8 October 2025
11 February 2026
10 June 2026
7 October 2026
Duration
12 months
Fees
NZ$33,500 (Commerce pathway)
NZ$42,250 (Engineering pathway)
NZ$38,500 (Science pathway)
These fees are indicative only based on revision each year and do not include additional costs such as course materials, insurance, and levies. Prices include GST where applicable.
Student Services Levy (SSL)
Insurance for International students
Student loans, allowances, and scholarships
Overview
The Diploma in University Studies at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a one-year programme in science, engineering, or commerce that serves as an alternate first year to your corresponding bachelor’s degree at UC. Upon completing the Diploma, students progress into the second year of a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering with Honors, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Data Science.
Students completing the Diploma will receive extra academic, language, and wellbeing support in their all-important first year of university study on UC's campus.
UC's Diploma in University Studies is delivered exclusively by our dedicated on-campus UC International College (UCIC).
Entry requirements
International student entry into the Diploma in University Studies at UC varies by country and/or region. See your specific entry requirements.
You will also need to meet our English language entry requirements with the equivalent of IELTS 5.5, with no band below 5.0.
See our English Language Programme if you need support meeting this requirement.
Diploma in University Studies outcomes
Upon completion of your Diploma in University Studies you will continue on to the second year of your intended bachelor’s degree in Science, Commerce, Engineering, or Data Science.
Ready to start?
Hear from our students
Read about the experienes of our students studying an international pathway programme with UC.
