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University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

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University Grade B+ Study in New Zealand →
Official site ↗
World rank #251–300
Tuition from ₹4.8 L per year, 185 courses
Courses 21
Acceptance rate N/A
Founded 1873
Students 12000

About University of Canterbury

{"text":"The University of Canterbury, located in New Zealand, has been around since 1873 and is well-known. It's considered one of the top 1% of universities globally and has about 22,734 students. They have a bunch of different subjects you can study, with options for undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates.

You can go for certificates, diplomas, and Certificate of Proficiency courses.\nGetting into the University of Canterbury is kind of competitive, with a 50% acceptance rate. If you're from India and want to do a graduate program, you need at least a 6.0 GPA on a 10.0 scale (55%) to get in. For international students, the yearly tuition fees are somewhere between 31,600 to 48,000 NZD (15.72 to 23.89 lakhs INR).

The good part is that after you graduate, there are lots of job opportunities waiting for you. You will end up earning around 201,000 NZD (1 crore INR) per year. So, if you are dreaming of a better education abroad, the University of Canterbury will be the best choice. \nUniversity of Canterbury Key Highlights\nThe University of Canterbury is doing well globally, ranking at #256 in the QS World Rankings for 2024.

People say about half of those who apply get in. The university has a big campus, about 190 acres, and there are around 17,000 students from all over the world. They're famous for teaching Engineering and Science really well.

Some big shots have graduated from here. If you're thinking about doing an MBA, it costs around INR 29 L, and for a B.Com course, it's INR 16 L. It's a cool place for learning and getting ahead in your career!\n\n\n\n\n\nAspect\n\n\nInformation\n\n\n\n\nEstablishment\n\n\n1873\n\n\n\n\nType\n\n\nPublic University\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\nNew Zealand\n\n\n\n\nAccreditation\n\n\nRecognized and Accredited\n\n\n\n\nRanking (QS)\n\n\nAmong Top 300 Globally\n\n\n\n\nApplication Fee\n\n\nThe University of Canterbury (UC) does not charge an application fee for graduate or undergraduate programs.\n\n\n\n\nNumber of Students\n\n\n22,734\n\n\n\n\nInternational Students\n\n\nAround 1,869\n\n\n\n\nAccepted Exam\n\n\nTOEFL iBT\n\n\n\n\nCampus Placements\n\n\n50% \n\n\n\n\nScholarships\n\n\n\n\nSchool-Leaver Scholarships\n\n\nInternational scholarships and many more.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMale-Female Ratio\n\n\n51:49\n\n\n\n\nStudent-Faculty Ratio\n\n\n25:1\n\n\n\n\nOfficial Website\n\n\nwww.canterbury.ac.nz\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Ranking\nThe rankings of a university are like its report card on a global scale.

They tell us how well the university is doing compared to others around the world. It's important because a good ranking means the university is offering top-notch education, and employers often notice that. The University of Canterbury has been impressively ranked among the top 300 universities globally for four years straight.

Check out the University of Canterbury Ranking from the below table:- \n\n\n\n\n\nRanking Type\n\n\n2021 Rank\n\n\n2022 Rank\n\n\n2023 Rank\n\n\n2024 Rank\n\n\n\n\nU.S. News and World Report Best Global Univ.\n\n\n338\n\n\n387\n\n\n466\n\n\n-\n\n\n\n\nTHE World University Rankings\n\n\n401-500\n\n\n501-600\n\n\n601-800\n\n\n501-600\n\n\n\n\nARWU Shanghai Rankings\n\n\n401-500\n\n\n401-500\n\n\n-\n\n\n-\n\n\n\n\nQS World University Rankings\n\n\n270\n\n\n258\n\n\n284\n\n\n256\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Scholarships \nThe University of Canterbury helps students with money for their studies in New Zealand. They offer different kinds of support like awards, grants, and scholarships.

