collageUniversity of Canterbury (est.1873) is one of the oldest universities in New Zealand, with a legacy of over 100 years offering its wide range of services to its 14,000 students from 80 countries worldwide to study in New Zealand. The university has been ranked top 250 in the world by best-ranking agencies like QS, THE, and others. With an acceptance rate of 50%, the University of Canterbury is moderately selective in its admissions. Programs extended by the university are through its five colleges namely, College of Arts, College of Education, Health and Human Development, College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Business and Law.
University of Canterbury is ranked in the top 1% for its teaching and research and holds a 5- star rating from QS. It is home to nearly 14,000 students from 100 countries around the world, UC enrolled in over 150 study areas. The top 150 ranking subjects of UC as per QS 2022, include Civil and Structural Engineering, Linguistics, Geology, Geophysics, Earth, and Marine Sciences. Recognized for its MBA programs in New Zealand, candidates interested candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate diploma in Business Administration with good grades, along with five years of professional experience.
The University has two intake seasons for February and July. Indian candidates need to have 75% with 60% in English in AISSC, or 80% with a minimum of 65% in English from State Boards or a one-year UG degree. As proof of English language proficiency, an IELTS score of 6.0 and 6.5 is mandatory for UG and PG, respectively. Students who do not meet the specified academic and ELP requirements can enroll through pathway courses or EAP programs. The University also does not ask for any standardized test scores like GMAT/ GRE for admission.
Highlights
| Application Portal | Online Application |
| Application Fee | N/A |
| Mode of Payment | Online transaction via credit card |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-based |
| Intake Season | February and July |
| Accepted Language Proficiency Test Scores | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CCEL EAP, CAE, NZCEL, FluentIQ, Language CERT |
| Work Experience | Required for some graduate program |
| Interview | Depends on the program |
| Financial Aid | Scholarships and loans |
University of Canterbury Admission Deadlines
Admissions at University of Canterbury is invited for two intake seasons in February and July. The common New Zealand University application deadlines for courses starting in February are in October, November or December of the preceding academic year, whereas the deadlines for second semester starting in July are during March, April or May.
The exact deadlines for few limited entry courses at University of Canterbury are given below:
| Course Name | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Engineering | December 1 |
| Master of Engineering | January 10 (Semester 1, 2021) June 15 (Semester 2, 2021) |
| Master of Engineering in fire engineering | June 1(Semester 1) December 1 (Semester 2) |
| Master of Antarctic Studies | April 9 |
| Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience | January 12 |
| Master of Applied Psychology Parts I and II | November 30 |
| Master of Geographic Information Science Part I | February 1 |
| Post Graduate diploma in child and family psychology | October 1 |
| Master of Counselling | October 1 |
| Graduate Diploma in Journalism | October 31 |
| Master of Social Work | Special Application required by September 30 (Semester 1) Special Application required by May 31 (Semester 2) |
Note:
- Applications received after the mentioned deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis only.
- Some of the above-mentioned courses may require a special application. Students can check the official website to know more about the same.
University of Canterbury International Student Admissions
University of Canterbury accepts applications from international students for its undergraduate and graduate programs. For admission, international students are required to fulfill academic qualifications depending on their home country to meet the equivalent of New Zealand’s qualifications.
Application Portal: myUC Portal
Application Fee: There is no application fee to apply to any undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Basic Admission Requirements: International students must fulfill the following requirements to secure admission at University of Canterbury:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts with a copy of high school diploma or degree
- English language proficiency exams to study in New Zealand
- Copy of passport
- Financial statements
- Identification proof including details of residency and citizenship
- Completed declaration form
- Admission qualifications equivalent to New Zealand’s qualification depending on the applicant’s country.
Country-Specific Requirements
| Country | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| India | An overall grade of 75% with a minimum of 60% in English in All-India Senior School Certificate; or An overall grade of 80% with a minimum of 65% in English from State Boards or a one-year undergraduate degree program at a recognized university in India |
| Pakistan | Studied a one-year undergraduate degree program at a recognized university in Pakistan. |
| Singapore | Singapore GCE A levels or NUS High School Diploma; or A minimum of three H2 passes at C grade. |
| Nepal | Studied a one-year undergraduate degree program at a recognized university in Nepal. |
| Japan | Studied a one-year undergraduate degree program at a recognized university in Japan; or Completed a junior college diploma. |
Some programs have additional study requirements, applicants must check the eligibility requirement of the program you are applying to.
