University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

"Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference"

Talk to a mentor Research University ๐ŸŒ www.canterbury.ac.nz https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

At a Glance

Accept Rate โ€”
Avg Salary/Yr โ€”
Ranking #261 (QS)
PSW VISA Up to 3 years
/ Explore / Universities / University of Canterbury

About University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury is a public university in Christchurch, New Zealand, established in 1873. It is New Zealand's second-oldest university and ranked #257 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Annual tuition for international students is around NZ$36,410 โ€“ 54,180 / year. Main intakes: February ยท July. Programmes are taught in English.

Rankings & Recognition

#261
QS World University Rankings 2026 Ranked #261 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Ranked #261 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Accreditations & Memberships

QS 5-Star Rated Universities New Zealand

QS 2026 Performance Breakdown

Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with University of Canterbury's global standing for that metric.

Academic Reputation #
Employer Reputation #
Faculty Student Ratio #
Citations per Faculty #
#

Key Facts

15,706 Total Students
20.9 : 1 Student-Staff Ratio
1873 Established
#261 QS World Rank
English Teaching Language

Popular Programs

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Science

Application Details

Application Route Online via myUC
Application Fee N/A
Intakes Feb, July
UG Deadline Rolling
PG Deadline Rolling
Scholarship Deadline 31 Oct / 15 Apr
First Year Scholarship NZ$15,000

Standardized Test Requirements

TestMinimum Score
IELTS
6.0 UG / 6.5 PG
TOEFL iBT
80 UG / 90 PG
PTE Academic
50 UG / 58 PG
Duolingo English Test
N/A
NZCEL
Level 5 PG

Study Abroad & Visa Details

Visa Approval Rate 75%
I-20 Processing N/A
Post-Study Work Up to 3 years
Green Card Pathway Skilled Migrant Category

Financials

Application Fee N/A
Avg Scholarship NZ$5,000 โ€“ 15,000

Career Outcomes

#2 in NZ QS Employment Outcomes
3,000+ Employer Connections
87% Placement Ratio
Up to 3 years Post-Study Work
20 hrs/week Work While Study

Where Graduates Land

N/A

Faculty & Alumni

Academic Staff โ€” N/A Student-Staff Ratio โ€” 20.9 : 1 โ€”

Notable Alumni

Ernest Rutherford Sir John Key

Campus & Location

University of Canterbury's main campus is in Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand, about a 10-minute drive from the city centre and close to both the mountains and the sea.

Campus Details

Main campus in Ilam
Christchurch
Dovedale campus (College of Education)
Arts Centre teaching space in central city
Large green campus with river and gardens
On-campus halls of residence
Libraries
labs & sports centre
Close to mountains
beaches & ski fields
Good public bus connections

Campus Forecast

Summer (Decโ€“Feb): 16โ€“23ยฐC Autumn (Marโ€“May): 10โ€“18ยฐC Winter (Junโ€“Aug): 2โ€“11ยฐC Spring (Sepโ€“Nov): 8โ€“17ยฐC Cold winters with occasional frost Mostly dry and sunny climate

Student Life & Housing

Housing

Halls of Residence Ilam Apartments Private Flatting

Dining

Catered Halls Meal Plans Campus Cafรฉs

Health & Wellness

UC Health Centre Counselling Rec Centre

Activities & Clubs

160+ Clubs UCSA Sports Fields

Diversity & Demographics

Total Students 15,706
International Students N/A
Countries Represented N/A

Cost Deep-Dive

Annual Tuition NZ$36,410 โ€“ 54,180 / year
First Year Scholarship NZ$15,000

Intakes & Deadlines

Main intakes at University of Canterbury: February (Semester 1) ยท July (Semester 2). Scholarship deadlines: 31 October (Feb intake) and 15 April (July intake).

Scholarships at University of Canterbury

2 scholarships available

View All 2

These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Class 12 or an equivalent recognised qualification
Postgraduate A recognised bachelor's degree in a related field

English Proficiency

IELTS

6.0 UG / 6.5 PG

TOEFL iBT

80 UG / 90 PG

PTE Academic

50 UG / 58 PG

Duolingo English Test

N/A

NZCEL

Level 5 PG

Required Documents

Academic Transcripts Passport Copy English Test Score SOP / CV

Application Process

1
Apply Online
Submit your application via the myUC portal.
2
Receive Offer
Get your Offer of Place from UC.
3
Pay Fees
Pay the tuition fee estimate shown on your offer.
4
Apply for Visa
Apply for an NZ Student Visa with your offer and fee receipt.
5
Enrol & Arrive
Accept your Enrolment Agreement and join orientation.

Campus & Location

University of Canterbury's main campus is in Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand, about a 10-minute drive from the city centre and close to both the mountains and the sea.

6 of 6 courses
Bachelor's 6
University of Canterbury
๐Ÿ“ Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 4 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Canterbury
๐Ÿ“ Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Canterbury
๐Ÿ“ Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's Bachelor of Science
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Canterbury
๐Ÿ“ Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Canterbury
๐Ÿ“ Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 4 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Canterbury
๐Ÿ“ Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year

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