What's New in Uni of Canterbury?
6 October 2025: University of Canterbury’s Master of Applied Data Science (2026) special programme fee for international students is NZD 56,850 (≈ ₹29.34 lakhs). Check program details.
The University of Canterbury is one of the oldest universities located in Christchurch, New Zealand, established in 1873. UC is a public university widely recognized for its academic excellence, making it one of the leading choices of universities among international students. The university has been ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings for 2025 and 2026. It offers multiple undergraduate and graduate programs in two main sessions, February and July. Some of the popular programs are M.A. Applied Data Science, M.S Computer Science, M.Eng Mechanical Engineering, M.S Forestry Science, M.B.A Business Administration, M.Eng Engineering in Management, M.A Antarctic Studies.
The acceptance rate of UCNZ is 50%. The selection at UC is based on meeting the eligibility requirements for the preferred programs. It is passing with an average of 75% with a minimum of 60% from CBSE for undergraduate applicants. For postgraduate applicants, it is a bachelor's degree in the relevant field. Admission for international applicants requires English language proficiency scores from a range of acceptable tests. The IELTS score for UG programs is an overall of 6.0, whereas the IELTS score for PG programs is 6.5 overall. The University of Canterbury is also known for its high employability, with leading recruiters such as KPMG, PWC, EY, and Deloitte comprising its placement and career fairs.
- University of Canterbury Highlights
- University of Canterbury Courses and Fees 2025
- University of Canterbury Admission 2025
- University of Canterbury Deadline 2025
- University of Canterbury Acceptance Rate 2025
- University of Canterbury Scholarships 2025
- University of Canterbury Placements 2025
- University of Canterbury Ranking 2025
- University of Canterbury Campus and Infrastructure
- FAQs
University of Canterbury Highlights
Given below are the highlights for the University of Canterbury.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 1873 |
| Location | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Type of University | Public |
| Courses | Undergraduate, postgraduate, |
| Intakes | February, July |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% |
| Popular Programs | M.A. Applied Data Science, M.S. Computer Science, M.Eng Mechanical Engineering, M.S Forestry Science, M.B.A Business Administration, M.Eng Engineering in Management, M.A Antarctic Studies |
| Helpdesk | info@canterbury.ac.nz +64 3 364 3443 |
| Address | University of Canterbury Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand |
| Official Website | canterbury.ac.nz |
University of Canterbury Courses and Fees 2025
The table describes the University of Canterbury Courses and Fees for 2025 for popular programs.
| Courses | Duration | Fees (NZD) | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. Applied Data Science | 1 to 1.5 years (full-time) Part-time ( up to 5 years) |
$62,100 | ₹5,333,748 |
| M.Eng Civil Engineering | 1 year (full-time) 4 Years (part-time) |
$49,900 | ₹4,285,119 |
| M.A. Antarctic Studies | 1 Year (Full-time) | $65,700 | ₹5,640,417 |
| M.S. Applied Finance and Economics | 12-18 months (full-time) 4 Years (part-time) |
$54,600 | ₹4,687,926 |
| M.B.A. Business Administration | 18 months (full-time) 5 Years (part-time for domestic applicants only) |
$61,350 | ₹5,265,774 |
| M.S. Forestry Science | 1–2 years (full-time) up to 4 years (part-time) |
$90,400 | ₹7,757,924 |
| M.A. Speech and Language Pathology | 2 years (full-time) 4 Years (part-time) |
$82,800 | ₹7,107,468 |
University of Canterbury Admission 2025
Admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs at UCNZ varies depending on the course. However, the table given below outlines the common application requirements for admission to the University of Canterbury New Zealand.
