13 October 2025
16 February 2026
21 September 2026
Duration
16 weeks
Fees
NZ$16,400
This fee is indicative only based on revision each year and does 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 Pre-master’s one semester programme at the University of Canterbury provides an alternative pathway into postgraduate study for international students who hold a bachelor’s degree (or other specified degree) but do not meet master's entry requirements. Upon completion of the pre-master’s programme, you will be guaranteed entry to a range of master’s degrees across Business, Engineering, Science, Health, Education, and Arts disciplines.
The pathway comprises one semester of coursework that prepares you for postgraduate study at UC, including courses that develop skills and knowledge in communication, critical thinking, data analysis, and cultural awareness.
UC's Pre-master’s one semester programme is delivered exclusively by our dedicated on-campus UC International College (UCIC).
Entry requirements
To enter the Pre-master’s one semester programme you must hold a bachelor's degree (or other specified degree) and meet our English language entry requirements with the equivalent of IELTS 6.0, with no band below 5.5.
Some master's degrees may have additional requirements.
See our English Language Programme if you need support meeting this requirement.
Pre-master’s One Semester outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Pre-master's one semester programme you can apply to enter your chosen master's degree programme at UC.
Please check that the end date of your pre-master's programme aligns with the start date of your preferred master's degree. Most master's degrees have a February and/or July start date.
- Master of Applied Data Science
- Master of Applied Finance and Economics
- Master of Business Information Systems
- Master of Business
- Master of Civil Engineering
- Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Engineering Studies
- Master of Financial Analysis (new degree coming soon for 2026)
- Master of Geospatial Data Science
- Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
- Master of Marketing
- Master of Policy and Governance
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
- Master of Water Science and Management
* Some programme requirements may vary.
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