English Proficiency Test Score for International Students
International students whose primary language is not English must submit one of the following test scores to fulfill English language proficiency requirements for admission:
| Test | Minimum Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants | Minimum Requirements for Graduate Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | An overall score of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in listening, speaking, reading and writing | An overall score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| TOEFL iBT | A minimum score of 80 with at least 19 in listening, reading and writing | A minimum score of 90 with at least 19 in listening, reading and writing |
| TOEFL PBT | A minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5 | A minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5 |
| CCEL EAP | Level 2 with a minimum grade of C+ | Level 2 with a minimum grade of B+ |
| CAE or CPE | A minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in listening, speaking, reading and writing | A minimum score of 176 with at least 169 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| PTE | An overall score of 50 | An overall score of 58 |
| NZCEL | Level 4 – Academic endorsement | Level 5 |
| FluentIQ | An overall score of 8/10 with no score less than 7 | An overall score of 8/10 with no score less than 7 |
| Language CERT | B2 communicator high pass, with no individual score below pass | C1 Expert with high pass and no less than Pass in each skill or C2 Mastery IESOL below pass |
Visa Process for International Students
International applicants accepted at the University of Canterbury must apply for a student visa once they enroll for a full-time program. Applicants are required to pay an application fee of 330 NZD + Rs. 747 via credit card.
The documents required to apply for a visa to study in New Zealand are:
- Valid passport
- Complete student application form INZ 1012
- Letter of acceptance from the University of Canterbury
- Medical certificate
- Character certificate/SOP for Visa in new Zealand
- 2 passport size photograph
- Transcripts, degree or diploma from all previously attended institutions.
- IELTS/TOEFL score for proof of English language proficiency
- Financial statements to show sufficient funds for studying in New Zealand.
- Receipt of health insurance
Immigration New Zealand recommends international students scan and submits their documents online in a PDF format as soon as they receive the required completed documents. The processing time for an online application is 4 weeks and can increase up to 3 months during busy periods. Therefore, students are advised to submit their applications on time.
University of Canterbury Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate programs at University of Canterbury covers a vast range of study areas such as business, Engineering, law, data science, environmental science and others. Students have the choice of combining two bachelor’s degrees and graduating at the same time. Admission to undergraduate programs depends on the education system in the applicant’s home country.
Where to Apply: myUC Portal
Application Fee: No application fee.
Admission Requirements: The following documents must be submitted for admission to undergraduate programs at the University of Canterbury:
- Official high school/ college transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Financial statement
- Proof of citizenship and residency
- Intended qualification of study and date
- Statement of Purpose discussing reason for admission
University of Canterbury Graduate Admissions
University of Canterbury offers postgraduate diplomas, master’s degree and PhD degrees in disciplines such as engineering, arts, fine arts, education, law, commerce etc. Applicants for all graduate programs must possess a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with competitive grades to secure admission.
Where to Apply: myUC Portal
Application Fee: No application fee
Admission Requirements: The following documents must be submitted along with an application for admission to graduate programs:
- Official transcripts of the bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL/IELTS score as proof English language proficiency
- Work experience
- Copy of passport as proof of residency
- Financial statements
- Complete application form with a declaration
- Identification proof
Details for some popular postgraduate programs at University of Canterbury are given in the table below:
| Requirements | Master of Education | Master of Commerce | Master of Fine Arts | Master of Business Administration | Master of Civil Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Semester | February, July or November | February or July | Anytime during the year | February (only for undergraduate students), May or September | February or July |
| Transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Academic Qualifications | Minimum B+ GPA in either a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or equivalent degree. | Completed bachelor’s degree and graduate diploma in relevant fields preferably Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor Arts, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Finance or Computer Science. | Completed bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with Honours, or an equivalent degree with good grades in relevant subjects; or professional teaching experience | Completed bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate diploma in Business Administration with good grades, | Completed a Bachelor’s of Engineering with Honours or a Bachelor of Science with Honours in a relevant subject or the Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering with good grades. |
| Work Experience | Not required | Not required | Recommended | Required, 5 years of work experience | Not required |
Established in 1873, UC is among the top 400 Universities of the World as per rankings published by US News and QS Global World Ranking 2021. its Engineering and Science programs are top programs and popular worldwide. The University of Canterbury considers academic excellence as an important criterion while reviewing applications and has a specific entry for requirements for applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria for direct entry to undergraduate programs. Students accepted at the university will receive their offer of place via Email which will also contain details regarding payment of tuition fees.
