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.
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.
The New Zealand education system
Key details about NCEA, provider types, and the New Zealand 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
Canterbury offers a diverse range of tertiary providers, each with different strengths and study experiences. Many subjects are available across multiple institutions, giving you flexibility and choice. Learn more about what they offer below.
Universities
- Offer internationally recognised academic degrees (e.g. Arts, Commerce, Engineering)
- Deliver theory-led, research-informed learning
- Provide a wide range of subjects and majors
- Include opportunities for internships and work placements
- Enable pathways into postgraduate study and academic careers
Institutes of Technology
- Deliver hands-on, practical learning experiences
- Focus on job-ready skills for specific industries
- Design courses in partnership with employers and industry
- Include internships, placements, and direct job pathways
- Offer qualification from certificates through to postgraduate
Private Training Establishments (PTEs)
- Offer specialised programmes in niche fields (e.g. design, hospitality, animal care)
- Provide smaller, more focused learning environments
- Deliver flexible and alternative study pathways
- Include both vocational training and degree-level options
English Language Schools
- Provide English language training from beginner to advanced levels
- Offer pathways into diploma or degree study
- Have flexible start dates throughout the year
- Support preparation for tertiary education in New Zealand
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.
How to enrol
Step 1: Talk
- Speak with your school’s International/Careers teams, your family, agent, and host family about what our options are given your career goals, strengths, and budget.
Step 2: Research
- Explore different education providers, courses, entry requirements, costs, and support services for international students. Make sure you check vias requirements and application deadlines,
Step 3: Visit
- Attend open days, campus tours, or online information sessions to get a feel for the campus, facilities, student life, and support.
Step 4: Enrol
- Once you have chosen your provider and course complete your application and submit all required documents before the deadline.
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.
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Ara offers a range of foundation programmes to help international students prepare for further study or a new career. These programmes build key academic skills and provide an entry-level qualification, so students are ready to move into more advanced study. Ara also has a high-quality English language school for students who need to strengthen their English.
Highlights:
- Flexible learning that supports each student’s study needs and career goals.
- Pathways for students at different academic levels and English abilities.
- Small classes ensure more support from teaching staff.
- Combination of theory and practical skills, so students are ready for work when they graduate.
- Many degree programmes include a work placement or an industry project during study.
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
- Business & Accounting
- Broadcasting
- Communications
- Performing Arts & Musical Arts
- Fashion
- Art & Design
- Outdoor Education
- Applied Science – Human Nutrition, Health Promotion, Sports & Exercise Science
English Language Schools
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 150 in Agriculture (QS rankings).
- QS 5 stars rating in employability, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and teaching and research.
Specialty Courses:
- Agriculture, Horticulture & Viticulture
- Business
- Environment
- Food, Wine & Beer
- Accelerated Degree and English Language Pathways
- Landscape Architecture
- Science
- Sport & Recreation
- Tourism
- See full list at Lincoln Universities website
Private Training Establishments (PTE's)
The following are Private Training Establishments (PTE's), ideal for practical-minded students who enjoy 'hands-on' learning.
University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury (UC) is the only New Zealand university with a pathway college on campus. For international students who don’t meet the requirements to gain direct entrance, UC International College (UCIC) offers a range of foundation and transition n programmes with a clear route into undergraduate study at UC.
Highlights
- UC is ranked in the Top 300 universities in the world and #2 in New Zealand for employability outcomes*
- The University is internationally recognised for its high quality education, globally transferable degrees research-led teaching, and world-class facilities.
- UC’s programmes and close industry ties provide opportunities for you to undertake work placements and internships as part of your degree, helping you gain real world experience and make professional connections while you study.
- With students and staff from over 100 countries UC is one of New Zealand's most International universities. Its diverse student community features over 150 clubs, providing opportunities for you to make friends and try new things, while wraparound support services ensure you're set up to succeed and thrive.
UC offers over 120 qualifications across over 150 subjects in the following areas:
- Arts
- Digital Screen
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- Law
- Science
*2026QS World University
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.
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.
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Explore your education pathway in Canterbury.