Location
The University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch, the ideal city from which to explore New Zealand’s south island. From the mountains to the sea, it’s only 1.5 hours to the foothills of Mount Cook National Park and only 2.5 hours to Kaikoura’s famous beach and its dynamic mountain views.
In addition to its beautiful natural setting, with a population of over 380,000, Christchurch is the south island’s economic and cultural center, with musical, art and other events, and over 900 restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
The University of Canterbury, founded in 1873, has almost 15,000, undergraduate and graduate students. It is widely recognized as one of the top 3% universities in the world.
Academics
University of Canterbury (UC) offers a wide range of programs, including: Accounting, Social Sciences, Music, Foreign Languages, Antarctic Studies, New Zealand and Pacific Literature, History, Politics, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Business and Sustainability, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Sport Coaching, Mathematics and many more!
Please note: The following courses are not available to Study Abroad students:
- Fine Arts (studio art) courses
- 200-level Law courses
- Distance Learning Courses
- Some Teacher and Physical Education courses
- Clinical Practice Courses
UC requires a minimum GPA of 2.8
Semester 1 runs from February through June. (USM’s spring semester)
Semester 2 runs from July through November (USM’s fall semester)
You can view their academic calendar here
Helpful Links
- Study Abroad at UC
- Housing Information
- Course Guide Be sure to click the button across to 2025 before searching and UC recommends using the 2nd drop down box (search by subject) to find courses.
Additional Information
Student Village Study Abroad package is available to all study abroad students. It features modern, self-catered apartments, which are just a few minute walk from supermarkets, malls, and public transport. Apartment residents have their own fully furnished bedroom with internet access and shared kitchen/living area, and bathroom facilities. They also have the option of purchasing a meal plan at a nearby University Hall.
It is also possible to arrange a homestay.
Study abroad students pay discounted tuition and fees from UC’s standard rate and also offers limited scholarship possibilities to their partner school students.
Students pay for room and meals directly to UC. Their cost will vary depending on the housing option selected.
STUDENT VISA
Regardless of length of stay, students must obtain a student visa before traveling to New Zealand. You can find more information here