University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s leading public universities, known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and career-ready education. Established in 1873, it is the second-oldest university in New Zealand and a member of the country’s eight prestigious government-funded universities.

 

Located in Christchurch, UC offers a vibrant campus environment with access to beaches, mountains, and outdoor adventure. The university attracts over 25,000 students from more than 100 countries, creating a diverse and globally connected academic community.

 

UC emphasizes practical learning, industry engagement, and research that addresses real-world challenges, helping students graduate with job-ready skills.

 

University Rankings

Global Rankings

• QS World University Rankings 2026: #261 globally

• Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings 2026: #601–800 globally

Employability Rankings

• #2 in New Zealand for Employment Outcomes (QS 2026)

• 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study within months of graduating

Subject & Impact Highlights

• Top 100 globally for sustainability (QS 2026)

• Top 30 globally for environmental education

• Ranked top 100 worldwide for global impact (THE Impact Rankings)

 

Faculties and Academic Structure

UC is organized into five main colleges (faculties):

• College of Arts

• College of Business and Law

• College of Education, Health and Human Development

• College of Engineering

• College of Science

 

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

UC offers a wide range of qualifications for international students:

Undergraduate

• Bachelor’s Degrees

• Honours Degrees

• Double Degrees

Postgraduate

• Postgraduate Certificates

• Postgraduate Diplomas

• Master’s Degrees (Coursework & Research)

• Doctoral / PhD programs

 

Mode of Learning

UC provides flexible learning options depending on the program.

On-Campus Learning

• Traditional classroom teaching

• Laboratories and fieldwork

• Industry placements

Blended Learning

• Combination of online lectures and in-person sessions

Online / Digital Learning

• Some postgraduate or professional courses include online components

 

Number of Programs Offered

The University of Canterbury offers more than 150+ qualifications and hundreds of courses across disciplines such as engineering, business, science, arts, health, and law.

Popular study areas include:

• Engineering and Technology

• Business and Management

• Environmental Science

• Computer Science and IT

• Law and Social Sciences

 

Highlights of the University of Canterbury

Career & Employability

• #2 in New Zealand for graduate employment outcomes

• Strong industry connections and internship opportunities

• Network of 3000+ employers and partners

Global Community

• Students from 100+ countries

Research & Innovation

• Leading research in climate, engineering, and sustainability

• Strong international collaborations with 60+ partner universities

Student Experience

• Vibrant campus life through the University of Canterbury Students’ Association

• Outdoor lifestyle with mountains, lakes, and beaches nearby

Post-Study Work Opportunities

International graduates can apply for up to a 3-year post-study work visa in New Zealand, depending on their qualification.

 

Latest Updates (2025–2026)

• #2 in New Zealand for employment outcomes in QS rankings 2026

• Top 100 globally for sustainability initiatives

• New feature film production hosted at UC’s K?awa Studios, highlighting growth in creative industries and screen technology facilities

• UC research contributing to global climate resilience and river management studies

• Continued investment in entrepreneurship programs and innovation hubs supporting student startups and ventures.

 

Why International Students Choose UC

• High graduate employability

• Strong industry partnerships

• Wide range of globally recognized programs

• Scholarships and financial support

• Beautiful study location in Christchurch

Scholarship

1. UC International First-Year Scholarship

This is the main and most popular scholarship for international undergraduate students starting their studies at UC.

Value

• NZD $10,000

• NZD $15,000

• NZD $20,000

The scholarship is applied towards tuition fees for the first year of study.

Duration

• 1 year

Number of Awards

• Up to 25 scholarships awarded annually.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be full-fee paying international students

• Not be:

  • citizens of New Zealand or Australia

  • Australian permanent residents

  • holders of New Zealand residence class visas

• Have completed or be completing a university entrance qualification

• Apply for admission to UC before the scholarship deadline

• Begin full-time undergraduate study at UC.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence

• Leadership potential

• Participation in community, cultural, or sports activities

• Personal character and achievements

• Financial circumstances (in some cases)

Application Deadlines

Typically:

• 15 April

• 31 October

• 15 August (for students already studying in NZ)

 

2. UC India High Achievers Scholarship

This scholarship supports academically strong students from India.

