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University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

About

Why study at University of Canterbury?

The University of Canterbury is a public research university in Christchurch, founded in 1873 as Canterbury College and the second-oldest university in New Zealand. Its main Ilam campus covers 76 hectares about five kilometres from the city centre and hosts the faculties of arts, business and law, education, engineering, health and science, with engineering and the physical sciences among its best-known strengths.

At a glance

University of Canterbury in numbers

  • 4Campuses
  • 1873Founded
  • 601–800THE World Ranking 2026

Rankings

How it ranks

601–800

Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026

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Where you'll study

Campus locations

Ilam Campus

The 76-hectare main campus in the Ilam suburb of Christchurch, home to most faculties, the Puaka-James Hight central library and the halls of residence.

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Somewhere to live

Student accommodation at University of Canterbury

  • Ilam Student Accommodation

    Self-catered apartment-style accommodation for 849 students in Hinau three to five-bedroom and Kowhai six-bedroom apartments, with an optional 14-meal-per-week plan; 2026 published residential fees NZD 11,357 (Hinau) and NZD 12,013 (Kowhai) on a 41-week contract. · Ilam Campus

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  • Rochester and Rutherford Hall

    A catered first-year hall of 197 students, a two-minute walk from campus; 2026 published residential fee NZD 24,750 for the contract period (total fees NZD 26,200 including deposit and extras). · Ilam Campus

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  • Tupuanuku

    A catered hall five minutes from campus with 375 standard rooms and 129 en suites; 2026 published residential fees NZD 22,222 for a single room and NZD 23,739 for an en suite on a 41-week contract. · Ilam Campus

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  • Tupuarangi

    A catered hall five minutes from campus with 283 en suite rooms and king single beds; 2026 published residential fee NZD 23,985 on a 41-week contract. · Ilam Campus

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  • University Hall

    A large hall operated by UniLodge in partnership with UC, offering 561 standard rooms, seven en suites and three self-contained units on a 41-week contract; 2026 published residential fees NZD 19,311 (West) and NZD 22,345 (East). · Ilam Campus

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Prices are indicative — bookings are made directly with the university or provider.

Funding

Scholarships

Ask your counsellor which of these you may be eligible for — they'll confirm the details before you apply.

  • UC International First Year Scholarship (Offshore) - NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees for top-achieving international students who completed a university-entrance qualification overseas or at UC International College and are starting an undergraduate degree
  • UC International First Year Scholarship (NZ Incoming First-Year) - NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees, ten awards a year, for international students completing a university-entrance qualification at a New Zealand secondary school
  • Tan Sri Datuk Oh Siew Nam Malaysian Scholarship - NZD 20,000 towards tuition fees for top Malaysian citizens starting an undergraduate degree at UC
  • University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship - NZD 5,000 contribution to first-year tuition fees for high-achieving international students from India
  • University of Canterbury China High Achievers Scholarship - NZD 5,000 contribution to first-year tuition fees for high-achieving international students from China or Hong Kong
  • University of Canterbury Southeast Asia High Achievers Scholarship - NZD 5,000 contribution to first-year tuition fees for high-achieving international students from Southeast Asia

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