University of Canterbury

Fast Facts

• Top 1% Engineering: All of our Engineering programmes are accredited by Engineering New Zealand, which is a signatory to the Washington Accord, making an Engineering degree from UC an internationally recognised qualification. Academic World Ranking of Universities places UC 9th in the world for Civil Engineering. 
• Our lecturers are passionate about sharing their knowledge, and they are top experts in their field, meaning you will learn from the best in the field and at the cutting-edge of research. They are actively involved in research and publishing in their specialist areas. UC is leading the country for the proportion of researchers that teach.
• UC hosts guest lecturers from around the world, giving students the opportunity to interact with world-leaders in their fields.
• Over the last few years, UC has invested $162 million in new state-of-the-art laboratories, teaching spaces, and study areas. UC is on the doorstep of a living laboratory with the $60 billion dollar rebuild project in downtown of Christchurch which provides the opportunity of hands on learning.
• UC is the only university in New Zealand to offer professional forestry degree programmes.
• UC offers a comprehensive range of courses, including several that you’re unlikely to come across in your home country, such as Maori language and culture, Antarctic Studies and Forestry. 
• Study outside the classroom - UC has an extensive network of field stations off campus and many Science courses include field trips and often feature New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna, geology, biodiversity and marine life.
• Community service learning: CHCH 101: Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation* is a for-credit course incorporating service learning. Building on the community spirit of the famous Student Volunteer Army, you will conduct up to 20 hours of community service related to social innovation and volunteerism in the Christchurch community.
• You can ski and surf in the same day — Christchurch is on the doorstep of a huge outdoor ‘playground’ — with 10 ski fields within two hours of of Otautahi Christchurch.
• The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) runs more than 160 clubs and societies covering almost every interest such as Snow Sports Club, Tramping (Hiking) Club and ENSOC (Engineering). Canterbury University Snow Sports Club (CUSSC) has their own lodge at Temple Basin Ski Area.

Introduction
University of Canterbury (UC) – Top one per cent in the world and the first New Zealand university to receive the prestigious QS five-star ranking for overall excellence. Founded in 1873, UC is an important research university in Australasia. UC is ranked 3rd in New Zealand for research intensity of its academic staff.* UC’s academic staff are well known in their fields. UC also brings in academics from around the world, including Oxford and Cambridge, via our staff exchange programme. UC is known for offering a supportive campus community, high-quality courses and unique applied learning opportunities, including internships, service learning, and community engagement. UC provides the facilities to support your study at UC include modern lecture theatres, innovative learning hubs, well-resourced libraries, computer suites, and an Academic Skills Centre. With dedicated support services, a focus on student health and well-being, and so many clubs, events, and outdoor adventure activities on our doorstep, you will have an unforgettable UC experience. 

City Info
Why Christchurch?

The city of Otautahi Christchurch is a recreational hot spot within easy reach of all the fun and adventure the region has to oer. It is the gateway to the South Island, and located in the province of Waitaha Canterbury. 

Gateway to the South Island

With a population of around 380,000, Christchurch is the largest and most central city in the South Island making it the ideal base from which to explore.

A recreational hub

Christchurch is on the doorstep of a huge outdoor playground – with 10 ski fields within a two hour drive and beautiful beaches close by, you can surf and ski in the same day. The city’s Port Hills are also popular for walking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Vibrant entertainment options

Christchurch has a busy calendar of events — from art exhibitions and cultural celebrations to sporting events and music festivals. There are over 900 restaurants, cafés, and bars to sample, many of them close to UC. 

Leisure and Lifestyle

In 2019, Christchurch topped CNN’s list of 19 places to visit – describing the city, its buildings, and culture as “elegant”, “gorgeous”, “colourful”, and “dynamic”.

Innovation

Christchurch is known as a future-focused, entrepreneurial city. It leads the country in innovation, research, and technology and is home to the country’s largest ICT industry cluster.

The Canterbury region

A temperate climate with lots of sunshine and a full range of spectacular seasons, Canterbury is an ideal place to explore throughout the year. Canterbury has more ski areas than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a winter playground.

University Info
University Website
College of Engineering Info
Exchange Student Info

Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
International Relationships Office   |   Incoming Student Exchange

Percy Chan, International Mobility Co-ordinator, percy.chan@canterbury.ac.nz

Language of Instruction
English

Academic Calendar
Fall (Semester 2): mid-July to mid-November
Spring (Semester 1):  mid- to late February to late June

* Exchange students are required to arrive in time to attend the International Welcome and complete International Enrolment in person. You should also plan to stay till the end of the exam period.

Disciplines Available

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Forest Engineering
• Forestry Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Natural Resources Engineering
• Software Engineering?

Restricted Disciplines and Courses
There are some courses which may not be available to Exchange students. You should read the information about course restrictions carefully on the Incoming Exchange Students website before selecting your courses. 

Other notes:

• Students should provide a list of UC courses they wish to take with their application. If you meet the general admission requirements you will be granted admission to the University first as per usual and your courses will then be sent to the relevant departments for a decision as to whether you are able to take your selected courses.
• UC will seek pre-approval for you to take the courses.
• Some other courses are limited entry and may have additional entry requirements. Please contact the International Mobility Coordinator or Officer if students have enquiries about course restrictions.

Course Contents
Course Descriptions

Please make sure you read the information about course restrictions carefully on the Incoming Exchange Students website before selecting your courses.

Timetable Planner: This is a searchable course timetable (click on the web link under "Timetable Planner.") It allows anyone to enter combinations of courses and preview how they would fit into a timetable before the enroll at UC.

Enrollment Requirements
Exchange students are allowed to take courses across various departments, provided the courses are open to exchange students, they meet the pre-requisite requirements of the courses, places are available, and they have a viable timetable.

Housing
The usual accommodation for Exchange students is at UC Accommodation Student Village and students can find information on the Study Abroad and Exchange accommodation package website. Students must complete a separate accommodation application online before the application deadline. Detailed information on the package including fees, how to apply, arrival dates, etc. is available at the website above.

Accommodation on campus is guaranteed provided that you apply by the deadline (you must apply for accommodation online by the deadline and  also return all subsequent accommodation contracts by the required deadlines in order to secure the room). When making travel plans, please also refer to the above accommodation website for the earliest move-in dates and latest move out dates for on campus accommodation, since if you arrive earlier than the move in dates you would need to find temporary accommodation until the move-in time.

Estimated Cost of Living


How GE3 Works
Global E3 is a consortium of universities with strong engineering programs around the world. These universities agree to exchange students between their various campuses. Unlike a program, students are not guaranteed participation at a particular location but instead Global E3 will match students based on their preferences and coursework requirements to a school within the consortium. This means students, while they can apply to a particular program and location, must keep an open mind. The CGE will work with students to secure additional course permissions if necessary.