About University of Canterbury
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is a New Zealand university founded in 1873, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It has been operating continuously for more than 150 years, making it one of the country's older universities.
In 2023, UC marked its 150th anniversary with a programme of more than 40 events held across Waitaha Canterbury and internationally, drawing over 10,000 attendees. To coincide with the anniversary, the university published A New History: The University of Canterbury 1873–2023.
Studying at University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury offers undergraduate and postgraduate study. Approximately 4,000 students aged 25 and over are enrolled alongside younger students.
The university provides academic support at different stages of study. Future Student Officers help prospective students plan their study options. Kaitoko advisors support first-year undergraduate students with academic and practical guidance specific to their faculty. Student Advisors (Kaitohutohu Ākonga) assist continuing undergraduate students with course planning and credit transfers. For postgraduate study, supervisors and programme coordinators provide initial guidance, with Te Kura Tāura | UC Graduate School supporting doctoral students.
Te Pokapū Pūkenga Ako | Academic Skills Centre is a free service offering writing and study strategy support for students from first year through to PhD level.
International Students at UC Business School
UC Business School offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees to international students. Programmes include options in financial markets, management, and e-commerce.
Business degrees incorporate hands-on learning through consulting work, projects with industry partners, seminars with experts, internships, and field trips.
International students on a student visa may work part-time during the academic year and full-time during university breaks and summer months. After graduation, students may apply for a Post Study Work Visa to remain in New Zealand and work full-time for a specified duration.
Accommodation options include halls of residence, homestay, and rental properties. The university recommends arranging accommodation before arrival in Christchurch.
International students may bring family members; information is available regarding spouse or partner work visas, childcare, schools, and family insurance.
Address
Where University of Canterbury is based, taken directly from the Ministry of Education's own address record for this provider.
Approximate location, estimated from the provider's address via OpenStreetMap — not an official Ministry-verified coordinate. View larger map →
- StreetIlam Road
- SuburbIlam
- CityChristchurch
- Postcode8140
- Territorial authorityChristchurch City
- RegionCanterbury Region
Contact University of Canterbury
Find the published contact details for University of Canterbury, including its phone number, website and other available contact information.
- Phone0800 827 748
- Emailinfo@canterbury.ac.nz
- Fax03-3642856
- Websitewww.canterbury.ac.nz
Contact details combine official Ministry of Education records with information published on University of Canterbury's own website, reviewed by the KuraData team on 9 September 2026.
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University of Otago Dunedin North
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University of Waikato Hillcrest
Accommodation
The University of Canterbury offers several accommodation options for students.
Halls of residence
Halls of residence are located on campus and combine academic support, social events, and activities.
Off-campus options
Private rental accommodation through flatting is common among students, particularly from second year onwards.
Homestay and private board involves living with a local family in their home.
Temporary accommodation consists of private fully-furnished rooms available on a daily or weekly basis.
Specific student groups
Postgraduate accommodation options are available. Accommodation for couples and families is offered, though couples and families accommodation in Christchurch is in high demand.
International students can arrange accommodation before arrival, including halls of residence, homestay, or temporary accommodation prior to finding a rental property.
Library Services
The University of Canterbury operates three libraries. Staff provide assistance with finding resources, referencing, and research support.
Library locations
- Central Library Te Puna Mātauraka is located in the Puaka-James Hight building. It holds collections supporting Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Business and Economics, Education, Music and Fine Arts.
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Library Te Puna Pūkaha me te Pūtaiao is on the north side of campus adjacent to Creyke Road and the Engineering Core. It supports engineering, forestry, sciences, and Antarctic Studies.
- Macmillan Brown Library Te Puna Rakahau o Macmillan Brown holds cultural heritage collections reflecting Aotearoa, the Pacific, and beyond.
Collections and resources
Library collections include books, journal articles, database records, archives, and heritage materials. Named collections include Te Ao Māori collection, Pacific collection, Antarctic collection, Art and archives, and Special Collections featuring rare books and the Modern Fine Print Collection.
Services and facilities
Available services include subject and specialist librarian support, library research support, library teaching support, interloan services, and delivery services. Te Rua Makerspace is available for students and staff to create and work on projects. Library study rooms are provided, and multiple citation and referencing styles are supported including APA, MLA, EndNote, and Zotero. Chat support is available through AskLibrary.
Curated by the KuraData team from University of Canterbury's own website, reviewed 9 September 2026.
Data source
- SourceTertiary Providers Directory — Ministry of Education
- KuraData last checked6 September 2026
- Editorial content based onUniversity of Canterbury's official website — reviewed 9 September 2026