It's not only for students from here but also for those from other countries. Every year, the University of Canterbury gives out about $20 million in scholarships to students, showing how much they care about helping everyone get an education.\n\n\n\n\n\nScholarship\n\n\nEligibility\n\n\nAmount (in NZD)\n\n\n\n\nAlison MacGibbon Fund\n\n\nOpen to all students intending to enrol or currently studying at the University of Canterbury\n\n\n300\n\n\n\n\nEamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship\n\n\nMust be a full-time student at the University of Canterbury, enrolled in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of undergraduate study in any discipline\n\n\n15,000\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Alumni Scholarship (Postgraduate)\n\n\nAvailable to those completing their final year for an honours degree or pursuing any year of a postgraduate degree or diploma\n\n\n5,000\n\n\n\n\nAECOM Civil\/Natural Resources Engineering Scholarship\n\n\nRequires academic and technical achievement, teamwork, leadership qualities, and a commitment to a career in Civil or Natural Resources Engineering\n\n\n5,000\n\n\n\n\nBrian Morrison Memorial Scholarships in Engineering\n\n\nDesigned for international engineering students enrolled at the University of Canterbury\n\n\n1,000\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Courses \nAt the University of Canterbury, international students have a lot of choices – they can pick from over 120 different qualifications in more than 150 subjects. These include bachelor's, master's, honours, PhD and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas for both undergraduates and graduates.

You can study on-campus or from a distance, whatever works best for you. The university offers some really good programs that students love.Note:-The fee structure mentioned below is subject to change in accordance with the university's policies. The university reserves the right to modify the fees at any time without prior notice\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram\n\n\nTotal Annual Fees (INR)\n\n\nTotal Annual Fees (NZD)\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Biochemistry\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Chemistry\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Astronomy\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Biological Sciences\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Computer Science\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Microbiology\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\nMaster of Science [M.S], Physics\n\n\nINR 21,73,300\n\n\nNZD 42,200\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Campus\n\n\nThe University of Canterbury campus is situated in Ilam, a Christchurch suburb, spanning across 76 hectares.\n\n\nIt boasts a wide range of facilities essential for both professional and personal development.\n\n\nStudents keen on sports and cultural activities can engage in various clubs and organizations.\n\n\nThe campus features a vast library for knowledge gathering, a relaxing cafe, and recreational zones for student enjoyment.\n\n\nThe campus is adorned with gardens, and green spaces, and is in proximity to the scenic Avon River.\n\n\nOffering 24-hour access, the campus provides 4 libraries, computer suites, lecture theatres, laboratories, and various studios.\n\n\nStudents can choose from over 50 clubs and participate in diverse recreational activities facilitated by the university.\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Cost of Attendance\nThe table below highlights the top courses and their associated fees.

Please note that fees for international students may vary slightly compared to domestic students, and the mentioned fees are subject to change.\n\n\n\n\n\nSubject Area\n\n\nAnnual Undergraduate Tuition Fees (NZD)\n\n\nAnnual Graduate Tuition Fees (NZD)\n\n\n\n\nEngineering and Product Design\n\n\n48,000\n\n\n48,000\n\n\n\n\nFine Arts, Music, and Law\n\n\n37,300\n\n\n40,600\n\n\n\n\nArts, Education (Teaching), and Social Sciences\n\n\n31,600\n\n\n35,400\n\n\n\n\nScience (including non-bench and Health Sciences)\n\n\n39,900\n\n\n42,200\n\n\n\n\nBusiness and Accountancy\n\n\n33,600\n\n\n35,000\n\n\n\n\nCommunication Disorders and Forestry\n\n\n43,500\n\n\n43,500\n\n\n\n\nExpense Type\n\n\nMonthly Expense (NZD)\n\n\nEquivalent Cost for Indians (INR)\n\n\n\n\nResidence\n\n\n1,088\n\n\n54,160\n\n\n\n\nInternet\n\n\nFree\n\n\n-\n\n\n\n\nMobile\n\n\n20\n\n\n995\n\n\n\n\nFood\n\n\n776\n\n\n38,628\n\n\n\n\nContents and Liability Insurance\n\n\n40\n\n\n1,990\n\n\n\n\nBooks and Supplies\n\n\n750\n\n\n37,335\n\n\n\n\nClothing\n\n\n750\n\n\n37,335\n\n\n\n\nMiscellaneous\n\n\n20\n\n\n995\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Major Intakes \n\n\nThe University of Canterbury in New Zealand offers undergraduate programs (Bachelor's Degrees) with two main intakes:\n\n\nSemester 1: Starting in February\n\n\nSemester 2: Starting in July\n\n\nAdditionally, some programs may have a Summer School intake in November.\n\n\nApplication deadlines for Semester 1 and Semester 2 are as follows:\n\n\nSemester 1: Deadline is October 31\n\n\nSemester 2: Deadline is April 30\n\n\nUniversity of Canterbury Notable Alumni \n\n\nRoy Kerr: Roy Kerr, a distinguished New Zealand mathematician, is renowned for his groundbreaking contribution to theoretical physics. His significant achievement lies in the discovery of the Kerr geometry, which stands as an exact solution to the Einstein field equation of general relativity. \n\n\nJohn Key: John Key, a notable figure in New Zealand's political landscape, served as the 38th Prime Minister of the country from 2008 to 2016. After a successful and impactful tenure, Key retired from active politics.

