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Join a global whānau at Canterbury: NZ's #6 university with 150+ years of innovation.
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand
# =261QS World University Rankings
92Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes
About University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi – the second largest city in New Zealand – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majestic Southern Alps, and Te...
Read more
Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi – the second largest city in New Zealand – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majestic Southern Alps, and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the abundant Pacific Ocean, the University of Canterbury offers students endless opportunities for education, exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city.
Mission, Vision, Values and Focus
People come first at the University of Canterbury, reflecting our intrinsic values: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga. These values are rooted in trust, care and reciprocity, and were embedded over generations of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu presence in the region. In fact, in 1861 Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi: “kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.” Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster amongst our students, staff and community. We are proud to open our doors to students and staff throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, welcoming everyone to learn from one another and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community. The University of Canterbury is a place for everyone.
Our vision for the University of Canterbury is a contemporary university, a place of learning that is grounded in our shared history, values our differences, and aspires towards research and tertiary education that is equitable and accessible to all. We are determined to remain agile, responsive and pioneering, pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of our students. Since the Canterbury Collegiate Union was founded with Henry John Tancred’s inaugural address in 1872, the University of Canterbury has stood for the encouragement of talent without barriers. With our 150th anniversary on the horizon in 2023, we are reflecting on our past so that we can take our successes and our learnings into the future as we set our aspirations for the next 50 years.
Our relationships with manawhenua are integral to these aspirations, as we strive to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the bedrock of the University of Canterbury. As we continue to strengthen our partnership and grow our understanding of mātauranga Māori, we are creating a programme of collaborative knowledge creation that sets the University of Canterbury apart. In doing so, we also acknowledge New Zealand as an integral Pacific nation, and embrace the shared whakapapa and reciprocal relationships with our Pacific neighbours.
We seek to cultivate a spirit of curiosity that honours those who have gone before us, while contributing to the pool of diverse knowledge that we will in turn pass on to the next generation. In this, we are inspired by the Ngāi Tahu whakataukī: mō tātou, ā, mō ngā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us. We know that our students are our future, and we believe in empowering them to overcome the challenges of the changing world, and to create a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive future for us all.
The University of Canterbury provides a learning and research gateway, from the vast expanse of the galaxy and to the depths of the Antarctic continent – offering the connection, understanding and opportunities that will enable us to overcome the challenges facing our society. We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education and facilitating creative and innovative research for the benefit of both local and global communities. Our international networks provide opportunities for partnerships, research collaborations and student exchanges. Our academic leaders are encouraged to be courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their learnings with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.
Our people are powered by resilience and determination, using our combined knowledge and experience to chart a course into the future – aukahatia tō waka, he hekenga tai roa. We stand with our community in times of need, mobilising our networks to provide solutions, resources and simple kindness.
Our students are smart, innovative and caring, and we are proud to support them to grow as individuals and members of our warm and vibrant University of Canterbury community. We offer endless opportunities outside traditional learning, giving our students the chance to find themselves, to connect with others and to positively contribute to a changing world. When you graduate from the University of Canterbury, you join a whānau more than 140,000 strong, a cohort of engaged and empowered alumni affecting change across the globe. There is a place for you at the University of Canterbury – nau mai, tauti mai – come join us.
Read lessAbout University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi – the second largest city in New Zealand – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majestic Southern Alps, and Te...
Read more
Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi – the second largest city in New Zealand – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majestic Southern Alps, and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the abundant Pacific Ocean, the University of Canterbury offers students endless opportunities for education, exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city.
Mission, Vision, Values and Focus
People come first at the University of Canterbury, reflecting our intrinsic values: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga. These values are rooted in trust, care and reciprocity, and were embedded over generations of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu presence in the region. In fact, in 1861 Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi: “kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.” Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster amongst our students, staff and community. We are proud to open our doors to students and staff throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, welcoming everyone to learn from one another and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community. The University of Canterbury is a place for everyone.
Our vision for the University of Canterbury is a contemporary university, a place of learning that is grounded in our shared history, values our differences, and aspires towards research and tertiary education that is equitable and accessible to all. We are determined to remain agile, responsive and pioneering, pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of our students. Since the Canterbury Collegiate Union was founded with Henry John Tancred’s inaugural address in 1872, the University of Canterbury has stood for the encouragement of talent without barriers. With our 150th anniversary on the horizon in 2023, we are reflecting on our past so that we can take our successes and our learnings into the future as we set our aspirations for the next 50 years.
Our relationships with manawhenua are integral to these aspirations, as we strive to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the bedrock of the University of Canterbury. As we continue to strengthen our partnership and grow our understanding of mātauranga Māori, we are creating a programme of collaborative knowledge creation that sets the University of Canterbury apart. In doing so, we also acknowledge New Zealand as an integral Pacific nation, and embrace the shared whakapapa and reciprocal relationships with our Pacific neighbours.
We seek to cultivate a spirit of curiosity that honours those who have gone before us, while contributing to the pool of diverse knowledge that we will in turn pass on to the next generation. In this, we are inspired by the Ngāi Tahu whakataukī: mō tātou, ā, mō ngā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us. We know that our students are our future, and we believe in empowering them to overcome the challenges of the changing world, and to create a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive future for us all.
The University of Canterbury provides a learning and research gateway, from the vast expanse of the galaxy and to the depths of the Antarctic continent – offering the connection, understanding and opportunities that will enable us to overcome the challenges facing our society. We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education and facilitating creative and innovative research for the benefit of both local and global communities. Our international networks provide opportunities for partnerships, research collaborations and student exchanges. Our academic leaders are encouraged to be courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their learnings with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.
