Where to study

Studying abroad is a significant investment and a life-changing experience. Take some time to explore your study opportunities in the city of Ōtautahi Christchurch and Canterbury region.

On this page:

Studying Here

Choose what to study and where in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Take some time to explore your study opportunities in Christchurch & Canterbury. Decide what you would like to study and find an education provider that offers the qualification.

Girl studying in the library.

The New Zealand education system

Key details about NCEA, provider types, and the New Zeland qualification system.

NCEA

National Certificate of Achievement (NCEA) is the main qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. You can be confident that you can use NCEA towards future study either in New Zealand or another country.

If you achieve NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance you can enrol to study at any New Zealand university. To gain University Entrance students need all of the following:

  • NCEA Level 3
  • 14 credits in each of three approved subjects at Level 3. Check the NZQA website for the list of approved subjects.
  • UE Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
    • 5 credits in reading
    • 5 credits in writing
  • UE Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above (the same as the requirement for NCEA numeracy).

It is important to choose the right subjects and plan your NCEA journey for your future, so you can meet the entry requirements of the course you want to do. Seek advice from your school’s International Department or Careers Department. 

Types of providers

We have many different tertiary providers in Christchurch. Learn more about what they offer, and how they are different in this section.

  • Universities traditionally focus on teaching academic subjects, but many now include work placements and internships. They typically offer a mix of general degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Commerce, as well as some more specialist degrees such as Engineering and Agricultural Science.
  • Institutes of Technology focus on teaching a range of technical and vocational learning options. Vocational learning prepares you for a specific type of work. Institute of Technology teach you practical skills aimed at getting a job, while offering qualifications including certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These courses are typically more practical and hands-on than university courses.
  • Private Training Establishments can offer study options ranging from vocational study to degrees. While some PTEs offer a variety of subjects, some focus on more specific areas like Rural Animal Technology.
Qualification levels & types

There are 10 qualification levels in New Zealand, which start with NCEA in secondary school at Levels 1,2 and 3.

Generally, a higher level of qualification will get you a job with a higher salary. For example, 10 years after graduating, people with Level 1 to 4 certificates usually earn 15% more than the average income. However, people with Bachelor’s degrees (Level 7 and above) usually earn 67% more than the average income.

Understand more about New Zealand's qualification system.

How to enrol

A step by step guide explaining the tertiary enrolment process.

Step 1

  • Talk to the International Department and/or Careers Department in your school, your family, your agent, and maybe your host family when you are thinking about your future plan.
  • Check all of the information available carefully. Think about what job or career you want in the future and what qualification(s) you will need.
  • Attend open days or campus visits if you can.
  • Check the entry requirements.
  • Get advice and help from tertiary provider staff on choosing your course and planning it.
  • Check the deadlines for enrolment, accommodation and scholarship applications to help with your planning.

Step 2

  • Create an online account and do your enrolment application on the tertiary provider’s website or contact them directly about how to enrol.

Step 3

  • Get course planning advice and confirm your courses using your login.

Step 4

  • Complete your enrolment in person on campus. This is when you pay your fees, and accept your enrolment offer.
Group taking their caps off at graduation

Tertiary options

Christchurch is home to world-class tertiary providers. Learn more about the programmes and courses they offer and how they differ from one another.

Lincoln University

Lincoln University provides accelerated and flexible pathway programmes to an undergraduate degree, as well as a special English language school if you need to improve your English before starting your studies.

Highlights:

  • New Zealand’s smallest university, and that’s a huge advantage.
  • Enjoy a more personal learning environment and much more face-to-face contact with lecturers.
  • Ranked 15th best in the world in small university category
  • Top 100 in Agriculture (QS rankings).
  • QS 5 stars rating in employability, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and teaching and research.
  • 91% course completion rate.

Specialty Courses:

University of Canterbury

UC is the only University in New Zealand that offers a pathway college on campus. UC International College (UCIC) provides an alternative entry point for international students who miss gaining University Entrance. UCIC offers the Foundation Studies Certificate and unique University Transfer Programmes.

Highlights:

In the top 2% of the world’s universities

UC is known for its high-quality degrees, research active teaching, and modern facilities.

A range of specialist support services for international students including academic, career pathways, health and mental well-being.

Work placements, internships, and industry connections will help you become involved with the community where you will gain a new cultural awareness, become globally connected, and be highly employable.

Specialty Courses:

UC offers over 100 qualifications in more than 80 different subject areas, across these colleges.

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara offers foundation programmes which are stepping stones to further study or a new career. They can equip you with entry level qualifications and academic skills needed for more advanced study. Ara also has a high-quality English language school. You can take a foundation or English language course if you don’t meet the entry requirements for the programme you want to study.

Highlights:

Part of the largest institute of skills and technology in New Zealand.

Ara provides a personalised learning experience, one that is flexible and respectful of our students’ educational needs and career goals.

Low student to staff ratio.

Focus is always on balancing theory with practical learning to ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Pathways for all students regardless of academic background.

Specialty Courses:

  • English Language
  • Foundation Study Pathways
  • Nursing and Post Graduate Health Science
  • Sustainable Practice
  • Architectural Studies, Quantity Surveying and Construction Management
  • Cookery, Tourism & Hospitality Management
  • Laboratory Technology
  • Engineering Technology
  • Computing & ICT
  • Commerce & Business
  • Broadcasting Communications
  • Performing Arts & Musical Arts
  • Fashion
  • Art & Design
  • Outdoor Education
  • Applied Science with Laboratory Technology
  • See full list at Ara Institute of Canterbury website
NTA

Tertiary Level:

  • Private Training Establishment

Highlights:

  • Practical-minded students thrive with the 'hands-on' learning we offer each day
  • To provide real life training, NTA also has access to the Arion Farm Park, Arion Riding Centre and a Commercial Nursery
  • English+ Options

Specialty Courses:

  • Agriculture
  • Equine
  • Horticulture
  • Animal Care studies
  • English language
Yoobee Colleges

Tertiary Level:

Highlights:

  • New Zealand’s largest specialised creative and technology institution.
  • Gain an education that opens doors to the best digital and design studios in the world.
  • Our Careers team is dedicated to helping students find relevant and sustainable employment when they graduate, as well as meaningful work experience while they study.

Specialty Courses:

  • Animation
  • Digital Innovation
  • Creative Media
  • Creative Marketing
  • Digital Design (Web & Graphic)
  • Film & Content Creation
  • Film & TV Production
  • Game Art & Development
  • Makeup Artistry
  • Web & UX Design
Entry requirements

There can be different entry requirements for each tertiary provider and course. You can check the requirements on provider websites or in their brochures. If you achieve NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, you can enter most.

The requirements can be:

  • academic (NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance)
  • credits in particular school subjects (for example, at least 14 credits in Level 3 chemistry)
  • an English language level (for example, IELTS 6.0),
  • an age (for example: 18 years or older)
  • a portfolio of work (such as a collection of images, designs, etc.)
  • an interview and/or a personal statement
Options for students without NCEA Level 3 University Entrance

If you don’t think you will meet the entry requirements, there are still pathway options for you. Tertiary providers have preparation, foundation, and transition programmes or introductory courses with lower entry requirements. Your school may be able to help if you are missing NCEA credits. There are a range of providers in Christchurch with English language courses to help you improve your English level. Check with your agent or tertiary provider for their recommendations.

Two students skateboarding in front of the Bridge Of Remembrance.

Tertiary student life

You will have more independence to make your own choices after finishing secondary school, but there is still plenty of support available for your new life as a tertiary student.

Learn more

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