History
UC has proudly been serving communities in New Zealand and the world for over 150 years. Established in 1873 as Canterbury College, it was only the second university in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unique for its time, women students were admitted from the start.
Ernest Rutherford, Canterbury’s most distinguished graduate, studied at the University in the 1890s.
Education
UC provides a future focussed curriculum across more than 120 qualifications in over 150 subject areas. Our seven Faculties offer a wealth of academic study options in Arts, Business, Digital Screen, Education, Engineering, Health, Law and Science.
Education at UC connects with industry across every degree to build life skills. Students aren't just getting content, they're getting the experiences and skills to think critically about that content.
Research
The University of Canterbury delivers creative and innovative research for the benefit of both local and global communities. We're making a positive impact on today's global challenges through solutions-focused research together with our partners - whether through addressing climate change, supporting geopolitical security or fostering thriving communities.
Our academic leaders are courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their discoveries with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.
Career
UC’s graduates are employable, innovative and enterprising. In 2024, 89% of UC graduates were in employment or enrolled in further study within a year of completing their qualification.
In Canterbury, the top three employer industries that hire our graduates are education and training; professional, scientific and technical services; and health care and social assistance.
UC Careers & Employment Centre provides information, advice and activities to help students make choices and decisions about study, employment and career options. They also assist in developing skills and attributes to help students become employable, as well as provide opportunities to engage with employers and industry professionals.
Top reasons to study here
- Future-focused learning UC fosters innovation and real-world learning through internships, startup incubator programmes, and global study opportunities.
- World-recognised teaching UC is a globally-recognised university with a 5-Star QS ranking for our internationally renowned teaching and research.
- Cutting-edge research UC is a leading research-intensive university, delivering impactful research to solve local and global challenges.
University of Canterbury Key Statistics & Highlights
- #261 Ranking
- 54 PhDs
- 37 Scholarships
University of Canterbury Overview
University of Canterbury Scholarships
University of Canterbury Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Canterbury. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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University of Canterbury Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 256 | 261 | 261 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 401 | 401 | 401 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 2 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 466 | 544 | 542 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
Dropped 100 places compared to 2025
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 501 | 501 | 601 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
UC’s Future Students team can provide advice to future students who are considering choosing UC or students who are already studying at UC. They can assist with information on degrees, scholarships, accommodation, and other aspects of university life.
For international students, Atawhai Ākonga | Student Care is UC’s dedicated international support team. They can help guide students every step of the way. Our advisors are open-minded, knowledgeable, and diverse, and they enjoy meeting and working with students from around the world. Student Care Advisors are different from the advisors in the Faculties, providing practical and developmental support rather than academic advice.
Housing services
The University of Canterbury offers a variety of accommodation options to suit students’ individual lifestyle and budget.
UC’s halls of residence are all located within 5-10 minutes’ walk from campus. Each hall of residence offers its own unique culture, and they all combine academic support, social events, and activities into a unique student experience.
Students can also choose a homestay or private board to live with a local family in the family’s home. This is a popular option for international students, as it provides the opportunity to practice English and learn about New Zealand's culture in a safe and supportive environment.
Library services
UC has three libraries on campus with friendly, expert staff. Students can access subject and specialist librarians, research support, study rooms, interloans, and other services.
Central Library
The Central Library provides services and collections that support studying Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Business and Economics, Education, Music and Fine Arts.
ICT services
Students, visitors, and staff on campus can get access to the internet and UC network via UC’s WiFi. UC's IT Service Desk is the first point of contact for all IT-related services. The team answers requests, resolves issues, and provides IT support.
Medical services
UC has a range of services to support our students’ health and wellbeing.
The on-campus Health Centre provides students and staff of the University of Canterbury access to a professional, confidential, and cost-effective range of medical and nursing services. It offers physical health services, counselling, health tests, vaccinations, and more.
Campus life
Located just a short distance from the heart of Christchurch city, UC’s Ilam campus houses our teaching and learning facilities, accommodation, and leisure activities together in one central location. With expansive green spaces and gardens, UC builds off the natural beauty by which it is surrounded, including a meandering stream and vibrant cherry blossoms in the spring.
Students can enjoy a wide selection of cafes and eateries on campus, including the Foundry restaurant. There is also a gym, pharmacy, and postal services conveniently located on campus.
Sports facilities
The UC RecCentre is the primary fitness facility on campus. Free to students, it offers a gym with cardio and weight equipment. It also provides a boxing training area, climbing wall, squash, and sport courts. A busy group fitness timetable offers classes in everything from yoga and pump to spin, ballet, and more.
Student clubs
The UC Students’ Association (UCSA) is a registered not-for-profit dedicated to supporting UC students to succeed and belong. Governed by an elected Student Executive, it delivers student-focused services like advocacy, welfare, representation, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events, and media. It also holds a range of free and ticketed events on campus year-round, including concerts, barbeques, and the legendary Tea Party.
Accreditation
UC qualifications are accredited by several regulatory and professional bodies. They are also subject to regular review by the Academic Quality Agency of Universities NZ to ensure we maintain appropriate academic standards.
Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School also has accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA and BSIS.
University of Canterbury Campus Locations
University of Canterbury Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 28 reviews
- 5 Star 7 Reviews
- 4 Star 14 Reviews
- 3 Star 6 Reviews
- 2 Star 1 Review
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
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UACEG has rich traditions in the provision of academic knowledge and has always encouraged the ideas of democracy and academic autonomy. It is the oldest technical school in Bulgaria. The main objectives of UACEG are: to provide high-quality higher education in Architecture and Civil Engineering; to offer a rich choice of postgraduate educational qualifications; to realise thorough scientific research and effective co-operation with national and international public and private institutions.
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UACEG has rich traditions in the provision of academic knowledge and has always encouraged the ideas of democracy and academic autonomy. It is the oldest technical school in Bulgaria. The main objectives of UACEG are: to provide high-quality higher education in Architecture and Civil Engineering; to offer a rich choice of postgraduate educational qualifications; to realise thorough scientific research and effective co-operation with national and international public and private institutions.
Inadequate Disability Support
In terms of location, it is ideal. Located close to Westfield Riccarton and with good public transportation options, surrounded by trees and with the river running through, it feels natural and inviting. However, as a student with a disability, my dealings with many of the staff were less than pleasant. I had a lecturer inform me that being legally blind isn�t that bad as she stood there covering one eye with her hand (she was fully sighted), I had a Disability Advisor who would frequently interrupt and not listen to me, and there was someone whose role it was to help with assistive technology, but who did not seem to know much about the technology that he was working with. These are just a few examples. I would not recommend this university to anyone with a disability or who requires extra support. The staff don�t seem capable of providing that. I have attended other institutions with far more efficient staff.