University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury
Spring, Summer
Christchurch, New Zealand (Map)
This institution is not open to apply for 2025/26 exchanges.

General 

This program is not yet confirmed to be open for the 2025/26 academic year. This note will be removed if/when the program is confirmed.

Internationally ranked
Established in 1873 by scholars of Oxford and Cambridge Universities, UC is a
among the world's top 1% of universities. We are home to 40 recognised
research centres, institutes and hubs. UC was also the first university in New
Zealand to receive the prestigious QS 5‐star ranking for overall excellence.

Innovative programmes
Over 100 different programmes are offered across 5 Colleges (Arts, Science,
Engineering, Business and Law, and Education, Health and Human
Development). Whatever your academic interests, UC has a broad selection of
courses to choose from.

Vibrant student community

Students on campus have a choice of modern accommodation and access to
all the amenities of a fully equipped student village. UC features a thriving
student association plus over 160 student led clubs catering to a huge range of
interests.

ÅŒtautahi Christchurch is a recreational hot spot within easy reach of all the
fun and adventure the region has to offer. It is the gateway to the South
Island, and located in the province of Waitaha Canterbury. With a population
of around 380,000, Christchurch is the largest city and the economic centre of
the South Island.


A recreational hub
Christchurch's location on the east coast makes it perfect for water sports,
with six swimming beaches within 30 minutes' drive from UC. There are a
number of rivers and lakes, including the picturesque Avon River which runs
right through the city. The city's Port Hills are popular for walking, rock
climbing, and mountain biking. Hagley Park in the centre of the city has 165
hectares of park‐like grounds.

Vibrant entertainment options
Christchurch has a busy calendar of events - from art exhibitions and cultural
celebrations to sporting events and music festivals. There are over 900
restaurants, cafés, and bars to sample, many of them close to UC.
Christchurch is also home to theatres and over 740 city parks.

Leisure and lifestyle
In 2019, Christchurch topped CNN's list of 19 places to visit - describing the
city, its buildings, and culture as "elegant', "gorgeous", "colourful", and
"dynamic". Visit the new city precincts with displays

No exchange reports currently available for this institution

Eligibility 

Undergraduate, Graduate
Students in all SFU disciplines
A minimum CGPA of 2.8 is required
A minimum CGPA of 3.5 is required

Available Exchange Terms 

UC Semester 2
July - November
UC Semester 1
February - June

Academics 

English
Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Business, Chemistry, Chinese, Communication, Computing Science, Criminology, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education, Engineering Science, English, French, Geography, German, Greek, Health Science, Hellenic Studies, History, Humanities, Indigenous Languages, Indigenous Studies, International Studies, Japanese, Linguistics, Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Statistics

Exchanges: The names of the subject areas may be different at the partner. The above does not guarantee availability in a specific term or language, nor how courses taken on exchange will transfer back to SFU. This list may be subject to change. Use the above list as a guideline for exploring academic options at the partner.

Course Catalogue

Advanced Course Search

Timetable Planner

Academic Calendar

In Arts, Science and Commerce, the undergraduate (Bachelor) degree is a 3 year degree at Canterbury. This means that 300 level courses are the most advanced undergraduate courses in these areas. 400 level courses in these disciplines are graduate courses and undergraduate exchange students are
not eligible to take 400 level courses, unless students have been granted admission to a Postgraduate Certificate of Proficiency.

Note, however, that some professional degrees such as Forestry, Speech and
Language Therapy, Social Work and Engineering
are 4 year degrees and 400
level courses in these areas are therefore classed as undergraduate courses.
Exchange students may be permitted to take 400 level courses in these disciplines if they have the necessary pre‐requisites and the approval of the relevant department.

The following disciplines are restricted: 

- Distance learning courses

- 200 level Law courses

- Fine arts (studio courses)

- ENME 201 and ENCN 281

- Teacher Education (Note: education courses with EDUC course code under the Bachelor of Arts schedule are avialable to Exchange students)

- Some Physical Education and Sport coaching courses require police checks. Please contact UC at ucmobility@cantebury.ac.nz to check if you wish to take the Physical Education and Sport coaching courses require police checks

- Journalism

- MBA and Executive Development programmes

- Clinical practice courses

- Forest Biology (FORE218)

- Communication Disorders are open to students who meet pre-requisites except for the clinical practice courses

- Social Work - field work courses are not open to Exchange students. Entry to other theory courses will be considered case-by-case basis and approval from Social Work will be required.

- Product Design - entry to courses may be limited due to limited capacity and is subject to approval.

- Engineering - students wishing to take courses in any Engineering subject should include a list of courses they wish to take at UC with their Exchange application. Students who meet general admission requirements will be granted admission to the University first as per usual and their courses will then be sent to the appropriate Engineering department(s) for a decision as to whether students are able to take their selected courses. The International Relationship Office (IRO) will then advise students as to which courses have been approved

- Some other courses are limited entry and may have additional entry requirements. 

Course load (number of points per semester or per year): A normal workload for one semester is 60 points (or 120 points for one year). Minimum course load is 45 points per semester (90 points per year) and the maximum load is 75 points per semester.

 

1 Canterbury point = 0.25 SFU unit

Accommodation 

Please note the below reflects the standard accommodation options at this institution, but is subject to change.

University residence / dorms (on-campus), Off-campus private residence / dorms throughout city. Summer housing options may differ from fall/spring
Exchange students have priority for university housing when they apply by the deadline (but no guarantee).

Costs and Funding 

Search for funding options (loans, bursaries, awards, scholarships)

Type:
Exchange