University of Canterbury Postgraduate Admission Requirements
Admission to postgraduate programs at UC New Zealand requires passing a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline, apart from meeting the set criteria as mentioned in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | myUC |
| Eligibility Criteria | Qualified bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university |
| Documents Required | Statement of Purpose, Letter of References, English Language Test Scores, Degree certificates, Resume, Academic Transcripts |
| Acceptable English Language Test Scores | IELTS Academic - 6.5 (overall), 6.0 (each) |
| TOEFL iBT - 90 (overall), 19 (each) | |
| PTE - 58 (overall), 50 (minimum each) | |
| DET - 120 (minimum) |
University of Canterbury Undergraduate Admission Requirements
The table mentions the undergraduate entry requirements for UC New Zealand based on different categories.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | myUC |
| Eligibility Criteria | Completed 12 years of high school and achieved the following • An average of 75% in the Indian School Certificate from CISCE or the All-India Senior School Certificate from CBSEWith a minimum of 60% in English or • An overall academic score of 75% with a minimum English score of 60% from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal State Board qualifications, or • An overall academic score of 80% with a minimum English score of 65% from all other Indian State Boards |
| Documents Required | Letter of Reference, academic transcripts, degree certificate, statement of purpose, English language test scores |
| Acceptable English Language Test Scores | IELTS Academic - 6.0 (overall), 5.5 (each) |
| TOEFL iBT - 80 (overall), 19 (each) | |
| PTE - 50 (overall), 42 (minimum each) | |
| DET - 105 (minimum) |
Also, check:
University of Canterbury Deadline 2025
All international applicants applying to the University of Canterbury New Zealand, should apply at least 6 months before the start date of the course for a timely application process. However, the table below shows the important dates to consider while applying to UCNZ.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 (Feb) | 2nd Friday of Dec 2025 |
| Semester 2, 2026 (July) | May 1, 2026 |
University of Canterbury Acceptance Rate 2025
The acceptance rate at the University of Canterbury is 50%. As per the latest annual report for 2024, a total of 26,433 students are enrolled at UC New Zealand. The table below shows the statistics for the university for 2024 as per the official website.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 26,433 |
| Total Equivalent Full-time Students (EFTS) | 18,319 |
| Undergraduate | 14,865 |
| Postgraduate | 3,456 |
| First-year retention rate | 80.5% |
University of Canterbury Scholarships 2025
The University of Canterbury offers multiple scholarships for applicants coming from different nations. The scholarships are offered in both its graduate and undergraduate programs. There are also research-based scholarships offered at UC New Zealand. Besides, scholarships are offered in different fields, ranging from arts, music, fine arts, business, health, education, and many more. Some of the scholarships that the university offers for international applicants are mentioned below.
University of Canterbury Undergraduate Scholarship
UC New Zealand undergraduate scholarships for most programs close by the deadline of 31st March. Some undergraduate scholarships are mentioned in the table below.
| Scholarship | Amount | Particulars of scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| UC International First-Year Scholarship | $15,000 (₹1,285,650) | International applicants starting undergraduate studies Deadline-Aug 12 2025 |
| University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship | $5,000 (₹427,950) in the first year | Deadline - 24 October 2025 (Semester 1 2026 start) and 30 April 2026 (Semester 2 2026 start) |
| University of Canterbury Southeast Asia High Achievers Scholarship | $5,000 (₹427,950) in the first year | citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam Deadline - 24 October 2025 (Semester 1 2026 start) and 30 April 2026 (Semester 2 2026 start) |
| Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship | $7,500 (₹643,200) | Undergraduate Asian students (full-time) |
| UC Engineering International Scholarship | $15,000 (₹1,285,650) | First-year starting undergraduate Deadline-October 31 |
| Ah Nua Scholarship | $5,000 (₹427,950) | citizens of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, or Vietnam |
Also check: Scholarships in New Zealand
University of Canterbury Postgraduate Scholarship
Some of the postgraduate scholarships offered at the University of Canterbury are given in the table below.
| Scholarship | Amount | Particulars of scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| UC International First-Year Scholarship | $15,000 (₹1,285,650) | International applicants starting undergraduate studies Deadline-Aug 12 2025 |
| University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship | $10,000 (₹855,900) in the first year | Deadline - 24 October 2025 (Semester 1 2026 start) and 30 April 2026 (Semester 2 2026 start) |
| University of Canterbury Southeast Asia High Achievers Scholarship | $10,000 (₹855,900) in the first year | citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam Deadline - 24 October 2025 (Semester 1 2026 start) and 30 April 2026 (Semester 2 2026 start) |
University of Canterbury Cost of Living
The cost of living estimates vary for homestays or renting shared accommodation in flats. The table describes in detail the cost of living based on three categories as mentioned below.
