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University of Canterbury

About University of Canterbury

The Institution of Canterbury in New Zealand was established in 1873 and is Aotearoa New Zealand's second university. It was once known as Canterbury College and was the University of New Zealand's first constituent college.

The university campus was originally located in central Christchurch, but in 1975 it was relocated to Ilam, a leafy suburb. The Ilam campus is around 5 kilometres from the city centre of Christchurch. It is bordered by large natural spaces, and the Avon River, which flows adjacent to University Drive, adds to the campus's physical splendour. The university's 190-acre campus includes lecture halls, laboratories, computer suites, studios, and four libraries that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On campus, there are ten living halls with a total capacity of almost 2,279 students. Additionally, there are approximately 15 pubs, diners, and cafes on campus.

The College of Arts, College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Education, Health and Human Development, and College of Business and Law are the five colleges that make up this university. There are about 35 research institutes in the city. These universities provide a variety of degree programmes in the arts, commerce, technology, fine arts, sports, and music, as well as law and health sciences. Teaching, physical education, forestry, and language pathology are among the many programmes available.

International students can also complete their degrees at one of the university's partner universities in their home country. Aside from that, student exchange programmes and other international short courses provide opportunity for students to get global experience. A total of 17,299 students are enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programmes. There are approximately 814 academic faculty members and 1151 staff members at the university.

University Of Canterbury Highlight

  • For worldwide acclaimed research and teaching, UC is the first New Zealand university to obtain the prestigious QS 5-star rating.
  • According to the 2017 QS World University Rankings, UC is among the top 1% of universities worldwide, ranking 214th.
  • UC is the second-oldest university in New Zealand.
  • According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2017, UC is placed in the top 100 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering, and has 15 subjects listed in the top 200.
  • UC is among the top 3% of universities in the world, with a great reputation for high-quality degrees, research-active faculty, and world-class facilities.
  • In 10 of the 17 disciplines, UC is ranked first or second in New Zealand.

University Of Canterbury Facilities

  • Businesses on camBusinesses on campus
  • Learning spaces
  • Field Facilities Centre
  • Accessibility
  • Library
  • UC RecCentre
  • Early Childhood Learning Centre
  • Health Centre
  • Accommodation
  • Parking
  • Canterbury card
  • Onsite servicesus

University Of Canterbury Scholarships/ Financial Aid

Students participating in full-time programmes are permitted to work 20 hours per week on campus. Scholarships are available to students, including:

  • 25 international first-year scholarships worth a total of 20,000 NZD are available.
  • UC Masters Scholarships: There are 25 scholarships available, with tuition at the domestic rate.
  • Tuition costs at the domestic rate + 21,000 NZD for UC International Doctoral Scholarships.
  • NZIDRS (New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships): domestic tuition fees + 25,000 NZD + medical insurance up to 600 NZD per year.

The University of Canterbury awards more than $20 million in scholarships and prizes each year to help our students pay for their education.

First Year Undergraduate Scholarships

The UC International First Year Scholarship is worth $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, depending on the year. This scholarship honours and assists outstanding overseas students who are beginning an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Canterbury. A total of twenty-five scholarships may be given out. International students studying in New Zealand high schools and at UCIC are also eligible for these scholarships.

UC College of Engineering offers generous scholarships to top undergraduate students

The University of California's College of Engineering awards significant scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. This fellowship honours outstanding overseas scholars and provides financial assistance to them as they pursue an undergraduate Engineering degree at the University of Canterbury. Students who obtain this scholarship can expect to receive between NZ$15,000 and NZ$25,000 per year for up to four years.

CLICK HERE for more Information on Scholarship.

University of Canterbury English language Requirments

English Proficiency Test Minimum Scores for UG Minimum Scores for PG
IELTS 6.0 6.5
TOEFL (iBT) 80 90
EAP at CCEL EAP2 Grade C+ EAP2 Grade B+
PEARSONS 57 64

University of Canterbury Highlights

University Type Public University
Campus Setting Urban
Establishment Year 1873
No. of Campuses 1 main campus
No. of Residence Halls 10
Graduate Job Rate 89.9% (full time)
Research Funding Above 600,000 NZD pa
Cost of Attendance 29,550 NZD pa
Applications Accepted Online
Work-Study Available
Intake Type Semester wise
Mode of Program Full time and online

University of Canterbury Tuition fee

Courses UG PG Doctorate
Arts 25,500-30,200 29,000-33,800 6,749
Business 28,100 29,900 7,066
Engineering 42,000 42,000 8,130
Science 32,000 34,900-36,600 7,062–7,855
Law 30,200 33,800 7,066

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.

General expenses Cost
(in NZ dollars)
Rent (per month) $800–$950
Groceries (per week) $100–$150
Gym membership (per year) $300
Entertainment (per week) $50
Milk (per litre) $3
Coca Cola (per can) $2
Cup of Coffee $3–$5
Lunch from University food hall or campus café $7–$12
Local calls made from a cell-phone $0.50–$1.50
Taxi - 5 km ride $10–$12
Movie ticket $10–$14
Visit to doctor $45–$85

Know more about Studying in New Zealand

Tuition Fees in New Zealand (1st Year Average) BE/Btech NZD 24605 | MBA NZD 25694| MS NZD 29178 | BSc NZD 30702 | BBA NZD 22863 | MEng NZD 41589 | MIM NZD 34186 | MFin NZD 142025
Average Accomodation & Food Costs in New Zealand NZD 1250 Per Month
Entrance Exams in New Zealand TOEFL: 74 | IELTS: 6 |PTE: 53
Work and Study in New Zealand Permitted for 20 hours/week with a valid study permit.
Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand One to Three Years Depending on the Region.
Cost of Student Visa in New Zealand NZD 295
Student Visa in New Zealand If a student wants to study full time in New Zealand for more than three months, and is willing to pay the full cost of the course, Fee-Paying Student Visa is for him/her.
Intakes in New Zealand There are Two Main Intakes in New Zealand: January Intake and July Intake.
Top Job Sectors in New Zealand Engineering, Software Developing/Programming, Medicine, Education, Accounts, Electrician, Automotive Technician, etc.
Economy in New Zealand Growth Rate of 2.8% (2018), 2.5% (2019e), 2.7% (2020e), 22nd Largest in the World by Nominal

University of Canterbury Average Tuition Fee Per Year

Undergraduate

$ 28,100

Postgraduate

$ 29,900

Costs per year

Overall cost of living

$ 13,200

Campus accommodation

$ 0

Please note that fees will vary. Always check the exact cost of the program and bear in mind likely additional expenses.