The University of Canterbury

Teaching at the University is research-based. All academic staff are expected to be involved in research and publishing. As a result even undergraduate students can expect to be taught by lecturers who are at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. Teaching and supervision up to PhD level is available in most disciplines.

The University has staff and student exchange programmes, research collaboration and articulation agreements with key universities worldwide. In addition, Canterbury has a special endowment that makes it possible for staff from prestigious universities overseas to visit and teach at Canterbury. Around 60 such visitors a year provide significant extra enrichment of our teaching programmes.

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island. It lies on the coastal edge of the Canterbury Plains close to both the sea and the mountains. The University's modern and well-equipped facilities are spread across a spacious suburban campus, with easy access to the centre of the city and its cultural and recreational facilities.

The University is situated in a spacious landscaped campus in the suburb of Ilam, only 15 minutes from the central city and 10 minutes from the International Airport. The campus is surrounded by playing fields, mature woodlands and the renowned Ilam gardens.

Academic programmes
TheUniversity offers firstdegreesin Arts( Humanities and Social Sciences) Commerce (Business and Economics), Education (Physical Education),Engineering,Fine Arts, Forestry, Law ,Music, Science, Speech and Language Therapy, Sport Coaching and Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary).

Postgraduate courses range from graduate and post-graduate diplomas, to Masters degrees based on a combination of course work and research, and purely research-based doctorates.

The University community currently comprises 17,000 students and an academic staff of almost 800.

Location
Known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch has excellent beaches, plentiful parks, reserves and golf courses. There are several ski-fields within an hour and a half's drive from the city. It is easy to travel from Christchurch to lakes and mountains and well-known tourist centres such as Mount Cook and Queenstown.

As well as its wider potential for outdoor recreation, the South Island is a natural laboratory for students in the field sciences. The University has five field stations on the coast and in the mountains, serving as field-trip bases and research centres for staff and students.

International students
The University of Canterbury has been host to thousands of international students over a period of more than 40 years. Currently there are over 2,000 international students from 70 countries enrolled in a wide variety of programmes. In addition, many of New Zealand's permanent residents of international origin attend university. This makes for a lively, interesting and cosmopolitan university community.

Academic year
The academic year begins in mid February and ends in mid November, with two semesters, February to June, and July to November.

English Language and Foundation Studies
Evidence of English Language proficiency is required for all students whose first language is not English. (More details can be found on the University's website.) The University has an English Language Centre on campus that specialises in preparing students for entry into degree courses.

Final year of high school in some countries is not sufficient to qualify students for university entrance in New Zealand. The University has a Foundation Studies course with three intakes a year to help such students reach the required standard for entry.

Student Services
International students are provided with a wide range of services. These include airport pickup, guaranteed accommodation, orientation programmes, assistance with English language, friendship linkages with NZ families and membership of the Student Health Centre, Students' Association and Recreation Centre.

The International Student Centre is also a great place to drop in for a chat or to talk over problems with the staff. Free email is provided for international students wanting to keep in touch with family back home. Events are arranged throughout the year and the staff have general responsibility for the support of international students on campus.

Accommodation
There are six co-educational fully catered Halls of Residence, all within 5 minutes walk of the University. In-house academic tutoring is provided, a variety of social, cultural and sporting activities is organised, and the facilities are excellent. They are a great way for first year students especially to meet people from different backgrounds.

Homestays (private board with a NZ family) can also be arranged. For students in their second or subsequent years the University's self-catering Ilam Flats are a popular choice. Rental accommodation is also plentiful within easy reach of the university, and many students choose to hire their own accommodation with a group of friends.

Library and computer facilities
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. There are in addition five computer suites, each equipped with the latest technology and open 24 hours for student use.

Climate
The climate in Christchurch is mild and temperate with warm, dry summers and cooler winters. The rainfall is low (about 650mm per year). Students from temperate climates will feel very much at home here; students from the tropics usually adjust quickly and enjoy the variations of the seasons. Warmer clothing may be required for the winter months.

Lifestyle
New Zealand is a modern and technologically advanced country, but it is also a relaxing and safe place to live. There are few class distinctions, and attitudes and manners are friendly and informal. Dress at university tends to be casual and comfortable. Places of worship for all major Christian denominations can be found in the city. There are also centres of worship for Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and other religious communities.
The University of Canterbury is committed to providing students with a first class, internationally recognised degree, excellent support services and a great lifestyle. Because of the low value of the New Zealand dollar, tuition and the cost of living are very cost-effective compared with other destinations. And New Zealand's modern lifestyle and superb natural environment provide a superb setting for study.

For further information on the University please visit: www.canterbury.ac.nz/intstud/