| Category | Particulars | Details of Estimates |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Estimates/week | Weekly estimates | $432 (₹37,045) |
| Rental accommodation (shared) | $196 (₹16,801) | |
| Power | $20 (₹1,718) | |
| Internet | $8 (₹687) | |
| Mobile phone | $8 (₹687) | |
| Food | $145 (₹12,453) | |
| Transport | $25 (₹2,147) | |
| Contents and Liability Insurance | $10 (₹859) | |
| Other | $20 (₹1,718) | |
| Halls of Residence estimates | Weekly estimates | $525 (₹26,650) |
| Accommodation | $283 (₹14,685) | |
| Internet | $0 | |
| Mobile phone | $8 (₹687) | |
| Food | $204 (₹17,493) | |
| Contents and Liability Insurance | $10 (₹859) | |
| Other | $20 (₹1,718) | |
| Homestay estimates | Weekly estimates | $433 (₹37,017) |
| Accommodation | $320 (₹27,325) | |
| Mobile phone | $8 (₹687) | |
| Food | $25 (₹2,147) | |
| Transport | $25 (₹2,147) | |
| Contents and Liability Insurance | $10 (₹859) | |
| Other | $20 (₹1,718) |
Also, check - Student Accommodation in New Zealand
University of Canterbury Placements 2025
According to the World University Ranking 2025, the University of Canterbury has been ranked in the top two universities in Aotearoa, in terms of employability. It has also been ranked 2nd in the country for its employment credibility. Furthermore, as per the 2023 data, 95% of UC graduates were either employed or went on to higher education. Some other features that highlight the placement services offered by the University of Canterbury include the following.
- UC offers a 3-year work visa after completion of studies for international students.
- The University also organizes career fairs, seminars, and sessions informing students about employment opportunities and employers.
- UCNZ also assists students in resume preparation, mock interviews, training sessions, and making them market-ready.
- Summer Startup Programme, Project (INOV290), UCE Disrupt Challenge Series provide exposure to students with practical knowledge as well as a chance to work with employers.
Some of the leading recruiters who work with the University of Canterbury are listed in the table below.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
University of Canterbury Ranking 2025
The University of Canterbury is ranked 261 for two consecutive years in the QS World University rankings. The table discusses further the rankings for the University of Canterbury.
| Ranking Body | Rank (Year) |
|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking (overall) | #261(2026) |
| QS World University Ranking (overall) | #261 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Accounting and Finance) | Top 300 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Agriculture and Forestry) | Top 200 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Arts and Humanities) | #331(2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Business & Management Studies) | Top 350 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Classics and Ancient History) | Top 150 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Earth and Marine Sciences) | Top 200 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Education and Training) | Top 300 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Engineering and Technology) | #345 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Linguistics) | #85 (2025) |
| QS World University Ranking (Social Sciences and Management) | #344 (2025) |
| THE Ranking | #501-600 (2025) |
University of Canterbury Campus and Infrastructure
The University of Canterbury is situated in the Christchurch suburb of Ilam, covering 76 hectares of land and greenery all around. The University is spread across campuses such as the Nelson Campus, the Dovedale Campus. Some of the many infrastructure facilities that UCNZ provides are given below.
- Art galleries, theatres, and other spaces for events, cultures, and arts.
- Sports facilities such as the gym, cardio equipment, and the fitness center, known as the Reccenter, are provided on campus.
- The University of Canterbury also offers around 15 cafes and hangout places on campus for students and staff.
- Libraries with 24*7 access and learning resources are also available at the University of Canterbury.
All in all, the University of Canterbury is an all-rounder university providing exposure to students through networking and opportunities. The university has been ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide. It is recognized for its academic excellence and high employability rates. The access to transportation, green environment, excellent faculty, multiple fun activities and clubs, eating and dining places, libraries, accommodation, and accessible transportation make it one of the top choices among international students.
FAQs
Ques. What makes the University of Canterbury unique?
Ans. The University of Canterbury is situated around green spaces with the Avon River flowing across its University Drive in Christchurch. It is one of the oldest universities in New Zealand with a strong international presence. Besides, the university is known for its high employability rates. It has been ranked #2 in New Zealand for its high employment rate.QS Ranking also placed it in the top 100 universities in the world in 2025 for sustainability. The university also offers multiple libraries and organizes career fairs to promote employment opportunities. UCNZ also provides accommodation on campus, only 5-min away from the main campus.
- Besides, the Asian supermarkets and restaurants are only 15 minutes walking distance from UC.
- The airport is only a 10-minute drive from UC.
