Pre-Master’s Two Semester Programme
02 July 2025
Transition from your advanced diploma or associate degree study into a master’s programme at UC.
HOW TO APPLY
8 October 2025
11 February 2026
7 October 2026
Please check that the end date of your pre-master's programme aligns with the start date of your preferred master's degree.
Duration
32 weeks
Fees
NZ$32,400
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 University of Canterbury (UC) Pre-master’s two semester programme is a comprehensive pre-university pathway into master’s study for international students who hold an advanced diploma or an associate degree, but not a full bachelor's degree.
Upon completion of the pre-master’s programme, with a minimum GPA requirement, 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 generally for postgraduate study at UC (including courses developing your cultural and bicultural awareness, communication, critical thinking, and data analysis) and a second semester in advanced undergraduate courses in your chosen fields of interest.
The first semester in UC's Pre-master’s two semester programme is delivered exclusively by our dedicated on-campus UC International College (UCIC). The second semester courses are taught by UC.
Entry requirements
To enter the Pre-master’s two semester programme you must hold an advanced diploma or associate degree.
You will also need to meet our English language entry requirements with the equivalent of IELTS 6.0, with no band below 5.5.
See our English for Academic Purposes programmes if you need support meeting this requirement.
Pre-master’s Two Semester Programme outcomes
Completing the Pre-master’s two semester programme (with a minimum GPA) will guarantee you entry to 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.
- Master of Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Applied Data Science
- Master of Applied Finance and Economics
- Master of Business Information Systems
- Master of Business
- Master of Financial Analysis (new degree coming soon for 2026)
- Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Ready to start?
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