing Arts
  Career outcomes: Actor, Performer, Theatre Director
• Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BSc) — 36 months · English · $25,000/yr · STEM
  Provides specialized knowledge in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering with a focus on practical application and design.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Engineering Technologist, Project Manager
• Bachelor of Social Work (BA) — 48 months · English · $21,500/yr
  Focuses on social justice, human rights, and community development to prepare students for professional social work practice.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Social Worker, Community Advocate, Policy Analyst
• Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (BA) — 36 months · English · $23,000/yr
  Specialized training in journalism, radio, or television production at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.
  Field: Communications
  Career outcomes: Journalist, Producer, Radio Host
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · $24,000/yr · STEM
  Offers specializations in Laboratory Technology or Human Nutrition, focusing on practical scientific skills.
  Field: Science
  Career outcomes: Lab Technician, Nutritionist
• Bachelor of Information & Communication Technologies (BSc) — 36 months · English · $23,000/yr · STEM
  Focuses on software development, networking, and systems administration with a strong emphasis on practical industry projects.
  Field: Information Technology
  Career outcomes: Software Developer, Systems Administrator, IT Consultant
• Bachelor of Medical Imaging (BSc) — 36 months · English · $26,000/yr · STEM
  Combines anatomy, physiology, and physics with clinical placements to train professional medical imaging technologists.
  Field: Health Science
  Career outcomes: Medical Imaging Technologist, Radiographer
• Bachelor of Music Arts (BA) — 36 months · English · $22,000/yr
  Provides training in performance, composition, and music production within a contemporary music framework.
  Field: Music
  Career outcomes: Musician, Composer, Sound Engineer
• Bachelor of Midwifery (BSc) — 36 months · English · $26,000/yr · STEM
  A professional qualification that combines theory and clinical experience to support women through pregnancy and childbirth.
  Field: Midwifery
  Career outcomes: Registered Midwife
• Bachelor of Design (BA) — 36 months · English · $22,500/yr
  Students specialize in visual communication, fashion, or photography, developing creative skills through studio-based learning.
  Field: Design
  Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer, Creative Director
• Bachelor of Construction (BSc) — 36 months · English · $24,000/yr · STEM
  Focuses on quantity surveying and construction management, teaching students how to manage large-scale building projects.
  Field: Construction
  Career outcomes: Quantity Surveyor, Construction Manager
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BSc) — 36 months · English · $25,500/yr · STEM
  Focuses on architectural design, building technology, and the history of architecture to prepare for professional practice.
  Field: Architecture
  Career outcomes: Architectural Designer, Draftsperson
• Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (BSc) — 48 months · English · $27,000/yr · STEM
  Focuses on the assessment and treatment of physical dysfunction and injury through manual therapy and exercise.
  Field: Physiotherapy
  Career outcomes: Physiotherapist, Sports Therapist

Master Programs (3)

• Master of Sustainable Practice (MA) — 18 months · English · $27,000/yr
  Interdisciplinary program focusing on implementing sustainable solutions in business, community, and government sectors.
  Field: Sustainability
  Career outcomes: Sustainability Manager, Policy Advisor
• Master of Applied Health Sciences (MSc) — 18 months · English · $28,000/yr · STEM
  Advanced study for health professionals focusing on evidence-based practice and health leadership.
  Field: Health Science
  Career outcomes: Health Manager, Clinical Specialist
• Master of Creative Practice (MA) — 18 months · English · $26,500/yr
  A project-based master's degree for artists and designers to advance their professional practice and research.
  Field: Arts
  Career outcomes: Professional Artist, Design Consultant

Scholarships & Tuition at Ara Institute of Canterbury

Annual tuition for international students: $17,500 – $28,500/year

✅ Ara Institute of Canterbury offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Ara Institute of Canterbury

• National Ranking: #10 in New Zealand
• QS World University Ranking: #258
• Ranking tier: Unranked
• Research output: Low

Campus & Facilities at Ara Institute of Canterbury

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Multiple Campuses
• Average class size: 20

Key Highlights

• Largest vocational institute in South Island
• Strong industry and employer connections
• Small class sizes with personal support
• Focus on hands-on practical learning
• Extensive range of professional programs
• Modern campuses in Christchurch and Timaru

Accreditation

• New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

Fields of Study at Ara Institute of Canterbury

• Engineering
• Business
• Creative Arts
• Health
• Hospitality

Notable Alumni

• Miranda Easten
• Cathy Andrew
• Amanda Murphy

Frequently Asked Questions about Ara Institute of Canterbury

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