Our people are powered by resilience and determination, using our combined knowledge and experience to chart a course into the future – aukahatia tō waka, he hekenga tai roa. We stand with our community in times of need, mobilising our networks to provide solutions, resources and simple kindness.
Our students are smart, innovative and caring, and we are proud to support them to grow as individuals and members of our warm and vibrant University of Canterbury community. We offer endless opportunities outside traditional learning, giving our students the chance to find themselves, to connect with others and to positively contribute to a changing world. When you graduate from the University of Canterbury, you join a whānau more than 140,000 strong, a cohort of engaged and empowered alumni affecting change across the globe. There is a place for you at the University of Canterbury – nau mai, tauti mai – come join us.
Read lessAvailable programmes
Arts and Humanities (5)
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Business and Management (2)
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours
Engineering and Technology (3)
Bachelor of Data Science
Bachelor of Data Science
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Bachelor of Product Design
Bachelor of Product Design
Life Sciences and Medicine (3)
Bachelor of Forestry Science
Bachelor of Forestry Science
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Natural Sciences (3)
Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Social Sciences and Management (9)
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
Arts and Humanities (8)
Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting
Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting
Master of Arts
Master of Arts
Master of Arts (Thesis)
Master of Arts (Thesis)
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Linguistics
Master of Linguistics
Master of Music
Master of Music
Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
Master of Writing
Master of Writing
Business and Management (5)
Master of Applied Finance and Economics
Master of Applied Finance and Economics
Master of Business
Master of Business
Master of Business Information Systems
Master of Business Information Systems
Master of Commerce
Master of Commerce
Master of Professional Accounting
Master of Professional Accounting
Engineering and Technology (17)
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Architectural Engineering
Master of Architectural Engineering
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Engineering
Master of Engineering
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Studies
Master of Engineering Studies
Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering
Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Human Interface Technology
Master of Human Interface Technology
Master of Product Design
Master of Product Design
Master of Product Innovation
Master of Product Innovation
Master of Water Resource Management
Master of Water Resource Management
Master of Water Science and Management
Master of Water Science and Management
Professional Master of Computer Science
Professional Master of Computer Science
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Master of Audiology
Master of Audiology
Master of Counselling
Master of Counselling
Master of Forestry Science
Master of Forestry Science
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice
Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice
Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Natural Sciences (5)
Master of Antarctic Studies
Master of Antarctic Studies
Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
Master of Mathematical Sciences
Master of Mathematical Sciences
Master of Science
Master of Science
Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology
Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology
Social Sciences and Management (21)
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Education
Master of Education
Master of Education (Thesis)
Master of Education (Thesis)
Master of European Union Studies
Master of European Union Studies
Master of Hōaka Pounamu | Māori Bilingual and Immersion Teaching and Learning
Master of Hōaka Pounamu | Māori Bilingual and Immersion Teaching and Learning
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Master of Laws
Master of Laws
Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
Master of Policy and Governance
Master of Policy and Governance
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Applied)
Master of Social Work (Applied)
Master of Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Master of Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Master of Specialist Teaching
Master of Specialist Teaching
Master of Sport Science
Master of Sport Science
Master of Strategic Communication (1 year)
Master of Strategic Communication (1 year)
Master of Strategic Communication (1.5 years)
Master of Strategic Communication (1.5 years)
Master of Systems Change
Master of Systems Change
Master of Te Reo Māori
Master of Te Reo Māori
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Teaching and Learning
Master of Teaching and Learning
Full-Time MBA (1)
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Arts and Humanities (2)
Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy
Life Sciences and Medicine (1)
Doctor of Health Sciences
Doctor of Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Management (1)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
University information
General
Tuition fees
Domestic Students
International Students
Rankings & Ratings
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha is one of the top public universities in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is ranked #=261 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Ranking criteria
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
QS World University Rankings
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha Campus
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
NZ
8140
Open in Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Living in Christchurch is more affordable than other New Zealand cities, so students have more budget to put towards enjoying all the opportunities the Canterbury region has to offer.
Living costs will depend on factors like your accommodation selection, personal circumstances, and lifestyle. The University of Canterbury recommends budgeting at least NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses.
UC is ranked 2nd in New Zealand for employability outcomes and employer reputation (2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings).
UC offers Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, including work placements and work-related projects, to help students be career-ready upon graduation. International students can apply for a three-year post-study work visa after completing their degree. Starting salaries for UC graduates can widely vary, but typically range from NZ$50,000 to NZ$60,000 per year.
Christchurch is New Zealand’s second major business centre and the national hub for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), known as New Zealand’s digital city. It is a leading centre for innovation, research, and technology, with key sectors including engineering, biotechnology, avionics, electronics, software engineering, agriculture, education, forestry, nutraceuticals, Antarctic research, and tourism. More than half of UC graduates find employment in the Canterbury region after completing studies.
Ranked in the top 100 QS Best Student Cities 2025, Christchurch offers students an exciting, vibrant lifestyle anchored in the beauty and serenity of the surrounding natural environment.
UC has one of the best club cultures of any university in New Zealand, offering a vibrant student experience. From academic and cultural to sport, food, gaming, and more, there are over 150 clubs and societies that you can join or participate in – and if there isn’t already one that covers your interest, it’s easy to start your own! Each club provides a wide variety of opportunities, including volunteering, community projects, internships, road trips, and social activities.
The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) also holds a range of free and ticketed events on campus year-round, including concerts, barbeques, and the legendary Tea Party.
UC has an abundance of facilities and services on campus and in the field. From learning spaces and early childhood services to health and recreation, there’s range of facilities to support our student’s academic journey.
UC offers a range of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. UC offers over $20 million in scholarships and prizes annually. These include the UC Engineering International Scholarship, UC International First Year Scholarship and academic merit-based Deans Awards, High achievers’ scholarships among others.