Candidates planning to study abroad need to confirm their offer of a place either by paying a deposit fee of 1,500 NZD or the tuition fees in full at University of Canterbury. However, all international students have to enrol for their courses in person on campus which takes place one week before the lectures begin. Therefore, they must plan their arrival to New Zealand accordingly.
university of canterbury application
Admissions at the university take place through the myUC admission portal which is entirely online. University of Canterbury has two intake sessions, Semester 1 and Semester 2. Applicants can now apply for Semester 1 till October 31. The tuition fee of the top programs of the University of Canterbury ranges from 21,000 NZD – 61,600 NZD. There is a wide range of scholarships offering up to 15,000 NZD that students can apply namely Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship, University of Canterbury Alumni Scholarship, Alison MacGibbon Fund, and others.
University Of Canterbury Courses For International Students
Transition programmes
If you left school with few or no qualifications, or if you lack the English language requirements to qualify for admission, UC has transition programmes to help you take the first step towards a degree level qualification.
STAR
If you are a secondary school student anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, you can become a STAR student and enrol in first-year degree-level courses while you are in Year 12 or 13. Courses are offered both on campus where you will study alongside UC students, and by distance study.
UC transition to study programme for first year students
UC Pathways combines learning and life skills to help first year students transition to university study. You will develop the essential skills you need to succeed at University while enjoying an enhanced student experience. This can be studied concurrently with your usual programme of study.
Bachelor’s degrees
UC’s Bachelor’s degrees equip you to solve the problems of the future. Whether you already have your career path mapped out, or are open to new possibilities, you will be able to find an undergraduate degree to suit your interests and goals.
Undergraduate certificates and diplomas
If you aren’t sure if you want to commit to a degree, but have a specific interest you want to learn more about, then Undergraduate certificates and diplomas could be a great option for you.
Graduate certificates and diplomas
If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree Graduate certificates and diplomas may be for you. Graduate degrees can serve to increase the value of your undergraduate degree in the job market or be a first step to a new career.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are often undertaken by practitioners looking for professional development. The short period of study allows you to gain additional skills and a recognised qualification without a long term commitment.
Honours degrees
If you’re passionate about a particular subject, completing Honours degrees brings you the opportunity to go deeper with a personalised study programme. Most honours programmes comprise courses in one subject, though most programmes give you the option of including one to two courses from another subject.
Master’s degrees
Master’s degrees are a way of advancing your understanding and skill in your undergraduate major, or, in some cases, a new area of study. A master’s degree builds on the general skills acquired in an undergraduate degree.
PhDs and Doctoral degrees
Perhaps you have a burning intellectual curiosity about something, want to advance your career or even change career direction and increase your employability and earning capacity. Find out more about PhDs and Doctoral degrees.
Certificate of Proficiency
If you want to complete an individual course or courses but not a full qualification, you may apply for a Certificate of Proficiency.
university of canterbury acceptance rate
With an acceptance rate of 50%, the University of Canterbury is moderately selective in its admissions.
university of canterbury qs ranking
Our International Rankings. University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha is a prestigious destination that is ranked 258th in the QS World University Rankings, 2022.
University Of Canterbury Fees For International Students
A student must pay tuition fees on the basis of each and every course they enrol in, except when enrolling in a Special Fees Programme where an overall fee is levied. Courses are assigned to fee bands by subject area as shown in the tables below. All international students must pay tuition fees at the international rate except those on an approved reciprocal exchange programme (covered by a formal exchange agreement) and those enrolled as a PhD student and residing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Banded FeesSpecial (Set) Fees
Banded Fees
Courses are assigned to fee bands based on subject area unless they are part of a Special (Set) Fees Programme. Banded fees are used for domestic and international undergraduate students, and domestic postgraduate (research and taught) students. Postgraduate courses for international students generally have special set fees instead of banded fees.
Tuition fees for domestic postgraduate research (thesis-based) students are based on one academic year of study (120 points) so the prices listed below are for one year of study (120 points), not a total set programme fee. This means if your qualification takes longer than one year, you will be invoiced for each additional quarter, and your tuition fees will be subject to price increases in subsequent year(s).
All fees listed are inclusive of NZ GST, or any equivalent overseas tax, unless otherwise stated. In addition to tuition fees, there are also non-tuition fees.
