About

University Type

Public

University Type

QS Global Rank

261

QS Global Rank

Average Living Expenses

NZ$20,976

Average Living Expenses

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. 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.

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.

Courses

Cost of Studying at University of Canterbury

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

0 Cost, 100% Coverage, Quick Funds
Just fill in your preferences ad to-do! Reach the best loan offer with Loan Finder

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount sanctioned

100% Free

Assistance for loan process


Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

NZ$20,976

Average living expenses (Masters)

NZ$20,976

Admissions at The University of Canterbury

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

college finder

College Finder

Know universities that fit you best!

Take us through your profile, study preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and we’d find you universities that are tailor made for you, instantly!

Rankings for The University of Canterbury

US News Ranking

#338

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#501-600

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#261

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

View More Rankings

Students University of Canterbury

39

Yocketers applied

37

Yocketers admitted

235

Yocketers interested


Premium Yocketer profiles

Mayank Gupta

Mayank Gupta

Shortlisted

Computer Science

Fall 2023

Aakanksha Kumar

Aakanksha Kumar

Shortlisted

Biotechnology

Spring 2023

Naga Sankeerth Gupta

Naga Sankeerth Gupta

Marketing

Spring 2025

Ammar Ahsan

Ammar Ahsan

Business Information System

Fall 2025


Alumni at University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury has an alumni network of 142,000 graduates from all over the world. Some of the notable alumni of the University of Canterbury include the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand - John Key, Man Booker Prize winner – Eleanor Catton, actor Sam Neil, Olympian Nathan Cohen, etc. 

Yocket’s Counsel

Meet Our Counsellors

We got a team of 50+ experienced counsellors ready to help you!

Reviews for University of Canterbury

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)

Read More

Faculty Information

Jobs and Opportunities

FAQ

1. What are the University of Canterbury world rankings?
The University of Canterbury was ranked 400th by QS World University Rankings in 2021. Consequently, the Times Higher Education had awarded the university 175th rank for Clinical and Health Sciences in 2021.

2. What is the University of Canterbury famous for?
The University of Canterbury is famous for being the second-oldest public university in New Zealand. It is also reputed for being extremely amenable and welcoming to international students. Likewise, the wide assortment of courses that it offers also makes it one of the world's most renowned higher education institutes.

3. Which are the most popular University of Canterbury programs?
Some of the most popular University of Canterbury programs are – Engineering, Computer Science, Linguistics, MBA, etc.

4. Is there any University of Canterbury scholarship for international students?
Yes, international students can avail various University of Canterbury Scholarships, including the Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship worth NZD 15,000 (INR 7,621,200), the Allison MacGibbon Fund worth NZD 300 (INR 15,242), the University of Canterbury Alumni Scholarship for Postgraduate students worth NZD 5,000 (INR 254,040), and much more.

5. What is the average tuition fee for international students studying at the University of Canterbury?
The average University of Canterbury fee for international students ranges from 28,000-44,000 NZD (14.8-23.26 lakh INR) per academic year.