His legacy includes navigating the nation through various economic challenges and shaping key policies during his leadership.\n\n\nPetra Bagust: Petra Bagust, a familiar name in New Zealand's entertainment scene, has left an indelible mark as a television presenter and radio host. Best known for her co-presentation role on TVNZ's morning show Breakfast, Bagust has charmed audiences with her engaging and vibrant on-screen presence.\n\n\nErnest Rutherford: Often hailed as the father of nuclear physics, Ernest Rutherford remains a luminary in the scientific community. A distinguished New Zealand physicist, Rutherford's pioneering research laid the foundation for our understanding of atomic structure. \n\n\nAnote Tong:  Anote Tong is a multifaceted personality known for his roles in politics and environmental activism.

Formerly the President of Kiribati, Tong has been a prominent figure in advocating for environmental issues, particularly in the context of climate change. His dedication to both political leadership and environmental causes has garnered international recognition.\n\n","requirements":"","courses":[],"gallery":["https:\/\/d2bps9p1kiy4ka.cloudfront.net\/5b09189f7285894d9130ccd0\/8b257956-e3e1-478f-8d7a-24f4b58877ff.jpeg","https:\/\/d2bps9p1kiy4ka.cloudfront.net\/5b09189f7285894d9130ccd0\/5fa3aab4-5dac-4de6-8db7-cbb2d22d992a.png"]}

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Bachelor's (40)

CourseDurationTuition
B.Com in Economics ₹4.8 L
B.S in Chemistry ₹5.53 L
B.S in Computer Science ₹5.53 L
B.S in Mathematics ₹5.53 L
BA in Political Science and International Relations 3 years ₹18.2 L
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Theory 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese 3 years ₹18.91 L
Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Studies 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Classics 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Economics 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Education 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in English 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in English Language 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in European and European Union Studies 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in French 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Geography 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in German 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in History 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Japanese 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Music 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 3 years ₹19.64 L
Bachelor of Arts in Russian 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts in Statistics 3 years ₹16.62 L
Bachelor of Arts with Honours 1 year ₹17.3 L
Bachelor of Commerce 3 years ₹19.77 L
Bachelor of Commerce in Economics 3 years ₹19.77 L
Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems 3 years ₹19.77 L
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours 1 year ₹18.57 L
Bachelor of Communication 3 years ₹16.64 L
Bachelor of Criminal Justice 3 years ₹19.77 L
Bachelor of Data Science 3 years ₹21.95 L

Master's (40)

