Originally founded as Canterbury College in 1873, the University of Canterbury (UC) is the second oldest university in New Zealand. The main campus is set within 87 hectares of land and student accommodation is surrounded by playing fields and forests, as well as the renowned Ilam Gardens, famous for its flowers, trees and waterways.

UC offers 70 degree programmes across five colleges, including Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering and Science, and a School of Law. It also boasts the most extensive network of field stations for research of any New Zealand university, with sites in Antarctica and Nigeria (as part of the Nigerian Montane Forest conservation project) and the country’s leading astronomical research facility at Mount John, Tekapo.



What is special about UC?
The University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha will give you an excellent educational foundation that you will be able to turn into an amazing career.

•Graduate attributes - Our UC7 student profiles embody our official graduate attributes. Meet our UC7 students.

•Innovative courses - There is something for everyone, with internships, global study opportunities, and a world-standard curriculum.

•Prestigious learning - UC is a prestigious destination that is ranked in the world’s top 250 universities.

Support - UC offers a range of services to help you settle into University so get familiar with what's on offer.

•Research - UC has award-winning and prestigious researchers who supervise and collaborate.

•Vibrant community - Find out more about our vibrant and active student community and what we have to offer outside of study.

•Fabulous campus - With expansive green spaces and gardens the University's campus simply builds off of the natural beauty it is located within.

•Growing city - New and exciting developments have made Ōtautahi Christchurch one of the most forward-thinking cities in the world.