Value

• NZD $5,000 tuition fee contribution (first year)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of India

• Be international fee-paying students

• Be starting their first undergraduate degree at UC

• Demonstrate strong academic results

Application Deadlines

• 24 October (Semester 1 intake)

• 30 April (Semester 2 intake)

 

3. UC Southeast Asia High Achievers Scholarship

This scholarship is for talented students from Southeast Asian countries.

Value

• NZD $5,000 (first year tuition contribution)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of Southeast Asian countries

• Have strong academic performance

• Be international fee-paying students

• Be enrolling in an undergraduate degree at UC

Application Deadlines

• 24 October

• 30 April

 

4. Malaysian Alumni Scholarships

UC provides scholarships funded by alumni groups in Malaysia.

Value

• NZD $10,000

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of Malaysia

• Be enrolling in a UC undergraduate programme

• Be international fee-paying students (not NZ/Australian citizens or residents).

 

5. Tan Sri Datuk Oh Siew Nam Malaysian Scholarship

Value

• NZD $20,000 towards tuition fees

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be Malaysian citizens

• Be enrolling in a UC undergraduate degree

• Meet university entrance requirements

• Not be citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia.

 

6. UC Doctoral Scholarship (PhD)

This scholarship supports high-achieving postgraduate research students.

Benefits

• Tuition fee support

• Annual stipend for living expenses

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have a strong academic record

• Achieve a minimum GPA equivalent of 7.0 in relevant prior study

• Be accepted into a doctoral research programme at UC.

 

7. UC Business School Dean’s Award

This award supports international students entering UC’s Business School.

Benefits

• Partial tuition fee reduction

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be full-fee paying international students

• Enrol in a programme at the UC Business School

• Demonstrate strong academic potential.

 

8. Equity Scholarships for International Students

These scholarships are aimed at supporting students who may experience financial hardship or equity barriers.

Value

• Up to NZD $5,000

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be international undergraduate students

• Be citizens of certain Asian or Pacific countries

• Be studying full-time

• Be in later years of study (3rd or 4th year)

• Demonstrate financial or personal hardship

 

9. Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships

These are fully funded scholarships offered by the New Zealand government.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees

• Living allowance

• Travel costs

• Health insurance

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be from eligible developing countries

• Meet academic and English language requirements

• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to their home country.

 

10. UC International College (UCIC) Scholarship

For students entering UC through foundation or pathway programmes.

Value

• 10% tuition fee award

Eligibility

Students must:

• Enrol in:

  • Certificate in Foundation Studies

  • Diploma in University Studies

  • Pre-Master’s programme

• Be international students studying at UCIC.

 

General Requirements to Apply for UC Scholarships

Although each scholarship has specific rules, most international scholarships require:

Academic Requirements

• Strong academic results (high school or previous degree)

• Meeting UC admission requirements

Student Status

• Must be a full-fee paying international student

• Must hold a valid student visa

Admission Requirement

• Students must apply for admission to UC before scholarship deadlines.

Additional Criteria

Some scholarships may also consider:

• Leadership activities

• Extracurricular involvement

• Community service

• Financial need

• Country of citizenship.

 

Key Scholarship Tips for International Students

• Apply early (many deadlines are October–April).

• Apply for multiple scholarships if eligible.

• Maintain strong academic performance.

• Highlight leadership and extracurricular activities in applications.

 

Summary:
The University of Canterbury offers a wide range of scholarships including:

• UC International First-Year Scholarship

• India High Achievers Scholarship

• Southeast Asia High Achievers Scholarship

• Malaysian Alumni Scholarships

• UC Doctoral Scholarship

• UC Business School Dean’s Award

• Equity Scholarships

• Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships

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