CourseDurationTuition
Graduate Diploma in Arts 1 year ₹17.8 L
Graduate Diploma in Commerce 1 year ₹17.91 L
Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice 12 months - 24 months ₹17.8 L
Graduate Diploma in Journalism 1 year ₹17.91 L
Graduate Diploma in Science 1 year ₹22.47 L
Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication 1 year ₹16.22 L
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning 1 year ₹16.33 L
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) 1 year ₹18.59 L
Master of Antarctic Studies 1 year ₹36.35 L
Master of Applied Data Science 12 months - 18 months ₹25.61 L
Master of Applied Finance and Economics 12 months - 18 months ₹19.71 L
Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting 12 months - 18 months ₹23.82 L
Master of Architectural Engineering 1 year ₹25.34 L
Master of Artificial Intelligence 12 months ₹35.65 L
Master of Arts 12 months - 24 months ₹27.88 L
Master of Arts (Thesis) 12 months - 24 months ₹18.59 L
Master of Audiology 2 years ₹22.53 L
Master of Business 17 months ₹22.6 L
Master of Business Administration 18 months ₹35.4 L
Master of Business Information Systems 17 months ₹29.57 L
Master of Commerce 12 months - 18 months ₹23.65 L
Master of Counselling 24 months - 48 months ₹22.53 L
Master of Criminal Justice 1 year ₹19.94 L
Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience 1 year ₹31.68 L
Master of Education (Thesis) 12 months - 24 months ₹18.59 L
Master of Education MEd 18 months ₹21.51 L
Master of Engineering (Bioengineering) 12 months - 36 months ₹35.48 L
Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 1 year - 3 years ₹14.05 L
Master of Engineering (Construction Management) 1 year - 3 years ₹14.05 L
Master of Engineering (Earthquake Engineering) 12 months - 36 months ₹35.48 L
Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) 1 year - 3 years ₹14.05 L
Master of Engineering (Software Engineering) 12 months - 36 months ₹13.52 L
Master of Engineering (Transportation Engineering) 12 months - 36 months ₹35.48 L
Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering 16 months - 36 months ₹27.03 L
Master of Engineering in Transportation 12 months - 48 months ₹38.02 L
Master of Engineering Management 12 months - 15 months ₹20.5 L
Master of Engineering Studies in Renewable Energy 1 year ₹27.03 L
Master of European Union Studies 12 months - 18 months ₹23.82 L
Master of Financial Engineering 1 year ₹33.79 L
Master of Fine Arts 1 year ₹21.12 L

At a glance

Type
Public
Living expenses
UG NZD 18,671 / PG NZD 9,432
Course duration
12 months - 36 months
Campuses
1
Student rating
4.3/5 (10 reviews)

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNeeded for few courses
  • LORNeeded for few courses
  • EssaysNot required
  • CVNeeded for few courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • No Fees

Type of deadline

  • Depends on course

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Spring31ˢᵗ Oct 2020
  • Summer31ˢᵗ Oct 2023 - 13ᵗʰ Dec 2024
  • Winter30ᵗʰ Apr 2023

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Available for some courses.

Careers service ↗

Campuses

Ilam campus Main

Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140

Campus page ↗

Scholarships at University of Canterbury

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships merit

Deadline: 2026-03-18

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

About the University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury ranks among the top 300 universities in the world and #2 in New Zealand for Graduate Employability (92% grads employed or in further studies). Canterbury University is known for its Engineering programs, ranking #2 in the country for Engineering and Technology programs (QS Rankings by Subject 2026).

Why Indian Students Choose to Study at the University of Canterbury?

Key reasons that make Canterbury University a strong option for Indian students in New Zealand include:

  • Academic Prestige: Triple-Crown Accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA) Business programs and the second-oldest university in New Zealand (founded in 1873)
  • Internships: Opportunity to intern at companies like Deloitte, PwC, BNZ, Datacom, and Beca during studies. Check the latest University of Canterbury Placements data from here
  • Active Student Clubs and Societies: Over 100+ student clubs and societies, including the UC Indian Student Association (UCISA) and the UC Indian Society (UCIndiansoc)
  • Best City for Work-Life Balance - Christchurch is voted the #1 city for work-life balance in New Zealand (University of Canterbury)
  • University of Canterbury vs University of Auckland: The University of Auckland maintains a better global reputation (QS Ranking 2027 - #67 compared to Uni Canterbury's #257). However, Canterbury or Christchurch is 11% more affordable than Auckland (as per Numbeo).
  • Admission Chances: The University of Canterbury Acceptance Rate for Indian students is 50%.

University of Canterbury Facts

Uni Canterbury enrolls 26,000+ students from 100+ countries across its campuses.

