University of Canterbury Logo

University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

"Ergo tua rura manebunt"

The Canterbury University in Christchurch boasts a student population of 383,000 and offers a PhD program, alongside diverse Bachelor degrees across Humanities, Business, and Sciences. Universities within this region have a strong focus on research in areas such as Agriculture, Engineering Technology, and Social Sciences.

Est. 1873 Non-profit Public-private partnership 72%* Acceptance
457
World Ranking
Global University Rank
Language English

Basic Information

University Type
Non-profit
Funding
Public-private partnership
Highest Degree
Doctorate
Founded
1873
Acceptance Rate
72%*
Languages
English
Last Updated
Updated on June 26, 2026
Accreditation
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Address
Private Bag 4800 Christchurch, 8140 New Zealand

Tuition Costs (Annual)

Bachelor's Degree
$29,800
Master's Degree
$32,000
Doctorate Degree
$34,800

Academic Metrics

45324
Publications
1221236
Citations

Programs Offered

Agriculture

Bachelor's

Forestry

Master's

Forestry

Doctorate

Agricultural Engineering Forestry

Biology

Bachelor's

Bacteriology Biology

Master's

Bacteriology Biology

Doctorate

Bacteriology Biology Zoology

Business

Bachelor's

Accounting Art Management Business Administration Leadership Management Marketing

Master's

Accounting Business Administration Leadership Management

Doctorate

Accounting Business Administration Management Marketing

Chemistry

Bachelor's

Biochemistry Biotechnology Chemistry

Master's

Biochemistry Biotechnology Chemical Engineering Chemistry

Doctorate

Biochemistry Biotechnology Chemical Engineering Chemistry

Communications

Bachelor's

Cinema and Media Communication Studies Media Studies

Master's

Cinema and Media Communication Studies Media Studies

Doctorate

Cinema and Media Communication Studies Journalism Media Studies

Computer Science

Bachelor's

Computer Science Data Science

Master's

Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Data Science Software Engineering

Doctorate

Computer Science Data Science

Economics

Bachelor's

Economics Finance

Master's

Economics Finance

Doctorate

Economics Finance

Education

Bachelor's

Bilingual Education Counselor Education Education Special Education

Master's

Bilingual Education Education Special Education

Doctorate

Education Science

Engineering

Bachelor's

Civil Engineering Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Surveying Engineering

Master's

Aerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Surveying Engineering Transportation Engineering

Doctorate

Biomedical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Transportation Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Bachelor's

Environmental Science Geography Water Science

Master's

Environmental Science Geography Water Science

Doctorate

Environmental Science Geography Water Science

Fine Arts

Bachelor's

Architecture Art Design Fine Arts

Master's

Architecture Art Design Fine Arts

Doctorate

Design Fine Arts

Healthcare

Bachelor's

Health Science Rehabilitation

Master's

Health Science Public Health

Doctorate

Health Science

History

Bachelor's

Art History European History History

Master's

Art History European History History

Doctorate

Art History European History History

Information Technology

Bachelor's

Information Technology

Master's

Information Technology

Doctorate

Information Technology

International Studies

Bachelor's

American Studies General Studies International Relations

Master's

American Studies Area Studies General Studies International Relations Urban Studies

Doctorate

American Studies Area Studies General Studies International Relations

Law

Bachelor's

Law

Master's

Criminal Justice Law

Doctorate

Criminal Justice Law

Linguistics

Bachelor's

Linguistics Translation and Interpretation

Master's

Linguistics Translation and Interpretation

Doctorate

Linguistics

Literature

Bachelor's

Austronesian and Oceanic Languages Chinese Language English French German Studies Japanese Language Language Studies Russian Spanish

Master's

Austronesian and Oceanic Languages Chinese Language Creative Writing English French German Studies Japanese Language Language Studies Russian Spanish

Doctorate

Austronesian and Oceanic Languages Chinese Language English French German Studies Japanese Language Language Studies Russian Spanish

Mathematics

Bachelor's

Applied Mathematics Mathematics Statistics

Master's

Applied Mathematics Mathematics Statistics

Doctorate

Applied Mathematics Mathematics Statistics

Medicine

Bachelor's

Audiology

Master's

Audiology

Doctorate

Audiology

Performing Arts

Bachelor's

Music Performing Arts

Master's

Music

Doctorate

Music

Philosophy

Bachelor's

Humanities Philosophy

Master's

Philosophy

Doctorate

Philosophy

Physics

Bachelor's

Applied Physics Astronomy Atmospheric Sciences Physics

Master's

Applied Physics Astronomy Atmospheric Sciences Physics

Doctorate

Applied Physics Astronomy Atmospheric Sciences Physics

Psychology

Bachelor's

Child Development Cognitive Science Psychology

Master's

Child Development Psychology

Doctorate

Psychology

Public Administration

Bachelor's

College Administration Political Science Public Relations Welfare Services

Master's

Government Political Science

Doctorate

College Administration Political Science

Sociology

Bachelor's

Anthropology Cultural Studies Social Sciences

Master's

Anthropology Cultural Studies Social Sciences Social Work

Doctorate

Anthropology Cultural Studies Social Sciences Social Work

Trades

Bachelor's

Fire Science Sports

Master's

Fire Science Sports

Doctorate

Fire Science

About University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury, New Zealand’s distinguished tertiary institution, stands as a beacon for academic excellence and strategic research across Oceania and beyond. Founded in 1873, UC boasts a storied history interwoven with the nation’s development, continually adapting to evolving global landscapes while remaining deeply rooted in its local identity. As one of five universities under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, it holds a crucial role within the wider education system, fostering innovation and preparing future generations for impactful contributions across various fields. The institution operates as a public-private partnership, committed to delivering exceptional learning experiences through a diverse range of academic disciplines.

UC’s strength lies in its extensive research portfolio, encompassing areas such as agriculture, environmental science, business administration, health sciences, and applied mathematics. A significant number of doctoral graduates contribute substantially to the nation's scientific community and national economic prospects. The university fosters a dynamic environment driven by collaborative projects, benefiting from robust support for research initiatives across multiple campuses and educational programs. Crucially, it is a leading center for Māori studies with a particular focus on Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.

UC’s student population swells to over 383,000, composed of both international and domestic students. The university prides itself on its commitment to providing a nurturing ecosystem for scholarly growth while simultaneously cultivating well-rounded individuals equipped to engage meaningfully in the world. The institution is recognized globally especially within Oceania as a top-ranked tertiary institution, consistently performing well with rankings comparable to those of 457 and 22 in the United Nations ranking of world universities.

Beyond its academic pursuits, UC plays a vital role in community engagement through numerous outreach programs, supporting regional development initiatives, and providing opportunities for lifelong learning. The university's commitment extends to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial ventures with robust student support systems . UC actively seeks to bridge cultural divides, promote understanding of Māori perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to the social fabric of New Zealand.

The institution’s comprehensive online presence includes a wealth of information accessible through a dedicated website providing insights into its diverse offerings, research areas, faculty profiles, and various opportunities for enrollment. The university is structured around several distinctive departments and colleges, each specializing in specific fields. Its digital resources highlight academic programs and provide access to educational materials.

UC's commitment to excellence of teaching, coupled with its focus on practical applied knowledge, makes it a pivotal contributor to the advancement of research and innovation throughout Oceania. The institution continuously adapts to new challenges and opportunities – embracing technological advancements while maintaining its core values of integrity, inclusivity, and public service for generations to come.

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