Best Universities in New Zealand

University of Canterbury

Established in 1873 by scholars from Oxford and Cambridge, the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, New Zealand, has an international reputation for academic excellence in both teaching and research. 

It's first (undergraduate) degrees and higher (postgraduate) programmes aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking, and professional excellence in every field.

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island. It lies on the coastal edge of the Canterbury Plains, close to both the sea and the mountains. The University's modem and well-equipped facilities are spread across a spacious suburban campus, with easy access to the centre of the city and its cultural and recreational facilities.

The University is situated in a spacious landscaped campus in the suburb of Ilam, Christchurch, only fifteen minutes from the  central city and ten minutes from the international Airport. The campus is surrounded by playing fields, mature woodlands and the renowned flam gardens.

The University has seven faculties: Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Music and Fine Arts, Forestry and Science. Within the faculties there are 39 departments. Its community currently comprises 12,000 students and an academic staff of almost 500.

The University offers a wide range of courses. First degrees are offered in Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, Music and Fine Arts, Engineering, Forestry, Social Work and Speech and Language Therapy. Postgraduate courses range from one- year graduate and post-graduate diplomas, to Masters degrees based on a combination of coursework and research, and purely research-based doctorates.

Known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch has excellent beaches, plentiful parks, reserves and golf courses. There are several ski-fields within an hour and a half's drive from the city. It is easy to travel from Christchurch to lakes and mountains and well-known tourist centres such as Mount Cook and Queenstown.

The University of Canterbury has been host to thousands of international students over a period of more than forty years. Currently, there are over 700 international students from 54 countries enrolled in a wide variety of programmes. In addition, many of New Zealand's permanent residents of international origin attend university. This makes for a lively, interesting and cosmopolitan university community.

Evidence of English Language proficiency is required for all students whose first language is not English - more details can be found on the University's website. The University has an English Language Centre on campus that specialises in preparing students for entry into degree courses.

The final year of high school in some countries is not sufficient to qualify students for university entrance in New Zealand  The University has a Foundation Studies course, with two intakes a year, to help such students reach the required standard for entry.

International students are provided with a wide range of services. These include airport pickup, guaranteed accommodation, campus orientation programmes, assistance with English language, friendship linkages with NZ families, and membership of the Student Health Centre, the Students' Association, and the Recreation Centre.

The International Student Centre is also a great place to drop in for a chat or to talk over problems with the staff. Free email is provided for international students wanting to keep in touch with family back home. Events are arranged throughout the year, and the three staff have general responsibility for the support of international students on campus.

New Zealand is a modern and technologically advanced country, but it is also a relaxing and safe place to live. There are few class distinctions, and attitudes and manners are friendly and informal. Dress at university tends to be casual and comfortable. Places of worship for all major Christian denominations can be found in the city. There are also centres of worship for Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and other religious communities. The University of Canterbury is committed to providing students with a first class, internationally-recognised degree, excellent support services and a great lifestyle. Because of the low value of the New Zealand dollar, tuition and the cost of living are very cost-effective compared with other destinations.

New Zealand's modem lifestyle and superb natural environment provide a superb setting for study.

University of Canterbury 

Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand

Telephone +64  3-366-7001

Fax +64 3-364-2999

Web http://www.canterbury.ac.nz

University of Canterbury 

Private Bag 4800

Christchurch

New Zealand

Telephone +64  3-366-7001

Fax +64 3-364-2999

Web

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz