The University of Canterbury
Location Christchurch
Country New Zealand
Website The University of Canterbury
Overview of the institution
Canterbury has it all:
- One of New Zealand’s top two research universities, with a broad range of programs and an international reputation for academic excellence
- A brilliant location deep in the South Pacific – a mild climate close to both the sea and the mountains with fantastic recreational opportunities
- Internationally competitive tuition fees and very moderate living costs
- Achievable entry standards for most undergraduate programmes
The University of Canterbury was founded in 1873 as one of the first universities in what was then a British colony, and has had a proud history since that time.
Because of its strong research base, even undergraduate students at the University can expect to be taught by lecturers at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. Teaching and supervision up to PhD level is available in every discipline. A unique endowment, the Erksine Fellowship, makes it possible for a steady stream of staff from prestigious universities overseas to visit and teach at Canterbury. Around 70 such visitors a year provide significant extra enrichment of our teaching programmes.
Because New Zealand has more university places than local students undergraduate entry even for the top universities is not highly competitive in most subject areas. The standard of teaching is however high, and a Canterbury degree is the equivalent of a qualification form the best of the UK universities.
Overview of the location
New Zealand is a modern and technologically advanced country, but it is also a relaxing and safe place to live. There are few class distinctions, and attitudes and manners are friendly and informal.
Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island. It lies on the coastal edge of the Canterbury Plains, close to both the sea and the mountains.
Known as the „Garden City“, Christchurch has excellent beaches, plentiful parks, reserves and golf courses. There are several ski-fields within an hour and a half’s drive of the city. It is easy to travel from Christchurch to lakes and mountains and well-known tourist centres such as Mount Cook and Queenstown.
As well as its wider potential for outdoor recreation, the South Island is a natural laboratory for students in the field sciences. The University has five field stations on the coast and in the mountains of New Zealand, serving as field-trip bases and research centres for staff and students. The University’s sixth field station is in Nigeria.
Institutional facilities
The University’s modern and well-equipped facilities are spread across a spacious suburban campus, with easy access to the centre of the city and its cultural and recreational facilities. The campus is surrounded by playing fields, mature woodlands and the renowned Ilam Gardens.
International students are provided with a wide range of services. These include transport from the airport, assistance in finding suitable accommodation, an orientation programme, friendship linkages with NZ families, and membership of the Student Health Centre and the Students’ Association.
The Students’ Association coordinates over 100 clubs and special interest activities, and offers cafes, meeting places and bar service at various locations on campus.
A mentoring programme is available to all University of Canterbury students in their first year of study.
Main subject areas
The University of Canterbury offers undergraduate degrees in the following areas:
- Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Commerce
- Education, specialising in Physical Education
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Forestry Science
- Law
- Music
- Science
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Social Work
- Sport Coaching
- Teaching and Learning
Postgraduate qualifications are available in most disciplines.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees vary from NZ$16,000 (c.£5,500)to NZ$23,000 (c.£8,000)per year, depending on the subject chosen.
Living costs
You should in general budget for between NZ $300 and $350 per week for general living expenses; that is NZ $12000- $14000 from mid February to mid November (approx £464-£542 per month). If you decide to stay during the summer holidays (mid November to mid February), you will need to budget accordingly.
General entry requirements for UK students
At least three 'A' levels at grade C or above. A result in General Studies cannot be included. The International Baccalaureate diploma is also accepted for entry.
Scholarships
Any other relevant information
The academic year in New Zealand starts in mid February and ends in mid November. While a July start is possible, undergraduate students should normally plan to begin in February.