Fact Details
Accreditation New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Total Students 26,433
Full-time PG Students 3,456
Full-time UG Students 14,865
International Students 1,549
University Revenue NZD 556 million
External Research Revenue Earned NZD 79 million
Total Staff 2,484

Check out the videos below to know more about studies in New Zealand:

University of Canterbury Scholarships for Indian Students 2026

The University of Canterbury offers a generous number of scholarships on all levels of study and academic college of choice. Each of the University of Canterbury scholarships for international students has different eligibility criteria and may require different supporting documentation. Some of the scholarships offered at the university are given as follows:

  • First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship
  • UC Engineering International Scholarship
  • UC Dean's Award
  • UC Doctoral Scholarships
  • University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship

University of Canterbury Courses and Fees for Indian Students 2026

The University of Canterbury offers more than 120 qualifications in over 150 different subject areas to Indian (international) students in fields like Arts, Commerce, Technology, Fine Arts, Sports, Music, Law, and Health Sciences.

University of Canterbury Popular Courses for Indian Students

Engineering, Business, Data Science, Civil Engineering, and Applied Data Science and AI are among the standout Canterbury University courses available to Indian students:

University of Canterbury Fees for Indian Students 2026

The University of Canterbury tuition fees for Indian students range between NZD 4,950 and NZD 6,825 (INR 2.75 Lakhs and INR 3.8 Lakhs) per year, per 15 points, depending on the course. A breakdown of the Canterbury University tuition costs for Indian students for different streams is given below:

Course Subject Area Tuition Fees for Indian Students (UG Per 15 Points) Tuition Fees for Indian Students (PG Per 15 Points)
Accounting, Business NZD 4,738 NZD 4,950
Arts, Education (Teaching), Social Sciences NZD 4,450 NZD 5,025
Fine Arts, Music, Law NZD 5,263 NZD 5,725
Science NZD 5,625 NZD 5,950
Communication Disorders, Forestry NZD 6,138 NZD 6,138
Engineering, Product Design NZD 6,775 NZD 6,825

University of Canterbury Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026

The average cost of living for Indian students at Canterbury University is NZD 525 (INR 29.5 K) per week. Check the FREE PDF below for a detailed breakdown of the same.

University of Canterbury Living Costs for Indian Students 2026

1 NZD = INR 56.14

University of Canterbury Post Study Job Outcomes

As per the QS 2026 rankings, the Uni of Canterbury ranks at #2 in New Zealand for employability. Also, students can attend teh career events or workshops while studying at Canterbury. They can take help with creating the resume or take advices for career.

University of Canterbury Placement Rate

92% of Uni of Canterbury graduates were employed within 6 months of completing their degree. Check details about the University of Canterbury placements.

ROI after Education from Canterbury University

Half of the University of Canterbury NZ graduates earned between NZD 50,001 – NZD 70,000 in a year (Around INR 24 L – INR 34.2 L) and 31% earned NZD 70,001 (Around INR 34 lakh) and more. For most of the courses such as MA, LLM, MEM, etc, studying from this university will lead to a higher ROI.

Also Check: Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for Indian Students 2026

Introduction

  • For University of Canterbury international students, the application deadline for Sem 1 (2027) is Dec 1, 2026

University of Canterbury Admission Process 2026

For University of Canterbury admission, students can apply online via the university's portal. Meet all the entry requirements and submit all the documents for admission to the Uni of Canterbury.

University of Canterbury Application Deadlines

Two main semesters are there at the Uni of Canterbury. The application deadlines for Canterbury University are given below-

Particulars Application Deadlines
Semester 1 2027 Dec 1, 2026
Semester 2 2027 May 1, 2027

University of Canterbury Eligibility for Indian Students

The documents that are required to be submitted for admission to the Uni of Canterbury are-

  • Academic documents such as degree certificate / high school qualification certificates
  • CV
  • Evidence of English language proficiency score
  • Id document such as passport

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The students should have passed high school / secondary school for admission to Canterbury University's UG courses. An English language proficiency test is also required.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

For admission to the PG courses of the Uni of Canterbury, a Bachelor's degree is required. A proof of IELTS / PTE / TOEFL or equivalent has to be submitted too.