Domestic Undergraduate Fee Bands
| BAND | SUBJECT AREAS | 2021 PER 120 POINTS | 2021 PER 15 POINTS | 2022 PER 120 POINTS | 2022 PER 15 POINTS |
| 1 | Arts, Social Science, Education | $6,281 | $785 | $6,388 | $799 |
| 2 | Business, Accountancy, Law | $6,648 | $831 | $6,761 | $845 |
| 3 | Non-Bench Science, Fine Arts, Music, Computer Science, Theatre & Film, Computational Maths | $7,015 | $877 | $7,134 | $892 |
| 4 | Bench Science, Antarctic Studies, Health Science | $7,281 | $910 | $7,405 | $926 |
| 5 | Engineering, Forestry | $7,884 | $986 | $8,018 | $1,002 |
| 6 | Information Systems | $6,880 | $860 | $6,997 | $875 |
| 7 | Communication Disorders | $7,828 | $979 | $7,961 | $995 |
| 8 | Ecology | $7,562 | $945 | $7,691 | $961 |
| 9 | Mathematics, Statistics, Art Curatorship | $6,306 | $788 | $6,413 | $802 |
Domestic Postgraduate Fee Bands – TAUGHT
| BAND | SUBJECT AREAS | 2021 PER 120 POINTS | 2021 PER 15 POINTS | 2022 PER 120 POINTS | 2022 PER 15 POINTS |
| 1 | Arts, Social Science, Education | $7,618 | $952 | $7, 748 | $969 |
| 2 | Business, Accountancy, Law | $7,938 | $992 | $8,073 | $1,099 |
| 3 | Non-Bench Science, Fine Arts, Music, Computer Science, Theatre & Film, Computational Maths | $8,264 | $1,033 | $8,404 | $1,051 |
| 4 | Bench Science, Antarctic Studies, Health Science | $8,525 | $1,066 | $8,670 | $1,084 |
| 5 | Engineering, Forestry | $8,911 | $1,114 | $9,062 | $1,133 |
| 6 | Information Systems | $8,044 | $1,006 | $8,181 | $1,023 |
| 7 | Communication Disorders | $8,867 | $1,108 | $9,018 | $1,127 |
| 8 | Ecology | $8,635 | $1,079 | $8,782 | $1,098 |
| 9 | Mathematics, Statistics, Art Curatorship | $7,996 | $1,000 | $8,132 | $1,017 |
Domestic Postgraduate Fee Bands – RESEARCH
| BAND | SUBJECT AREAS | 2021 PER 120 POINTS | 2022 PER 120 POINTS |
| 1 | Arts, Social Science, Education | $7,099 | $7,220 |
| 2 | Business, Accountancy, Law | $7,432 | $7,558 |
| 3 | Non-Bench Science, Fine Arts, Music, Computer Science, Theatre & Film, Computational Maths | $7,768 | $7,900 |
| 4 | Bench Science, Antarctic Studies, Health Science | $8,035 | $8,172 |
| 5 | Engineering, Forestry | $8,552 | $8,697 |
| 6 | Information Systems | $7,641 | $7,771 |
| 7 | Communication Disorders | $8,503 | $8,648 |
| 8 | Ecology | $8,262 | $8,402 |
| 9 | Mathematics, Statistics, Art Curatorship | $7,429 | $7,555 |
International Undergraduate Fee Bands
| BAND | SUBJECT AREAS | 2021 PER 120 POINTS | 2021 PER 15 POINTS | 2022 PER 120 POINTS | 2022 PER 15 POINTS |
| 1 | Arts and Social Sciences | $28,000 | $3,500 | $28,800 | $3,600 |
| 2 | Business and Accountancy | $31,000 | $3,875 | $31,800 | $3,975 |
| 3 | Fine Arts and Law | $33,600 | $4,200 | $34,500 | $4,313 |
| 4 | Science (including non-bench and Health Sciences) | $35,500 | $4,450 | $36,500 | $4,563 |
| 5 | Engineering | $44,000 | $5,500 | $45,000 | $5,625 |
| 7 | Communication Disorders and Forestry | $39,500 | $4,950 | $40,500 | $5,063 |
Examples of Banded Tuition Fee calculations
Example 1
An undergraduate domestic student in their first year of a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) might pay the following tuition fees in 2021:
Example 2
An undergraduate international student taking the same courses will pay the following tuition fees in 2021:
Example 3
A domestic student studying towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) with a major in Environmental Science might pay the following tuition fees in 2021:
collage