University of Canterbury

UC is ranked in the top 250 in the following subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject):

• Linguistics 
• Civil and Structural Engineering 
• Geography 
• Agriculture and Forestry  
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Politics and International Studies
• Communication and Media Studies
• Education
• Law

UC is ranked first in New Zealand for the following subjects (Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) 2018):

• Ecology, evolution and behaviour
• Marketing and tourism
• Political science, international relations and public policy
• Public health

Times Higher Education (THE) ranked UC in the top 601-800 universities in the world in 2023.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is a community of change makers. UC students, staff and researchers are engaged, empowered and making a difference through local engagement, global connection and impactful research.

UC offers 80+ subjects across six colleges:

• Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
• Te Kura Umanga | Business School
• Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law
• Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health
• Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education
• Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering
• Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science

UC students become well-rounded graduates who are competent in their chosen field of study and also innovative, connected, and culturally aware global citizens. UC qualifications are recognised worldwide and UC graduates go on to high-calibre employment in business, Government, and NGO sectors. Many are accepted into prestigious international university programmes and secure research and teaching positions abroad.

The UC lifestyle

Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch - the second largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand -  Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majesctic Southern Alps, and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean, the University of Canterbury offers students endless opportunities for education, exploration, and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city.

UC's unique campus is set within 87 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds and all of our halls of residence are within easy walking distance of the campus. Our nearly 23,000 students enjoy state-of-the-art laboratories, and research and learning spaces, many of which were refurbished or designed and built within the last decade.

The UC Students’ Association (UCSA) and its network of student clubs and societies is thriving with over 150 student clubs and cultural groups catering to the interest of our students.

Student support

UC is committed to enabling and supporting students to thrive and succeed by providing a wide range of support services on campus. That support includes academic, health and medical services as well as facilities to support wellbeing and rainbow diversity.

Research and teaching

Teaching and learning at UC is research-led by academics who are experts in their field. Teaching programmes change frequently to keep up with global changes and trends, ensuring qualifications remain relevant. The new addition of the Digital Screen Campus is one example of UC's agile approach to education.

Much of UC’s world-class research is carried out within our recognised research centres, institutes and field stations, including: the Cass Mountatin Research Area, Kawatiri Westport Field Station, and the country's leading astronomical research facility within the International Dark Sky researve at Ōtehīwai Mt John Observatory, Tēkapo. The University boasts an extensive network of research field stations across the globe, with sites in Antarctica and Nigeria (as part of the Nigerian Montane Forest conservations project).