About
The University of Canterbury, abbreviated as Cant, is a public research university in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was founded in 1873 as Canterbury College and is the second-oldest university in New Zealand. The University offers students 150 programmes in diverse disciplines like Law, Engineering, Fine Arts, Education, Teaching, etc. The University's total enrollment is 18771 students, out of whom 25 percent are international students from over 100 countries.
What is the acceptance rate of the University of Canterbury?
The University of Canterbury's acceptance rate is 50%, thereby making it moderately selective.
The University of Canterbury offers scholarships worth NZD 20 million to its students. This University has five colleges, namely the College of Arts, College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Education, Health and Human Development, and College of Business and Law.
What is the Annual Tuition fee at the University of Canterbury?
The average annual tuition fee for international students at the University of Canterbury is nearly NZ $28,000 to NZ $44,000 pr 14 Lakh to 22 Lakh for undergraduates.
Top Reasons to Study in the University of Canterbury
The University has an excellent reputation for its engineering and science programmes; its Civil Engineering course is ranked 9th in the world (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2021).
- The University of Canterbury awards more than 20 million NZD every year in scholarships and financial aid. From freshmen to sophomores and future graduates, the University offers scholarships in New Zealand for all types of students.
- The University offers various exchange programmes which lead students to experience overseas studies, broaden their educational horizons and expand their global network opportunities.
- It has been ranked 5-Star QS for its outstanding methods of research and teaching.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
50%
Application Fee
NZ$100
How to Apply at University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury's requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses vary. To apply to UOC, you have to follow the steps given below –
- Sign up at the University's application portal to fill out the online application form along with a declaration.
- Upload the official secondary/ high school/ college academic records directly through the concerned institution.
- Get the transcripts evaluated by authorized agencies.
- Submit your English proficiency scores.
- Submit a copy of your passport
- Submit financial proof
- Submit other necessary documents.
Note: Application portal: myUC portal
Application Fee: No application fee
Suggested: Student Visa New Zealand
Documents Required to Apply to University of Canterbury
English language test scores.
- Official high school transcripts certified and translated into English.
- Official post-secondary transcripts.
- Financial documents.
- Copy of Passport.
- Proof of citizenship and residency.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Identification proof.
Exams Accepted By University of Canterbury
Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the following course requirements:
| Courses | Exams |
| MBA |
IELTS –7.0 and above TOEFL – 100 and above 5 years of work experience |
| M.Ed |
Minimum B+ GPA in either a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours A Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or equivalent degree TOEFL IBT – 90 or above IELTS – 6.5 or above NZCEL – Level 5 |
| M.Comm |
Completed bachelor’s degree and graduate diploma in relevant fields preferably Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor Arts, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Finance or Computer Science TOEFL IBT – 90 or above NZCEL – Level 5 IELTS – 6.5 or above |
| B.Sc. |
Previous knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology TOEFL IBT – 80 or above IELTS – 6.0 or above NZCEL – Level 4 –Academic Level |
| MA |
Completed bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with Honours, or an equivalent degree with good grades in relevant subjects Professional teaching experience TOEFL IBT – 90 or above IELTS – 6.5 or above |
English Proficiency Requirements
To get admission into UOC, the University of Canterbury international students have to qualify the following English proficiency tests:
| Tests | Minimum Test Requirements For University of Canterbury undergraduate courses | Minimum Test Requirements For PG |
| IELTS | 6.0 or above | 6.5 or above |
| PTE Academic | Overall 50 | Overall 58 |
| TOEFL (IBT) | 80 or above | 90 or above |
Campus Life
Campus locations
Canterbury
Transportation in the city
Located at the heart of the city center of Christchurch, the University of Canterbury is incredibly accessible by different means of transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis.
Services offered by the university
- The largest city on the southern island of New Zealand. The campus sprawls across 76 hectares of land and includes high-tech infrastructural facilities.
- The campus is a perfect amalgamation of gardens and green spaces and is also in very close proximity to the picturesque Avon River.
Student life at University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury has only one campus located in the heart of Christchurch
- The University of Canterbury comprises five colleges, four libraries, a sports and fitness center, several theatres, multiple laboratories, a Muslim prayer center, and a Christian chaplaincy.
- The University also offers 50 clubs for students to choose from.
Check: Why Study in New Zealand
On campus accomodation at University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury offers on-campus accommodation facilities to all students, including international students, through its ten residential halls. Students can apply for an on-campus housing facility even before receiving the acceptance letter.
- The University of Canterbury houses more than 2200 students in its ten residence halls. In addition, the on-campus living options are available to students in the form of self-catered residential halls and campus villages.
- Some of the residential halls of the University include Bishop Julius Hall, Ilam Apartments, Manuka Apartment, Rutherford Halls, and so forth.
- The facilities offered at the on-campus residence halls include beds, wardrobes, desks, laundry service, Wi-fi, a shared kitchen with utensils, and the like.
- The cost of living in on-campus housing facilities ranges from NZD 9,000 to 15,000 per year (INR 457,272 to 7,621,200)
Faculty
University Faculty Stats
The University of Canterbury hosts around 826 experienced faculty. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1. Some of the notable faculty of the University include philosopher Dennis Dutton, Nobel Memorial Prize Winner in Chemistry Robert Grubbs, philosopher Karl Popper, and so forth.
Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at University of Canterbury
The Career Center of the University of Canterbury helps students gain access to part-time employment, write good resumes, and prepare for interviews. The center also regularly conducts jobs and employment fairs for its students.
- PACE Internship Program – It offers students a unique Work-Integrated Learning experience through which they can apply the nitty-gritty of their degree in the real world.
- New Zealand Police Prosecution Service Internship – Offered by the Department of Law, the internship provides students with an opportunity to engage with the justice system intrinsically.
Placement of University of Canterbury
Students can obtain hands-on career assistance from the Career Center of the University of Canterbury. The career services provided by the Center include Career Assessments and Counseling, Interviewing Preparation, Job Search Guidance, Career Fairs, and Events, along with Job & Internship Postings. Moreover, the university is listed among the highest placement rates of 96%. The highest-paid graduate from the University Of Canterbury is Finance, with an average annual salary of NZD 192,000 (INR 9,755,136).
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Last updated August 14, 2026