OverviewSince its establishment in 1873, the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, New Zealand, has enjoyed an international reputation for academic excellence in both teaching and research. Its undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are highly recognized across the world and aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking, and professional excellence in every field.
The University's teaching program is research-based and all staff are expected to be involved in research and publishing in their specialized area. As a result, even undergraduate students can expect lecturers who are at the forefront of knowledge in their field.
Canterbury also has a special endowment, the Erskine Fellowship, which makes it possible for staff from prestigious universities around the world to visit and teach at Canterbury. The University has around 70 such visitors each year, giving a further significant enrichment to its teaching programs.
The University's modern and well-equipped facilities are spread across a spacious suburban campus only 15 minutes from the city center, with easy access to the center of the city and its cultural and recreational facilities.
For those interested in field sciences, the unique geology and flora and fauna of the South Island serve as a natural laboratory. The University also has five field stations scattered around the South Island (including an astronomical observatory in the high country) and some courses in the field sciences include field trips to these stations.
The University of Canterbury has been home to thousands of international students over a period of more than 40 years. Currently there are over 2,000 international students from more than 70 countries enrolled in a wide variety of programs. The student population of 17,000 is diverse and provides a lively, interesting, and cosmopolitan university community.LocationChristchurch is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island and is also known as the "Garden City". It lies on the coastal edge of the Canterbury Plains close to both the sea and the mountains. The city offers plentiful cultural and recreational opportunities, a vibrant café and nightlife scene, and also superb access to the national parks and wilderness areas of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the foothills of which are just an hour away.
Beautiful beaches are close to the city and skiing and snowboarding can be found at five ski-fields within 90 minutes of Christchurch - just imagine, you can surf and ski in the same day! Rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping are just a few hours away. Beautiful scenery abounds in this part of the country, and after a hard week of study you can travel just a short distance to find yourself surrounded by it.
The climate in Christchurch is mild and temperate with warm, dry summers and temperatures ranging between 65º and 70ºF. In the winter months of June, July, and August, daytime temperatures are cooler and are between 40º and 60ºF. Extracurricular ActivitiesThe University of Canterbury Student's Association sponsors such a variety of clubs that there is something for everyone. The Tramping (Hiking) Club is one of the most popular clubs on campus, with backpacking gear available for rent. The International Student Support Center plans a variety of events throughout the year, including a ski trip. There is always something happening on campus and around the city.Academic HighlightsStudy abroad students can select a wide range of courses from the faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Engineering, Science, and Law. Highlights include courses in Antarctic Studies, Maori Language and Culture, and a wide range of courses in New Zealand history, literature, and politics, as well as courses in Biological and Geological Sciences.
Canterbury is also the only university to have major field stations throughout the South Island, serving as field-trip bases and research centers for staff and students.
View Available Subjects
Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. University ServicesCentral to student life is the Student's Association, which houses an array of facilities and services to cater for the university community and also organizes a variety of cultural, recreational, and sporting programs throughout the year.
The University Recreation Center is a modern and user-friendly facility run by a fully trained team of professional fitness instructors. They have an extensive range of equipment and a variety of programs on offer designed to help students learn new recreation skills.
The University’s Central Library is the largest library in the South Island. It is supplemented by five specialist libraries in other parts of the campus. Additionally, there are five computer suites; each equipped with the latest technology. The Central Library computer suite is open 24 hours for student use.
The International Student Support Center is a great place to drop in for a chat or to talk over problems with the staff. International Student Advisors arrange outings and events throughout the year and offer advice and support to all overseas students.HousingStudents in campus housing live in the Ilam Apartments or in one of the university’s halls of residence, all of which are located within easy walking distance of the campus, shopping centers, restaurants, and bus transportation to the city center. Many Study Abroad students elect to stay in Ilam Apartments, which provides self-catering apartments. Students living in Ilam Apartments have their own bedroom in a fully furnished flat and share kitchen, living area and bathroom facilities with 5 other students. There is also a common room with television area, pool table, table tennis, kitchen facilities, and study area. The flats are self-catering. Barbeques, dinners, and a variety of other social events are organized regularly throughout the academic year.
OrientationThe International Student Advisors run a comprehensive orientation for all new international students at the beginning of each semester. During this two day event, you will learn all the important things you need to know to survive in Christchurch, like opening a bank account, how to enroll for courses, and which kind of peanut butter is best!Special Programs/ExcursionsThe University’s Recreation Center offers a variety of programs and excursions at a reasonable cost. Some examples of the excursions on offer include rafting, sea-kayaking trips, and climbing (programs will vary from year to year).Community InvolvementWhile abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true New Zealand culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Christchurch or discover your own upon arrival!
You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in New Zealand on AustraLearn's Culture and Adventure Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to New Zealand. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for AustraLearn's Conservation Volunteer Weekend.
   Meet Your AustraLearn CoordinatorEilis McNamara-Olde is the AustraLearn Coordinator for University of Canterbury
View SubjectsClasses are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. Fees| Program Fees | $10745.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Starting at $4,440 | | Without Meals | Starting at $3,370 | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. | | Without Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. |
Fee IncludesProgram fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 6-day Bridging Cultures Program in Auckland and Rotorua, New Zealand. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged. Fee SemesterThe Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms.
The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. FactsLocation: Christchurch, South Island
Overseas Students: 2000
Staff: 750
Total Enrolment: 15000
Dates| All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. | |
| July 2010 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | June 29, 2010 | | Start Date | July 1, 2010 | | End Date | November 11, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 23, 2010 - September 3, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | June 29, 2010 | | Start Date | July 1, 2010 | | End Date | June 24, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 23, 2010 - September 3, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 11, 2011 - April 22, 2011 |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 1, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 2, 2011 | | Start Date | February 4, 2011 | | End Date | June 24, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 1, 2011 - April 15, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 2, 2011 - September 9, 2011 |
| July 2011 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | June 30, 2011 | | Start Date | July 1, 2011 | | End Date | November 11, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 2, 2011 - September 9, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | June 30, 2011 | | Start Date | July 1, 2011 | | End Date | June 29, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 2, 2011 - September 9, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 6, 2012 - April 20, 2012 |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 1, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | January 30, 2012 | | Start Date | February 1, 2012 | | End Date | June 22, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | March 30, 2012 - April 13, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
Entry RequirementsApplicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level.
Required GPA: 2.80
AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Eilis McNamara-Olde | | Title: | Sr. Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services | | Department: | Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji |
BIO:
Eilis manages study abroad admission and participant pre-departure services for AUT University, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, University of Waikato, and Victoria University of Wellington.
She holds a B.S. degree in Public Relations and International Studies from the University of Evansville . Studying abroad at Harlaxton College in England awakened her passion for traveling and she has since traveled extensively in Europe and the South Pacific.
Advice From The Coordinator:
Many students report that they enjoy spending their days at beautiful Sumner Bay, located close to the city of Christchurch. |
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