University of Canterbury Ranking 2026

The University of Canterbury 2026 Ranking in New Zealand is #5. At the global level, Canterbury University ranks #339 in the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Country-level subject rankings of Canterbury University given by Shiksha, are as follows:

Program Canterbury University New Zealand Ranking
Engineering #2
Law #3
Business & Management Studies #4
Humanities and Social Sciences #5
Medicine and Healthcare #6
Arts #7

By Other Ranking Bodies

QS, THE, and US News have all ranked the University of Canterbury globally, as mentioned below:

Platform Ranking
University of Canterbury QS Ranking 2027 #257 in the world
THE World University Ranking 2026 #601
US News Global Universities 2026/27 #543

University of Canterbury Campus

Canterbury University has 100+ student-run clubs and organizations. These range from academic and cultural to food, sports, gaming and more. Students can also utilize the campus facilities such as libraries, gym, health centre, etc. There are 10 residence halls on the campus that accommodate a large number of students. In addition to the above, there are about 15 bars, eateries and cafes within the campus. Students can check the University of Canterbury photos from Shiksha's gallery.

Campus Location

The University of Canterbury's campus is in Ilam, which is around 5 km from central Christchurch city. The Avon River flowing adjacent to the University Drive adds to the physical beauty of the campus. Spread across 190 acres, the university campus includes lecture theatres, laboratories, computer suites, studios and four libraries with 24x7 accessibility.

Common questions

How good is the University of Canterbury?

Canterbury Uni has been ranked among the Top 300 Universities in the world in 2026. Also, many scientists, journalists, prime ministers, etc. have studied at the Uni of Canterbury. These famous personalities are Beatrice Tinsley, Rita Angus, Elsie Locke, Karl Popper, etc. Also, this university's students rated the teaching quality at 93% in 2024. 

What is Canterbury University known for?

Canterbury Uni ranks among the Top 2% of the universities in the world. Famous for its high-quality courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and research led teaching, Canterbury Uni ranks among the world's Top 300 Universities for 2026. The Uni of Canterbury is the second-the oldest university in New Zealand. 

How hard is it to get into the University of Canterbury?

The University of Canterbury acceptance rate is around 50%. This acceptance rate mentions that the Uni of Canterbury is somewhat selective. For UG courses of Canterbury's Uni, students are required to have high school / secondary qualifications. A Bachelor's degree is required for admission to the Uni of Canterbury's Graduate courses. 

Can I work while studying in the University of Canterbury?

The Uni of Canterbury allows all international studnents with a visa to work while studying in the university. Students are allowed to work no more than 20 hours a week as per the time part-time work regulations in New Zealand. However, students are allowed to work for longer hours during holidays and summer breaks.

 

What is the placement rate for Uni of Canterbury NZ graduates?

As per the latest 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey, 92% of Uni of Canterbury NZ graduates found jobs. In 20+ countries, the graduates work. The average salary is NZD 50,001 – NZD 70,000 in a year (Around INR 24 L – INR 34.2 L) for half of the university's graduates and 31% earned NZD 70,001 (Around INR 34 lakh) and more. A few of the top recruiters of this university's graduates are EY, Deloitte, Fonterra, ANZ, etc.

Does the University of Canterbury conduct interviews for admissions?

Yes, the University of Canterbury requires students to attend a formal interview during admissions, before the decisions are taken. Applicants might also be asked to appear for a writing test at UC, for admission into certain courses. The international students applying to the University of Canterbury can attend the interview online, either through Skype or telephone at a pre-arranged time. The deadline for the interview process should be checked too. However, UC does accept late applications. Candidates can expect the interview to be conducted by Early-November.

How can I apply to the University of Canterbury?

At the University of Canterbury, students are required to download an application form, fill in the accurate details and submit it in order to apply to the university. While applying to the university, the students do not have to pay any money as UC does not charge any application fee. Listed below are UC's application requirements that students must fulfill while applying:

  • A submission outlining the candidate's career to date, why they wish to be pursue the particular course of choice and the steps taken to investigate it as a career, including samples of work published or broadcast if available;
  • Certified copy of academic records; and
  • Current CV/Resume.

The University of Canterbury also conducts interviews as a part of the application process.

Note: If the candidate wishes to have the material submitted with their application returned, then they must provide a suitably sized, stamped, addressed envelope.

What are the English language requirements for admission to Canterbury University?

