University of Canterbury
Christchurch, 🇳🇿 New Zealand Public
#3 National #261 QS World
#3 National #261 QS World #501 THE #401 ARWU
22,205 students 7% international Multiple Campuses $22k - $36k/yr
About University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury (UC), located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a public research university established in 1873. As New Zealand's second-oldest university, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a welcoming environment for international students. UC offers a diverse range of over 150 programs across various disciplines, attracting students from nearly 100 countries.
UC offers a wealth of academic study options across its faculties of Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Health, Law, and Science. The university is particularly renowned for its engineering and science programs, with its Civil Engineering course ranking 9th globally in 2021. UC emphasizes hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers. The university also boasts a 5-star QS rating for research and teaching, with a student-reported teaching quality score of 91%.
The University of Canterbury provides extensive support services for its international student community. This includes dedicated Student Care Advisors, language support, and assistance with cultural integration. An International Student Care Handbook is available, covering a wide range of topics from setting up bank accounts to healthcare and transport. International students are eligible to apply for a three-year post-study work visa after completing their degree, offering a pathway to gaining work experience in New Zealand.
Situated on 76 hectares in the leafy Christchurch suburb of Ilam, the UC campus offers a beautiful and vibrant learning environment. Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, is known for its culture, adventure, and welcoming community, with the Avon River winding through its center. The campus features four libraries, 24-hour access computer suites, lecture theatres, laboratories, studios, and a fitness facility called the RecCentre. The campus is easy to navigate by foot, bicycle, or skateboard, with secure bike stands, lockers, and showers available.
The University of Canterbury boasts impressive career outcomes, with a 95% placement rate for its graduates, meaning 95 out of every 100 students secure employment. UC graduates are highly sought after by top companies such as EY, GHD, AECOM, and Aurecon. The university's Career Development Centre offers comprehensive assistance, including one-on-one counseling, workshops on LinkedIn optimization and networking, and access to an exclusive online job board. UC also has a strong startup culture, fostered by its Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE), which provides resources, mentoring, and incubation for student business ideas.
Academics
UC offers a wealth of academic study options across its faculties of Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Health, Law, and Science. The university is particularly renowned for its engineering and science programs, with its Civil Engineering course ranking 9th globally in 2021. UC emphasizes hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers. The university also boasts a 5-star QS rating for research and teaching, with a student-reported teaching quality score of 91%.
International Students
The University of Canterbury provides extensive support services for its international student community. This includes dedicated Student Care Advisors, language support, and assistance with cultural integration. An International Student Care Handbook is available, covering a wide range of topics from setting up bank accounts to healthcare and transport. International students are eligible to apply for a three-year post-study work visa after completing their degree, offering a pathway to gaining work experience in New Zealand.
Campus & Location
Situated on 76 hectares in the leafy Christchurch suburb of Ilam, the UC campus offers a beautiful and vibrant learning environment. Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, is known for its culture, adventure, and welcoming community, with the Avon River winding through its center. The campus features four libraries, 24-hour access computer suites, lecture theatres, laboratories, studios, and a fitness facility called the RecCentre. The campus is easy to navigate by foot, bicycle, or skateboard, with secure bike stands, lockers, and showers available.
Career Outcomes
The University of Canterbury boasts impressive career outcomes, with a 95% placement rate for its graduates, meaning 95 out of every 100 students secure employment. UC graduates are highly sought after by top companies such as EY, GHD, AECOM, and Aurecon. The university's Career Development Centre offers comprehensive assistance, including one-on-one counseling, workshops on LinkedIn optimization and networking, and access to an exclusive online job board. UC also has a strong startup culture, fostered by its Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE), which provides resources, mentoring, and incubation for student business ideas.
