University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury, founded in 1873, is one of New Zealand’s oldest universities and is based in Christchurch, on the South Island. It is particularly well known for its engineering and science programmes, and for the College of Engineering that draws students from across the country.

Why students choose Canterbury

• Strong, long-standing reputation in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences.
• Home to New Zealand’s only dedicated forestry degree programme.
• Purpose-built modern campus rebuilt and expanded following Christchurch’s 2011 earthquake.
• Close links to Antarctic research through the university’s Gateway Antarctica programme.
• Access to Christchurch’s growing tech and engineering job market for graduates.

Campus and location

The university’s main campus is located in Ilam, a leafy suburb a short distance from Christchurch’s city centre, with easy access to the Southern Alps and the wider Canterbury region for outdoor recreation.

What students say

Students often describe Christchurch as a quiet, welcoming city and mention feeling safe both on and off campus. A recurring theme is appreciation for the international mix of students and a generally friendly campus culture. Some reviews note that local job opportunities and industry placements can be limited in certain fields, particularly where employers expect familiarity with New Zealand-specific standards, which some international students find makes it harder to gain local work experience alongside study.

Official website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz

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