‘The extremely friendly atmosphere and the multicultural environment where I could mix with students from all over the world played a big part in my decision to study at UC.’
Study Programmes
At the University of Canterbury we will provide you with the opportunities and support to help you reach your academic goals.
The University offers more than one hundred different subjects and courses offered in six academic fields of study: Commerce, Engineering, Law, Education, Liberal Arts and Science.
You will be able to graduate with a qualification that is not only of the highest academic quality but also excites you.
English Language Courses
Our English language courses will prepare you for academic study at Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree level. We encourage you to take an internationally recognised English language test, such as IELTS, before applying, however it is not required as we are able to test your level upon arrival.
Foundation Studies
Depending on your previous studies, we may ask you to take some courses to help you succeed in your degree programme. The Certificate in Foundation Studies programme enables you to meet academic and English language requirements for most of our degree programmes. You will develop your English language and study skills as well as gain an introduction to subjects in your chosen academic field.
Inbound Student Exchange
The University of Canterbury inbound Study Exchange programme allows students living outside of New Zealand to come and gain credit while studying and experiencing the quality of life here in Christchurch. If your home university is not on our list of Exchange Partners then you may be interested in our Study Abroad programme.
Study Abroad
Our Study Abroad Programme will give you the opportunity to spend one or two semesters on the University of Canterbury campus and experience life in New Zealand while gaining credit for the courses you take. The University of Canterbury is pleased to announce that we will be awarding at least 50 awards of up to NZ$5,000 each to overseas students who wish to join this programme.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Our general undergraduate degrees are flexible three-year degrees that allow you to study a wide range of subjects, while specialising in your major subject. Specialist undergraduate degrees take three or four years to complete and prepare you for a specific field through a structured course selection.
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate diplomas provide an opportunity for you to acquire substantial knowledge in a particular subject in a relatively short time, typically not in your previous field of study. They can be taken as a way of meeting the prerequisites for further postgraduate study, for developing your interests and for enhancing your employment prospects.
Postgraduate Qualifications
Our research-based honours and masters degrees and postgraduate diplomas are offered in wide range of subjects and take between one to two years to complete. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is also offered and this normally requires three years of full-time academic research.