International students seeking admission to the University of Canterbury NZ are required to attain the following scores:

Tests

UG

Graduate Diploma & PG Courses

IELTS

Overall 6.0

Overall 6.5

TOEFL

80 overall

90 overall

PTE

50 overall

58 overall

What are UC International First-Year scholarships?

The University of Canterbury offers international first-year Undergraduate scholarships to top-achieving international students. These are:

  • First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship: NZD 15,000 (Around INR 7.23 lakh)
  • UC Engineering International Scholarship: NZD 15,000
What is UC Dean's Award for international students?

UC Dean's Award is for international students of this university (for all levels). The scholarship remains open throughout. The tenure of this scholarship is 1 year. It is available for UG, PG, Master's courses. Students must be enrolled in the first year of the course at this university. 

Is the University of Canterbury NZ MBA good?

University of Canterbury NZ MBA is a flexible and focused program, which is 18-months long. This course has strong business collaborations and industry co-teaching. The UC MBA is accredited by AMBA, the global standard for MBAs. With real-world case studies and projects in this course, students can gain real-world insights that can be directly applied to the work environment.

How long is the MSc in Artificial Intelligence course at Canterbury University?

The Uni of Canterbury MSc in AI course is a 18-months full time course. In this course, students are going to explore the social, technical and philosophical aspects of AI. Optional courses are also available and one capstone project is also there. For admission to the Uni of Uni of Canterbury MSc in AI course, students are required to have a Bachelor's degree related to Computer Science. 

How much does it cost to go to the University of Canterbury?

The annual tuition fee at Canterbury Uni is between INR 11 L - INR 47 L. The weekly cost of living at Canterbury Uni can be around NZD 525. Check the course-wise tuition fees for the Uni of Canterbury from the table given below-

CourseTuitionHostel<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/ms-bc">MS</a>INR 20.8 L - 47.1 LINR 4.9 L - 5.23 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/mba-pgdm-bc">MBA/PGDM</a>INR 18.2 L - 32.68 LINR 4.9 L - 5.23 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/meng-bc">MEng</a>INR 12.48 L - 35.09 LINR 4.9 L - 8.31 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/pg-diploma-bc">PG Diploma</a>INR 10.71 L - 21.94 LINR 4.9 L - 8.31 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/ma-bc">M.A.</a>INR 17.16 L - 33.55 LINR 4.9 L - 6.9 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/mim-bc">MIM</a>INR 18.2 L - 29.48 LINR 4.9 L - 5.23 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/mem-bc">MEM</a>INR 18.4 L - 22.8 LINR 4.9 L - 5.23 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/mem-bc">MEM</a>INR 18.92 LINR 6.11 L<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-canterbury/courses/others-pg-bc">Others PG</a>INR 17.16 L - 26.51 LINR 5.23 L
What is the University of Canterbury's ranking?

The University of Canterbury is a top-ranking university in New Zealand as well as on a global level and its world rankings are listed below:

  • #257 in World University Rankings 2027 - QS World University Rankings
  • #601 in World University Rankings 2026 - Times Higher Education (THE)
  • #543 in Best Global Universities 2026-27 - US News and World Report Rankings
Where does the University of Canterbury ranked in the QS rankings?

In the 2027 global rankings, the University of Canterbury QS ranking is #257. A few of the QS subject rankings for Canterbury University are Geography are #51-100, Civil and Structural Engineering at #101-150, Law and Legal Studies at #151-200

*QS is yet to publish the subject rankings data for University of Canterbury courses for the year 2027. The above subject rankings are of 2026.

What rank is the University of Canterbury?

The University of Canterbury ranking is #257 in the 2027 QS rankings. In the Times Higher Education rankings, this university ranks at #601-800 in 2026. A few of the subject rankings of this university are-

  • Geography: #49
  • Civil and Structural Engineering: #51-100
  • Law and Legal Studies: #151-200
  • Agriculture and Forestry: #151-200
How many campuses does the University of Canterbury have?

There is one main campus of the University of Canterbury, Illam campus. But the university has campuses at other locations too, Arts Centre, Dovedale Campus, Nelson Campus, and field stations. Ilam campus of this university is spread across 76 hectares. 

  • The RecCentre at the campus is the primary fitness facility of Canterbury University 
  • There are 15 cafes, bars and eateries are there on campus

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