- Beaches are only a 20-minute drive from UC.
Ques. How hard is it for international students to get into the University of Canterbury?
Ans. The University of Canterbury is selective in its admission process, with an acceptance rate of 50%. Yet it has been one of the top choices for students all around the globe. Getting into university requires certain criteria, such as passing the English language tests. This includes tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo test, PTE, and more. Other factors on which the admission is based on the statement of purpose, academic qualifications for the preferred course, and submitting valid documents. It is also important for international applicants to apply at least 6 months before the course start date so that they can get a visa on time.
Ques. Where can I apply for admission to the University of Canterbury?
Ans. The University of Canterbury provides an online application portal called myUC, where applicants can submit their application along with all the required documents. To create an account in my UC, academic and personal details such as our date of birth, legal name, contact details, education history, learning needs, and a scan of our passport or birth certificate are required. Once the account is created, the applicant can choose the preferred program and complete the application process.
University of Canterbury Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M.A Applied Data Science 1 year | Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 34,110 /Yr NZD 56,850 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | |
Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 34,110 /Yr NZD 56,850 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | ||
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 31,140 /Yr NZD 51,900 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | |
Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 31,140 /Yr NZD 51,900 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | ||
M.S Applied Finance and Economics 18 months | Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 34,110 /Yr NZD 56,850 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | |
M.Eng Civil Engineering 1 year | Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 31,140 /Yr NZD 51,900 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | |
Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 29,940 /Yr NZD 49,900 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | ||
Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 52,080 /Yr NZD 86,800 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | ||
M.A Professional Accounting 2 years | Course Start Date for Semester One Intake (22nd Jun 2026) Final UC Business Taught Masters Support Scholarship Deadline (1st Jul 2026) Course Start Date for Semester Two Intake (9th Nov 2026) | USD 34,110 /Yr NZD 56,850 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 | |
M.A Antarctic Studies 18 months | Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Mar 2026) | USD 40,770 /Yr NZD 67,950 /Yr | GPA: 6.0 out of 10, DET:120, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-120 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Master Applied Data Science
Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
University of Canterbury comparison
| University Name | University of Canterbury | Auckland University of Technology | University of Auckland | University of Otago |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.9 Out of 10 | 4.4 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 | 5.3 Out of 10 |
| Overall Ranking |
|
|
|
|
| Subject Strength |
|
|
|
|
| Programs |
|
|
|
|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.0 % | 91.0 % | 45.0 % | 58.0 % |
| Cost to Study |
|
|
|
|
| Placement | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Finance: $107,000 Bachelor of science: $69,000 LLM: $45,000 Bachelor (other): $62,000 | Some of the industries in which the graduates get employed and average salary are as follows: Financial services: $77,000 IT and Software development: $76,000 Sales and business development: $42,000 Marketing: $59,000 | The University of Auckland is one of the top public universities in Auckland, New Zealand. It is ranked #87 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
| The average salary for graduates is around NZD 87,400. Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Bachelor of Science: $75,000 Master in Finance: $73,000 BBA: $72,000 Master (other): $110,000 |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
Do you think the data is wrong ? Report Here
Overall 282 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 261 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
University of Canterbury Reviews
1 Reviews Found
Overview
1) I found my desired course(AI & ML) 2) Moderate fee structure 3) Cost of living - considerable/moderate
University of Canterbury Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ngau Boon Keat Postgraduate Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering | Scholarship per student$25,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Guardian Trust Master’s Scholarship in Commerce | Scholarship per student$16,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
University of Canterbury Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | ||||
| GRE | 306.6 | - | - | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 8 Comments
Yes, You can apply for the admission to University of Canterbury. A 2.79 GPA on a 4-point scale is equivalent to approximately a 6.97 GPA on a 10-point scale. Students applying for graduate programs must have a minimum GPA score ranging between 5.5 to 8.0 out of 10 to be considered for admission. Moreover, international students must submit proof of English proficiency along with their application. An IELTS minimum score of 6.5 is required.
You can book an appointment with our counselor on our website for guidance in the admission process.
For Graduate Admissions GPA or aggregate ranging between 5.5 to 8.0 out of 10 and for Undergraduate Admission 75% aggregate score or higher along with English language tests (IELTS and TOEFL iBT) with minimum scores of 6.5 and 90 respectively. For more information, You can check UC Admissions.