ARA Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury (Ara) is one of New Zealand’s leading public polytechnics offering:

• Degrees, diplomas, certificates

• Industry-focused training

• Applied learning

• Formed in 2016 (merger of CPIT & Aoraki Polytechnic)
• Part of Te P?kenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
• Strong focus on practical, career-ready education

Ara is well-known for:

• Hands-on learning

• Strong industry connections

• High graduate employability

Ranking & Reputation

Not ranked in QS global rankings (polytechnic institute)

However:

• Government-funded public institute

• NZQA-recognised qualifications

• Strong industry reputation in:

  • Health

  • Engineering

  • Hospitality

  • Business

Key point:

• Ara qualifications are globally recognised via NZQA framework

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

Ara offers a wide range of NZQA-approved programmes:

Certificates (Level 2–4)

• Foundation programmes

• Entry-level vocational training

Diplomas (Level 5–6)

• Business

• IT

• Engineering

• Hospitality

Bachelor Degrees (Level 7)

• Nursing

• Applied Management

• ICT

• Creative Arts

Postgraduate & Master’s

• Postgraduate diplomas

• Master of Applied Management

• Master of Sustainable Practice

Number of Programs Offered

• 150+ programmes across disciplines

• Covers:

  • Health

  • Engineering

  • Business

  • Hospitality

  • Creative industries

General Scholarship Eligibility

Academic Requirements

• Strong academic performance (especially for main scholarship)

English Requirements

• IELTS:

  • Bachelor → 6.0

  • Master → 6.5 (typical)

Common Documents

• Offer letter

• Academic transcripts

• Personal statement

• Referee reports

Key Highlights (Why Choose Ara?)

Career-Focused Education

• Strong industry connections

• Work-integrated learning

Modern Campuses

• Advanced labs & facilities

• Health-focused campus (Manawa)

International Student Support

• Dedicated services

• Career guidance

Wide Course Options

• 150+ programmes

Employability Focus

• Practical training

• Industry placements

Programme Expansion

• Growth in:

  • Health

  • Engineering

  • Sustainability programmes

International Focus

• Increased scholarships & support for international students

Final Counsellor Insight

Ara Institute of Canterbury is:

• One of the best polytechnics in NZ

Strong for:

• Nursing

• Engineering

• Business

• Hospitality

Expert Advice for Indian Students ????????

Best strategy:

• Apply for Academic Scholarship (NZD $5,000)

• Plan for remaining fees

Choose:

• Bachelor or Master programmes → higher scholarship chances

Scholarship

1. Rama Family Trust Scholarship (International Indian)

• Value: NZD 1,000

• Tenure: Up to 1 year

• Number Awarded: 3 recipients per semester

• Eligibility:

  • International fee-paying student holding an Indian passport

  • Completed and passed one academic year of a 2 or more-year programme at Ara

  • Demonstrates high academic achievement, strong leadership skills, or an inspirational approach

• Application Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Personal statement reflecting special circumstances and future contributions to the local Indian community

  • Two referee reports (one from an Ara tutor)

  • Academic transcript

• How to Apply: Submit application and supporting documents to scholarships@ara.ac.nz

• Application Period: Opening date: 25 July 2025; Closing date: 17 August 2025

• Note: This scholarship is available for students entering into their 2nd or 3rd year of study at Ara.

2. The Rika Fund

• Value: NZD 2,500

• Tenure: One-off payment

• Number Awarded: Varies

• Eligibility:

  • Full-time domestic or international Ara learner

  • Completed and passed one academic year of a 2 or more-year programme at Ara

  • Demonstrates a clear vision for achieving career aspirations

• Application Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • Personal statement detailing vision and commitment to studying

  • Two referee reports (one from an Ara tutor)

  • Academic transcript

• How to Apply: Submit application and supporting documents to scholarships@ara.ac.nz

• Application Period: Opening date: 2026; Closing date: 2026

• Note: This scholarship is open to both domestic and international students.

3. Steve O’Neill Scholarship

• Value: Full payment of domestic fees

• Tenure: Annual

• Number Awarded: 1

• Eligibility:

  • Domestic or international student currently studying the Diploma of Cybersecurity (Level 6) full-time

  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for cybersecurity and resilience in overcoming personal or academic obstacles

• Application Requirements:

  • Completed online application form

  • Personal statement (up to 500 words)

  • Two referee reports (one from an Ara tutor)

  • Most recent academic transcript

  • One-page CV

• How to Apply: Submit application and supporting documents to scholarships@ara.ac.nz

• Application Period: Opening date: 2026; Closing date: To Be Confirmed

• Note: Applicants will be required to attend an interview with the Fulton Hogan team.

General Application Requirements for International Students

To apply for scholarships at Ara Institute of Canterbury, international students typically need to provide:

• Academic transcripts and GPA evidence

• Accepted English test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE Academic)

• Valid passport

• CV/resumé

• Statement of purpose

• Reference letters

• Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)

• Non-refundable administration fee upon enrollment (if applicable)

Key Deadlines

• Rama Family Trust Scholarship: Apply by 17 August 2025 for the 2026 intake

• The Rika Fund: Apply by 2026 for the 2026 intake

• Steve O’Neill Scholarship: Apply by To Be Confirmed for the 2026 intake