From campus tours to engaging faculty presentations, Te Rā Tūhura | Discovery Day aims to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of university students.
By providing ākonga with an introduction to the many academic offerings at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), the event helps them make informed decisions when choosing their Year 13 subjects.
Brett Berquist, UC Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement, was delighted at the record turnout. "We’re thrilled to see so many young minds eager to explore what the University of Canterbury has to offer. Discovery Day is a fantastic opportunity for students to not only learn about their potential career paths but also to get a feel for university life."
The success of this year's Discovery Day is testament to the strong partnerships the University has cultivated with local secondary schools.
"Building these connections with secondary schools is crucial," Berquist adds. "It allows us to support students in their academic journey and help them see UC as a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can thrive."
The impact of these partnerships is evident in the increasing number of Canterbury school leavers choosing to study at UC. This year, there has been a nearly 7% increase in local school leavers enrolling at the University compared to the same time last year, and it is anticipated that around a third of the students who attended Discovery Day will join the ranks of future UC students.
The University of Canterbury plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of our region and looks forward to welcoming many of these same students to campus in 2026 as they embark on their university journey.
