University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand — www.canterbury.ac.nz
- QS Ranking
- #270
- Founded
- 1873
- Type
- Public Research University
- Students
- 16,000+
- Acceptance Rate
- ~70%
- Founded
- 1873
- QS Rank
- #270 (2025)
- Ernest Rutherford
- Father of nuclear physics — Canterbury College alumnus
- Earthquake Rebuild
- Most modern rebuilt campus in Australasia
Overview
The University of Canterbury (UC), founded in 1873, is New Zealand's second-oldest university and one of its finest research institutions. Ranked #270 in QS 2025, UC is particularly celebrated for its engineering (Ernest Rutherford — discoverer of the atomic nucleus and considered the 'father of nuclear physics' — studied at Canterbury College, the predecessor to UC), computer science, natural sciences, and creative arts. The rebuilt post-earthquake campus (a 2011 earthquake devastated much of Christchurch) has created one of the most modern, purpose-built campuses in Australasia. The UC College of Engineering is one of the finest in the southern hemisphere, with world-leading geotechnical engineering expertise (a direct result of the earthquake research it prompted) and strong industry linkages to New Zealand's infrastructure and agri-tech sectors.
Admission Process
Apply via UC online portal. No strict deadlines (rolling). IELTS 6.0+/TOEFL 79+. Engineering and Science entry based on academic merit. No NCEA/A-levels minimum specified but competitive programs fill early.
Programs at University of Canterbury
- MSc Computer Science (Master's) — 28,000 NZD/year
- Master of Business Administration (Master's) — 35,000 NZD/year
- MSc Data Science & AI (Master's) — 40,000 NZD/year
- Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) (Bachelor's) — 45,000 NZD/year
- Master of Science in Engineering (Master's) — 28,000 NZD/year
- PhD in Natural Sciences (PhD) — 35,000 NZD/year
- BSc Computer Science (Bachelor's) — 22,000 NZD/year
- BSc Business Administration (Bachelor's) — 26,000 NZD/year
- BSc Economics (Bachelor's) — 30,000 NZD/year
- BA International Relations (Bachelor's) — 36,000 NZD/year
- BSc Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's) — 40,000 NZD/year
- BSc Civil Engineering (Bachelor's) — 22,000 NZD/year
- BSc Electrical Engineering (Bachelor's) — 26,000 NZD/year
- MBA Operations & Supply Chain (MBA) — 33,853 NZD/year
- MSc Economics (Master's) — 23,536 NZD/year
- MSc Sustainable Energy (Master's) — 32,442 NZD/year