University of Canterbury

Rank 6
Location Christchurch
Established 1873
Famous For Engineering, Linguistic, Geology

Overview

The University of Canterbury is a leading research-intensive university located in Christchurch, New Zealand's third-largest city. Established in 1873, it is the second-oldest university in New Zealand and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence.

Canterbury offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across five colleges: Arts, Business and Law, Education, Engineering, and Science. It is particularly well-regarded for its programmes in engineering, science, and business, as well as its humanities and social sciences courses. UC is also known for its strong research culture, with research centres and institutes covering a range of disciplines, including astronomy, Antarctic studies, and digital humanities. The university has a number of research partnerships with other universities and institutions both in New Zealand and internationally.

Services for International Students

The University of Canterbury offers a range of services to support its students through their academic journeys. There is a medical centre that provides health services to students, including medical consultations, vaccinations, and mental health support. The university has academic support services, including study skills workshops, peer tutoring, and academic advisors who can help students with course planning and selection.

A team of student welfare and support staff provide advice and support to students on a range of issues, including financial assistance, disability support, pastoral care, and career development, and provides help to students in preparing for their future careers.

Ranking

  • 261st in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  • 501-600th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
  • 466th in the Best Global Universities category by US News Rankings

Accommodation

There are several on-campus accommodation options for students, ranging from fully-catered halls of residence to self-catered flats and apartments. The halls of residence offer fully-catered accommodation, with meals provided in a communal dining hall and can house almost 2,200 students. Additionally, there are a number of self-catered apartments and studios available on campus, ranging from one to five-bedroom units, and these apartments come fully furnished. Students can also take up off-campus accommodation through private rentals and homestay arrangements. 

About Location

The university is located in Christchurch, which is the largest city in the country's South Island region. The main campus is situated in the suburb of Ilam, approximately 5 kilometres west of the city centre, and is spread across 76 hectares, which makes it one of the largest university campuses in the country.

The surrounding areas of the university are quite pleasant and conducive to student life. It is a safe and friendly area with easy access to several local amenities, including supermarkets, cafes, and shops. The university is located near a range of recreational facilities, including parks, sports fields, and the Canterbury Agricultural Park.

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