University of Canterbury in New Zealand - Overview

One of the top research Universities in New Zealand, the University of Canterbury was founded in 1873 by scholars from Oxford University in England. The University's international reputation for academic excellence in teaching and research is demonstrated by its listing by the Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide. It has developed an international reputation for academic excellence in teaching and research. Its first (undergraduate) degrees and higher (postgraduate) programmes aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking and professional excellence. The university offers qualifications in Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Science, Engineering and Forestry Science, Law, Fine Arts, Music, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy and Education. It also offers a Foundation Studies programme and English Language teaching combined with excellent student support in a superb location. Canterbury has a long history of welcoming international students

The University's facilities include the largest supercomputer in the southern hemisphere, and the NZi3- national ICT Innovation Institute based at the University of Canterbury. The Institute is a 'hothouse' of strategic ICT research and aims to be a globally-recognised innovation centre that transforms ideas from the lab into industry. It's primary output will be excellent research graduates, nurtured within an environment that fosters innovation and inventions, provides access to world-class knowledge and resources and facilitates the integration of commercial and academic research. The University has many links with key universities internationally. These include research collaborations, staff and student exchange programmes and articulation agreements. In addition Canterbury has a special endowment which makes it possible for staff from prestigious universities overseas to visit and teach for up to three months at Canterbury. The University has around 70 such visitors a year. Nobel Prize winners in both Chemistry and Economics have been among recent visitors on this programme.

One of the top research Universities in New Zealand, the University of Canterbury was founded in 1873 by scholars from Oxford University in England. The University's international reputation for academic excellence in teaching and research is demonstrated by its listing by the Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide. It has developed an international reputation for academic excellence in teaching and research. Its first (undergraduate) degrees and higher (postgraduate) programmes aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking and professional excellence. The university offers qualifications in Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Science, Engineering and Forestry Science, Law, Fine Arts, Music, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy and Education. It also offers a Foundation Studies programme and English Language teaching combined with excellent student support in a superb location. Canterbury has a long history of welcoming international students.

The University's facilities include the largest supercomputer in the southern hemisphere, and the NZi3- national ICT Innovation Institute based at the University of Canterbury. The Institute is a 'hothouse' of strategic ICT research and aims to be a globally-recognised innovation centre that transforms ideas from the lab into industry. It's primary output will be excellent research graduates, nurtured within an environment that fosters innovation and inventions, provides access to world-class knowledge and resources and facilitates the integration of commercial and academic research. The University has many links with key universities internationally. These include research collaborations, staff and student exchange programmes and articulation agreements. In addition Canterbury has a special endowment which makes it possible for staff from prestigious universities overseas to visit and teach for up to three months at Canterbury. The University has around 70 such visitors a year. Nobel Prize winners in both Chemistry and Economics have been among recent visitors on this programme.

Location & Facilities

The University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch, the largest city in NZ's South Island, with regular direct flights to Asia. The city is close to the sea, with the mountains just an hour's drive away. There are five ski-fields within an hour and a half's drive from the city. Christchurch is also known as the garden city and is the silicon plains of New Zealand. There are over hundred large and small IT companies located in the city including the Tate and Jade electronics.
Christchurch has a temperate climate with the full range of spectacular seasons. From hot, summers to crisp winter days with clear blue skies, to mild autumn and spring seasons.

Accommodation:
1.Hall of Residence Options
The University of Canterbury has six Halls of Residence that offer a supportive environment just a few minutes' walk away from campus facilities. Suitable for individual students (not students with families*), all Halls offer fully-furnished single rooms, computer facilities with University network and internet access, social and recreation facilities, and study rooms. All Halls accommodate male and female students on mixed floors and are in most cases single occupancy rooms only.
Fully-Catered Halls (all meals provided)
Bishop Julius Hall
College House
Rochester and Rutherford Hall
University Hall

Semi-Catered Apartments (catered dinner on-site every night)
Sonoda Christchurch Campus
Self-Catered Apartments (no meals provided, although meal plans available at nearby University Hall)

Ilam Apartments
You can downloading a copy of the 2010 Accommodation Guide (pdf, 2.1MB), the 2010 Halls of Residence Comparison Chart

2.Private Renting - There is a good selection of affordable rental housing close to the University and in the wider Christchurch area. Depending on the number of rooms in the flat, rent for one room usually costs between $75 and $100 per week (more for couples), plus bills and food. The following website will give you more information on private renting: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/flatting/index.shtml

3.Homestay/Private Board - Living in a homestay means you live with a New Zealand family in their home and are treated as one of the family. Homestays are available throughout Christchurch in a variety of homes, offering a wide range of living situations, from families with children to single people living by themselves. Check out the following website: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/homestay.shtml