Photo caption: Year 12 students attend largest ever Discovery Day at the University of Canterbury.
Despite the cool weather, Te Rā Tūhura | Discovery Day gave secondary school students the opportunity to experience university life and explore Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s wide range of study options, hands-on learning opportunities, and student support services.
The day began with a mihi and welcome from the Future Students team, followed by a series of sessions introducing ākonga to different academic pathways, support networks, and extracurricular activities on offer at UC.
Brett Berquist, UC Amokapua | Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement, says the event is designed to engage with our local high school students to help feel confident and excited about their next steps.
“Discovery Day is more than a campus visit—it’s about empowering young people to see themselves thriving at university. We want them to walk away feeling inspired and supported,” he says.
The record attendance highlights the strong connections UC has built with local schools and whānau. Many of the students who attend Discovery Day go on to enrol at UC, joining a community that values learning, connection, and opportunity in Ōtautahi Christchurch—one of the world’s Top 100 Best Student Cities (QS 2025).
UC looks forward to welcoming many of these students back to campus as they take their next steps toward university study.
