Quick Summary
Public in Christchurch, New Zealand โ University of Canterbury, est. 1873. Ranked #256 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 22000 students including 18% from outside New Zealand. Known for strengths in Civil and Structural Engineering, Forestry, Linguistics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 50%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UC offers a world-class education in a city known as a gateway to exploration, combining rigorous research with an outdoor lifestyle.
Subject Strengths
Civil and Structural EngineeringForestryLinguisticsGeographyGeologyEducation
Founded1873
TypePublic
Total Students22000
Intl Students18%
Faculty Ratio19
CampusSuburban
Campus Size76 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationAACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown for Business)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#256
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501-600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Arts, Business, Education, Health and Human Development, Engineering, Law, Science
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Gateway Antarctica, HIT Lab NZ, NZ Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour, Waterways Centre
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown for Business)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate50%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATRequired for MBA
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline ยท May 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline ยท December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should check specific equivalency requirements for their country; Semester 1 (February) is the primary intake for most programs.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in New Zealand Dollar
UG Tuition
$37,000/yr
per year ยท NZD
Living Cost
$25,000/yr
per year ยท NZD
PG Tuition
$41,500/yr
per year ยท NZD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$62,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials ยท NZD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Arts, Business, Education, Health and Human Development, Engineering, Law, Science programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Forestry Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Antarctic Studies | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Data Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
86%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementYes
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships with TrimbleTait Communicationsand major NZ engineering firms.
Notable Alumni
Ernest Rutherford, John Key, Sam Johnson, Eleanor Catton
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
UC RecCentre, Sport and Wellbeing Centre, climbing wall, outdoor fields
Student Clubs
Over 160 student clubs, including the famous ENSOC and UCSA
Library Resources
Puaka-James Hight Library, EPS Library, Macmillan Brown Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available