UC has proudly been serving communities in New Zealand and the world for over 150 years! Today we rank in the top 2% of universities worldwide. Our values—manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and tiakitanga—help us empower others and be our best in our work, studies, and how we interact with each other.
Student life
At UC you can be who you are and do what you love. Explore campus, get settled in, and set yourself up for success. There are so many fun ways to connect with other inspiring, talented, and diverse people. You can join clubs and societies, hang out at UC's cafes and bars, and attend heaps of events!
Communities and clubs
UC has more than a hundred student-run clubs and organisations that reflect the diverse range of artistic, cultural, social, and recreational pursuits in our campus community. Discover communities and clubs at UC that will help you enjoy your passions and find others who share them.
Our campus and environment
UC's secure, accessible campus has all the facilities you need to thrive. It is easy to get around without a car, and there is paid parking if you need it.
UC is based on the main Ilam campus in Christchurch, but we also have a number of other locations. These include Dovedale campus, Arts Centre, Nelson campus, and our field stations. See where we are.
Life in Christchurch
From an enviable outdoor lifestyle to local events and job prospects, find out about life in Christchurch as a UC student.
Life in New Zealand
Moving to another country is a big step, full of opportunities and challenges. Find out what you need to get started and learn about what it's like living in New Zealand as a UC student.
Employable, innovative & enterprising
Being able to come up with ideas and put them into practice, show motivation, and resolve while applying their discipline prepares UC students for a wide variety of career settings. Find out how we support our students to be employable, innovative, and enterprising
Employability, innovation and enterprise shows how students can demonstrate and actively use their skills in the workplace. The ability to come up with ideas and put them into practice, showing motivation and resolve while applying their discipline, prepares UC students for a wide variety of career settings. UC aims to give students practical experience while applying their skills and ideas to a wide variety of situations.
Being part of a strong global network ensures that our students have numerous excellent opportunities to gain global experience while at UC, including spending a semester abroad as part of our student exchange programme or participating in an international short course.
We also provide opportunities for international students from certain partner institutions to study part of their qualifications in their home country and then complete it at UC through articulation agreements and dual degree programmes.
Careers for students
At UC Careers we support students and graduates to prepare for their future careers. Connect with us to discover your strengths, explore different career paths, and set goals. We also provide opportunities for you to engage with employers and industry professionals. Drop by our weekday sessions from 10 am to 12 noon for quick chats, or book an appointment.
Erskine Programme
UC's highly regarded Erskine programme awards fellowships and grants that enable international experts to come and lecture at UC. From honour rolls to eligibility, learn more about UC's Erskine Programme.
UC Research Strengths
The University of Canterbury delivers creative and innovative research for the benefit of both local and global communities.
Our academic leaders are courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their discoveries with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.
The University's strategic vision commits the University of Canterbury to continue and strengthen its focus on six research themes.
Brain, Behaviour and Language
Child Development
Resilient Cities and Communities
Equality and Social Justice
Sustainable Futures
Technology for human advancement
Living Well
UC ranked =256th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. We have over 60 partner universities around the world and over 3000 employer connections. We also have over 75 senior academics visiting from overseas each year. Read on to see where else we excel.
The University of Canterbury (UC) is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and is consistently recognised for delivering research-informed teaching and learning, and for its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
UC achieved thirteenth in the world for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production and placed in the top 80 globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings in 2023.
As an organisation, UC is on track to be carbon net neutral by 2030.
#2 in New Zealand for employability
*2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings
Top 100 best student city
*2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings
Top 300 QS
UC is ranked among the top 300 universities in the 2023 World University Rankings
QS stars 5 stars
In 2011, the University of Canterbury became the first New Zealand University to receive the 5 Stars rating by QS.
Top 80 Impact Rankings
UC placed in the top 80 globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings in 2023.
Top 100 Geography
Geography at UC is ranked in the top 100 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Top 100 Engineering Civil Structural
Civil and Structural Engineering at UC is ranked among the top 100 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Top 100 Linguistics
Linguistics at UC is ranked =71st in the world for the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject
