University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Off Ilam Road
Christchurch
64-3-364 2459
64-3-364 2171
Website Address: www.canterbury.ac.nz

Academic Programmes

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 course work and research, and purely research-based doctorates.

International Students

The University of Canterbury has been host to thousands of international students over a period of more than 40 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.

Academic Year

The academic year begins in mid February and ends in mid November, with two semesters, February to June, and July to November.

English Language and Foundation Studies

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 Center on campus that specializes in preparing students for entry into degree courses.

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.

Student Services

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

The International Student Center 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.

Accommodation

There are four co-educational fully catered Halls of Residence; all within 5 minutes walk of the University. In-house academic tutoring is provided, a variety of social, cultural and sporting activities is organized, and the facilities are excellent. They are a great way for first year students especially to meet people from different backgrounds
Home stays (private board with a NZ family) can also be arranged
For students in their second or subsequent years the University's self-catering Ilam Flats are a popular choice. Rental accommodation is also plentiful within easy reach of the university, and many students choose to hire their own accommodation with a group of friends

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