Highlights
- Top 2% of universities worldwide
- Strong focus on experiential learning
- Main campus located in Christchurch
- Renowned for world-class engineering programs
- Extensive network of field stations
- Vibrant student life and clubs culture
Subject Areas
EngineeringSciencesForestryEducationLaw
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available
Photos
Programs Offered at University of Canterbury (20)
Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Law Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (11)
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Accounting
Accounting
bachelors in accountingbachelor accountingstudy accounting in new zealandaccounting degree in new zealandaccounting program in christchurch
36 months English Full-time
$33,000/yr
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science & IT
bachelorcanterburycomputernew zealandscience
36 months English Full-time
$38,000/yr
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
bachelor in criminal justicebachelors criminal justicebsc criminal justiceba criminal justiceundergraduate criminal justice
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
bachelorbachelor of engineering with honoursengineeringhonoursnew zealand
48 months English Full-time
$46,000/yr
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
undergraduate fine artsdesign programbachelor fine artsbachelor in fine artsfine arts career
48 months English Full-time
$35,000/yr
Bachelor of Forestry Science
STEM
Forestry
Forestry Science
bachelor of forestry science New Zealandforestry degree Canterburyforest management undergraduatesilviculture bachelor programnatural resource management degree
48 months English Full-time
$40,000/yr
Bachelor of Health Sciences
STEM
Health Sciences
Health Sciences
babachelorbachelor of health sciencesbsbsc
36 months English Full-time
$35,000/yr
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
STEM
Health Sciences
Health Sciences
BABSBScbachelorcanterbury
48 months English Full-time
$41,000/yr
Bachelor of Laws
Law
Law
bachelor in lawlaw program in christchurchba in lawenglish-taught bachelor lawbs in law
48 months English Full-time
$34,000/yr
Bachelor of Music
Music
Music
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36 months English Full-time
$33,000/yr
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
babachelorbsbsccanterbury
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Master Programs (7)
Master of Business Administration
Business Administration
Business Administration
master's in business administrationmaster of business administrationmasters in business administrationmaster business administration new zealandbusiness management degree
15 months English Full-time
$55,000/yr
Master of Science in Applied Data Science
STEM
Data Science
Data Science
applieddatamasternew zealandscience
12 months English Full-time
$48,000/yr
Master of Education
Education
Education
educationteachingpedagogycurriculumlearning
18 months English Full-time
$32,000/yr
Master of Engineering in Management
STEM
Engineering Management
Engineering Management
engineering program internationalstudy engineering management in new zealandinternational master engineering managementmasters engineering management new zealandmasters engineering management
12 months English Full-time
$49,000/yr
Master of Water Science and Management
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
environmentalmanagementmasternew zealandscience
24 months English Full-time
$43,000/yr
Master of Antarctic Studies
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
antarcticenvironmentalmasternew_zealandscience
12 months English Full-time
$45,000/yr
Master of Linguistics
Linguistics
Linguistics
canterburylinguisticsmasternew zealanduniversity
12 months English Full-time
$34,000/yr
PhD Programs (2)
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
chemistrydoctordoctoratenew zealandphd
48 months English Full-time
$42,000/yr
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
doctoral in physicsphysics in christchurchphysicsdoctor of philosophy in physicsphysics career
48 months English Full-time
$42,000/yr
University of Canterbury Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
6+ IELTS
80+ TOEFL
105+ Duolingo
2.5+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline February: second Friday of previous year, July: May 1
Tuition (per year) $22k - $36k/yr
Teaching Language English, Te Reo Māori, French, German, Spanish, Chinese
Accreditation
ACUAACSBAMBAEQUISENZNZLSCA ANZCPA Australia
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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Canterbury
Common questions from international students considering University of Canterbury.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Canterbury?
University of Canterbury is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.
How much does University of Canterbury cost for international students?
Tuition at University of Canterbury ranges from $22k - $36k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.
What is University of Canterbury ranked globally?
University of Canterbury holds the following rankings: QS World #261, Times Higher Education #501, ARWU #401, #3 in New Zealand. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
What English language requirements does University of Canterbury have?
University of Canterbury typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 80+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.
Are scholarships available at University of Canterbury?
Yes, University of Canterbury offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.
When does University of Canterbury start its semesters?
University of Canterbury has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does University of Canterbury offer?
University of Canterbury offers 20+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is University of Canterbury located?
University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch, New Zealand 🇳🇿. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What are the admission requirements for University of Canterbury?
For specific details about University of Canterbury, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
What programs does University of Canterbury offer?
For specific details about University of Canterbury, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
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