Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s (UC) highest-ranked pillar in the new rankings, International Outlook (236th globally), showcases the University’s strong international connections, diverse community, and commitment to collaboration across borders.
2025 marks UC's third consecutive year of international enrolment growth, contributing to total student numbers exceeding 26,000 and positioning UC to become the second-largest university by student numbers in the South Island.
UC continues to reflect the diversity and vitality of Ōtautahi Christchurch, a city in which UC’s total student headcount represents around 6.5% of the population.
The University’s work is grounded in its community and connected to the world. By developing strong international partnerships, UC continues to enhance its teaching and research for the benefit of students, society and the planet.
UC continues to perform well in the Teaching category, with positive results in student–staff ratios and teaching reputation, indicating a high-quality academic environment that prioritises student experience. Teaching remains a strategic focus for the University, with growth in doctoral completions and postgraduate enrolments signalling strong foundations for future improvement.
Guided by the values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and tiakitanga, UC remains committed to teaching and research that make a meaningful difference, locally, nationally and globally.
UC is ranked in the 601 to 800 band globally.
In the THE Impact Rankings 2025, which measured universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UC was ranked:
Within the top 100 globally across all Impact Rankings.
In the top 70 globally for overall impact, reflecting UC’s commitment to delivering education and research sustainably.
As New Zealand’s top-ranked university in three SDGs: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life Below Water.
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