About the university
The University of Canterbury, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, was founded in 1873 and is New Zealand's second-oldest university. It is ranked 257th in the world by QS and in the 551–600 band by Times Higher Education in 2027. UC is best known for engineering, which is taught in one of New Zealand's largest engineering schools, as well as for computer science, data science, business, law and science.
Most teaching takes place on the Ilam campus, a large, green campus about 5 kilometres west of Christchurch city centre, with playing fields and modern science and engineering buildings built or rebuilt after the 2010–2011 earthquakes. Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and the gateway to the Southern Alps.
UC offers several one-year and 18-month master's degrees designed for international students, such as the Master of Applied Data Science, Master of Engineering Studies and Master of Business Information Systems. These have a single programme fee that covers the whole qualification, which makes budgeting straightforward.
For Indian students, UC offers an India High Achievers Scholarship and an International First Year Scholarship, and Christchurch is usually cheaper to live in than Auckland or Wellington. A master's of at least 30 weeks in New Zealand can lead to a post-study work visa of up to three years.
- Founded
- 1873, as Canterbury College; New Zealand's second-oldest university
- Type
- Public research university
- Total students
- About 15,700 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- International students
- 18% (THE 2027 data)
- Student–staff ratio
- 20.9 to 1 (THE 2027 data)
- Campus
- Ilam campus in Christchurch, with the Dovedale area for education and sport
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
257 in the world
THE World University Rankings 2027
551–600 in the world
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Master of Applied Data Science
- Fee / year
- NZ$59,400
- Duration
- 180 points (about 12 months)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$54,600
- Duration
- 120 points (about 1 year)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$54,600
- Duration
- 120 points
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
Master of Engineering Management
- Fee / year
- NZ$59,400
- Duration
- 120 or 180 points (the page shows both)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
Master of Business Information Systems
- Fee / year
- NZ$59,400
- Duration
- 180 points
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$59,400
- Duration
- 180 points
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$45,800
- Duration
- 120 points
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$47,600
- Duration
- 240 points (2 years)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the qualification page for the IELTS band
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (NZD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Applied Data Science | 180 points (about 12 months) | NZ$59,400 | ≈ ₹32.1 lakh |
| Master of Engineering Studies | 120 points (about 1 year) | NZ$54,600 | ≈ ₹29.5 lakh |
| Master of Engineering | 120 points | NZ$54,600 | ≈ ₹29.5 lakh |
| Master of Engineering Management | 120 or 180 points (the page shows both) | NZ$59,400 | ≈ ₹32.1 lakh |
| Master of Business Information Systems | 180 points | NZ$59,400 | ≈ ₹32.1 lakh |
| Master of Commerce | 180 points | NZ$59,400 | ≈ ₹32.1 lakh |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | 120 points | NZ$45,800 | ≈ ₹24.7 lakh |
| Master of Health Sciences | 240 points (2 years) | NZ$47,600 | ≈ ₹25.7 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Canterbury with similar universities in New Zealand.
Scholarships
- Bachelor's and master's (not doctoral)
University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship
Value: NZ$5,000 (undergraduate) or NZ$10,000 (postgraduate) towards first-year tuition
Eligibility: Indian citizens who are new full-fee international students with an offer to an eligible programme. Applications close 24 October 2026 (Semester 1 2027) and 30 April (Semester 2).
Official page (opens in a new tab) - First-year bachelor's
UC International First Year Scholarship (Offshore)
Value: NZ$15,000 towards tuition
Eligibility: International students who completed their university-entrance study overseas or at UC International College. Closes 31 October or 15 April.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Bachelor's and taught master's
New Zealand Excellence Awards (India)
Value: Set each round
Eligibility: Exclusive to Indian students; offered through New Zealand universities in yearly rounds.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Bachelor's entry is based on your Class 12 results; UC lists its requirements for Indian boards.
- Engineering expects strong mathematics and physics; the first year is a common first-year programme before you choose your discipline.
- UC International College offers foundation and first-year pathways.
Postgraduate
- Master's degrees need a relevant bachelor's degree with a good average (often a B average or better).
- Special programme fees cover the whole qualification and are paid up front.
- Apply online; most programmes start in February or July. Apply for the India High Achievers Scholarship by the round deadline.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (bachelor's)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (master's)
- English test result
- CV and statement of purpose where required
- Evidence of funds for the student visa (NZ$20,000 a year for living costs)
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Each qualification lists its band; check the qualification page before applying. |
| Other tests | PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and other tests are accepted. |
| English pathways | UC International College runs English and pathway programmes on campus. |
Accommodation and living costs
UC has halls of residence and self-catered villages next to the Ilam campus, and Christchurch is usually cheaper than Auckland and Wellington. The costs below are our estimates built from the figures in our New Zealand study guide.
| Item | In NZD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flatOur New Zealand estimate; Christchurch is usually in the middle of the range | NZ$650–1,400per month | ≈ ₹35,100 – ₹75,600 |
| Hall or student villageOur estimate; choose a hall or a flat, not both | NZ$1,450–2,400per month | ≈ ₹78,300 – ₹1.3 lakh |
| Public transportBuses run between Ilam and the city; many students cycle | NZ$60–160per month | ≈ ₹3,240 – ₹8,640 |
| Living funds to show for the visaImmigration New Zealand requirement | NZ$20,000per year | ≈ ₹10.8 lakh |
Campus and location
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, rebuilt with many new buildings after the 2010–2011 earthquakes and close to beaches, the Port Hills and the Southern Alps.
- The Ilam campus is about 5 kilometres west of the city centre.
- Engineering and science buildings are among the newest on campus.
- Christchurch is flat and easy to cycle.
- Ski fields and national parks are within a few hours' drive.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Christchurch's employers include engineering, construction, agritech and technology firms. Graduates can apply for post-study work; outcomes depend on your course, experience and English.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Post-study work after a master's (at least 30 weeks in NZ) | Up to 3 years, open work rights | Immigration New Zealand |
| Work allowed during study | Up to 25 hours a week (since 3 November 2025); full time in holidays | Immigration New Zealand |
| Minimum wage | NZ$23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026 | New Zealand Government |
| International students at the university | 18% | THE World University Rankings 2027 data |
Studying in New Zealand
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in New Zealand. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much is the Master of Applied Data Science?
NZ$59,400 for the whole 180-point programme in 2027, paid up front. The Student Services Levy and insurance are extra.
Is there a scholarship only for Indian students?
Yes. The UC India High Achievers Scholarship gives NZ$5,000 to undergraduates or NZ$10,000 to postgraduates in the first year. Applications for Semester 1 2027 close on 24 October 2026.
Is engineering at UC a 4-year degree?
Yes. The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours takes 4 years. In 2027 the first year costs NZ$49,540 and later years NZ$54,180 a year.
Is Christchurch cheaper than Auckland?
Usually, yes, especially for rent. Budget carefully for winter heating.
Can I work after my master's?
A master's with at least 30 weeks of study in New Zealand can lead to a Post Study Work Visa of up to three years.
Sources
- University of Canterbury: international tuition fees, master's degrees (opens in a new tab)
- University of Canterbury: international tuition fees, bachelor's degrees (opens in a new tab)
- University of Canterbury: India High Achievers Scholarship regulations (opens in a new tab)
- University of Canterbury: general first-year scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Times Higher Education: University of Canterbury (WUR 2027) (opens in a new tab)
- QS World University Rankings (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: staying to work after study (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: student visa work rights (opens in a new tab)
- Study with New Zealand: cost of living (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.canterbury.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details