Overview of the Allocation Process
Entry into BE(Hons) disciplines is competitive and varies each year depending on:
- the number of available places in each discipline
- the number of eligible applicants
- an applicant’s Grade Point Averages (GPAs)
- ranked discipline preferences.
Where demand exceeds capacity, places are allocated based on GPA ranking.
GPA Calculation
All eligible applicants are ranked according to their Grade Point Average (GPA).
- The GPA used for BE(Hons) entry is calculated from Schedule C and Schedule S courses only.
- In the case of a course having been repeated, the average of the grades is taken with a weighting that is still equivalent to 15 credits of study.
- For those who have completed STAR courses, MATH 199/198 is included as part of the GPA calculations as a Schedule C course if there is no EMTH 118/119 taken in EFY.
- The Associate Dean (Academic) can vary the basis of the calculation in order to respond equitably to exceptional individual circumstances.
- Any course completed from Schedule S is included in the GPA calculation, even if it is taken as an elective or is not required for a particular discipline.
- Results from Summer School are included in GPA calculations that are from Schedule C and Schedule S only.
- Places are held for students completing EFY that includes Summer School.
Discipline Demand and GPA Cut‑offs
Demand for each of the eight engineering disciplines varies from year to year. In some years, certain disciplines receive significantly more applications than there are places available.
In recent years, demand has been particularly high for Mechanical, Mechatronics, Civil and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, resulting in GPA cut‑offs for those disciplines. Similar levels of demand are expected to continue.
2025 GPA Cut‑offs (for reference)
- Mechanical Engineering: GPA 6.14 (B+)
- Mechatronics Engineering: GPA 5 (B)
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering: GPA 4 (B-).
- Civil Engineering: GPA 3 (C+)
GPA cut‑offs change each year depending on demand and should be used as a guide only, not a guarantee of entry.
In 2025, 77% of applicants who met the entry requirements received an offer for their first choice of discipline.
Places available in each discipline*
Discipline | Capacity |
Chemical and Process Engineering | 85 |
Civil Engineering | 240 |
Computer Engineering | 30 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 120 |
Forest Engineering | 25 |
Mechanical Engineering | 170 |
Mechatronics Engineering | 130 |
Software Engineering | 60 |
* these numbers are based on previous years, and can vary from year to year
Key Information
GPA ranking | When a discipline has more applicants than available places, offers are made based on GPA ranking. |
Demand varies by year | The level of demand changes each year, so GPA cut‑offs are not fixed and can be higher or lower depending on applications. |
Summer School results | Summer School results are included when allocation decisions and GPA rankings are calculated. |
For questions about the allocation process or your individual circumstances, contact: engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
