The University of Canterbury Story

Our place in the world

Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch – the second largest city in New Zealand – UC provides an experience unlike any other university.

Our expansive, park-like campus is nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the majestic Southern Alps), and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the abundant Pacific Ocean). We offer students endless opportunities for education, exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city. 

The University of Canterbury is in a period of extraordinary growth — a reflection of the trust our students place in us and the vibrancy of Ōtautahi Christchurch as somewhere to live and learn.

People first

People come first at the University of Canterbury, reflecting our intrinsic values:

• whanaungatanga (empowering others)
• manaakitanga (valuing people and their differences)
• tiakitanga (enhancing and nurturing our resources)

These values are rooted in trust, care and reciprocity, and were embedded over generations of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu presence in the region. In fact, in 1861 Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi: “kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.”

Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster amongst our students, staff and community. We are proud to open our doors to students and staff from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, welcoming everyone to learn from one another and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community.

Our students feel supported and inspired. Guided by our values, we expand the ways in which our students thrive – whether through personalised support, wellbeing services, or the communities they find on campus. The University of Canterbury is a place where everyone can belong.

Our graduates contribute to thriving communities here in Canterbury and across the globe. Our partnerships with business, industry and community create opportunities for innovation and growth, while our research makes a difference, from local neighbourhoods to the world stage.

Mana whenua of UC

Te Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s relationships with mana whenua are integral to our identity, as we strive to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the bedrock of our institution.

As we continue to strengthen our partnership and grow our understanding of mātauranga Māori, we are establishing a programme of collaborative knowledge creation that sets the University of Canterbury apart. In doing so, we also acknowledge New Zealand as an integral Pacific nation and embrace the shared whakapapa and reciprocal relationships with our Pacific neighbours. 

We seek to cultivate a spirit of curiosity that honours those who have gone before us, while contributing to the pool of diverse knowledge that we will, in turn, pass on to the next generation. 

In this, we are inspired by the Ngāi Tahu whakataukī: mō tātou, ā, mō ngā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.

UC’s Vision

The strategic vision for the University of Canterbury is a contemporary university; a place of learning that is grounded in a shared history, that values differences, and aspires towards research and tertiary education that is equitable and accessible to all. 

We are determined to remain agile, responsive and pioneering, pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of our students. 

Since the Canterbury Collegiate Union was founded with Henry John Tancred’s inaugural address in 1872, the University of Canterbury has stood for the encouragement of talent without barriers. UC’s 150th anniversary allowed us to reflect on our past, ensuring we take our successes and our learnings into the future, as we set our aspirations for the next 150 years. 

University of Canterbury’s growth

In recent years, UC has welcomed more students than ever before – from Canterbury, across Aotearoa, and around the world. Our student community is more diverse, dynamic and ambitious – a powerful reflection of UC’s reputation as a place where people belong, succeed and lead. 

Carefully planned for and embraced, UC’s growth ensures our university remains a place where excellence and opportunity go hand in hand. 

Our campus is evolving alongside our people. Set within 87 hectares of landscaped grounds in the leafy Christchurch suburb of Ilam, UC brings together modern learning spaces, state-of-the-art laboratories, and halls of residence all within walking distance. Students also have access to four libraries, spacious lecture theatres and welcoming study areas across campus. 

New facilities are continually being created for learning, living and connecting — from additional on-campus accommodation and a vibrant recreation and wellbeing centre to world-leading facilities at Kōawa Studios. Each development is part of UC’s careful planning for a growing student community, ensuring every learner has the space and support to flourish. 

Our people

Our people are powered by resilience and determination, using our combined knowledge and experience to chart a course into the future – aukahatia tō waka, he hekenga tai roa. We stand with our community in times of need, mobilising our networks to provide solutions, resources and simple kindness.

Our academic leaders are encouraged to be courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their learnings with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.

UC students are smart, innovative and caring, and we are proud to support them to grow as individuals and members of our warm and vibrant University of Canterbury community. 

Graduates from the University of Canterbury join a whānau more than 140,000 strong; a cohort of engaged and empowered alumni affecting change across the globe.

As our UC community grows, so too does the collective energy, creativity and determination of our people.