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An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
Benjamin Franklin - Test Preparation
University of Canterbury
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Location : New Zealand ,Christchurch
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The University of Canterbury in Christchurch was founded by scholars from Oxford and Cambridge Universities in 1873. The University of Canterbury has an international reputation for academic excellence in both teaching and research. Its first (undergraduate) degrees and higher (postgraduate) programmes aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking, and professional excellence in every field.
Courses
Admission
Admission to UC with qualifications gained in New Zealand
You must provide evidence of your English skills. If you gain University Entrance with a New Zealand based qualification, you have satisfied the English language requirements, these include:
- NCEA University Entrance
- Cambridge International Examinations and A (A2) Levels
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Other New Zealand high school qualifications
Admission to UC with qualifications gained outside of New Zealand
If you are applying for admission to UC with qualifications gained outside of New Zealand, you need to provide evidence of your English language skills. You can do this by:
- Completing an academic qualification substantially taught in English in a country where English is the predominant language; or
- Obtaining a satisfactory result in an approved English language test taken within the last two years.
Approved English tests
UC recognises the following English Language tests and courses:
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Paper-Based Test (TOEFL PBT)
- CCEL English for Academic Purposes Level 2 (EAP Level 2)
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
English test scores
You must meet the minimum score for your level of study at UC relevant to the qualification you want to study. General guidelines for test scores are:
Undergraduate qualifications
If you want to study towards a Bachelor Degree (excluding teaching degrees), Certificate of Proficiency, Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, or Graduate Certificate or Diploma you must have one of the following:
- IELTS Academic with an average score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
- TOEFL iBT total minimum score of 80, with at least 19 in writing
- TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5
- CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade
- CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50
- NZCEL (Level 4 - Academic endorsement)
Teaching qualifications
If you want to undertake an initial teaching qualification at undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate level you must have one of the following:
- IELTS Academic 7.0 with no individual score below 7.0 (undergraduate degrees and graduate diplomas in teaching and learning)
- IELTS Academic 7.5 with no individual score below 7.5 (Master of Teaching and Learning)
- Completed a Level 7 (undergraduate degree) qualification instructed fully in English and on campus from a New Zealand or Australian tertiary education organisation; or
- At least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least ten Level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy (five reading and five writing).
Postgraduate qualifications
If you want to study towards a postgraduate qualification, eg a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, or PhD you must have one of the following:
- IELTS Academic with an average score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
- TOEFL iBT total minimum score of 90, minimum score of 20 in writing
- TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5
- CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade
- CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58
- NZCEL (Level 5)
Some departments and programmes might require higher test scores. You should also refer to specific course or qualification information for further details.
If you don't meet the English language requirements
If you are an international student but don't meet the English language requirements, UC recommends the English language programme offered by CCEL College of English.
Their courses are designed to provide you with the specific language and study skills needed to succeed in academic study. The CCEL EAP2 programme has been approved as a non-IELTS university language entry standard to both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Admission with other qualifications
If you have another New Zealand qualification, or the international equivalent of New Zealand University Entrance, you'll be admitted through the category, known at UC as Admission Ad Eundem Statum.
There are detailed qualification requirements for the following New Zealand based qualifications and admission types:
- Cambridge International Examinations and A (A2) Levels
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Other New Zealand high school qualifications
- Preparatory programmes
- Special Admission
- Discretionary Entrance
Admission with international qualifications
If you gained your qualifications outside of New Zealand you need to check the minimum requirements relevant to the country you studied in:
Intenational
- GCE/CIE 'A' levels (taken in countries other than Hong Kong or Sri Lanka)
- At least three 'A' levels at grade C or above. A result in General Studies cannot be included.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Deciding where to live in your first year is just as important as figuring out what to study. UC is here to help you find a hall, flat or homestay.
Accommodation for international students
Organising accommodation is one of the most important things to do before arriving in New Zealand.
Homestay and private board
Homestay and private board are popular choices with international, study abroad and exchange students when they first arrive in Christchurch. In a welcoming family environment, you will have your own room, meals with the family and the opportunity to practice your English every day.
If you are under 18 when you start studying at UC, you are required to live in homestay accommodation, in a fully-catered hall of residence or with a designated caregiver until your 18th birthday. This is a requirement under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
Halls of residence
Ease your transition to New Zealand life by living in the Halls of residence and villages. Information on contract dates and fees are listed on individual hall pages. If you are staying at Ilam Apartments or Sonoda Christchurch Campus, you can set up your internet before you arrive to make contacting your family an easy process.
Kirkwood Avenue Hall is a new hall of residence specifically for first year students who prefer to cook for themselves.
Guaranteed places in halls of residence for international students
If you are a single international student who is over 18 and coming to study at UC (as a fully enrolled student) and apply by the 1st December you are guaranteed a place in a single fully-furnished room in one of the self-catered apartments at Ilam Apartments or Sonoda Christchurch Campus.
Accommodation package for study abroad or exchange students
The UC Accommodation Student Village offers an accommodation package specifically for students coming to study at UC on an approved Study Abroad or Exchange Programme.
Accommodation package for UC International College (UCIC) students
The UC Accommodation Student Village offers an accommodation package specifically for students coming to study at UCIC in February, June or October. If you require accommodation outside these dates, for example, you have been living in a homestay, please be aware that accommodation will depend on availability and early applications are recommended.
University-managed housing
For single postgraduate students or couples, the University has a number of houses within easy walking distance to campus offering a supportive community environment. Houses are fully-furnished with some suitable for small families.
Other accommodation options
If you are bringing your partner or family with you, or you are staying for less than a semester, then you may need to consider alternative options off campus, for example:
- Private rental
- Temporary accommodation
Accommodation for couples or families
Accommodation may be harder to find for couples or families, so you should start exploring your options early.
Couples
Accommodation on-campus in apartments and houses is very limited. Options include:
- Sonoda Christchurch Campus - four self-contained one-bedroom flats
- University Hall - two self-contained one-bedroom apartments
- Dovedale - 10 self-contained studio units
- Waimairi Village - 15 self-contained 4-bedroom shared houses
These options are in high demand. It is likely you will also need to investigate University-managed housing or renting privately.
University-managed housing
The University manages a number of houses within easy walking distance to campus suitable for couples as well as individual postgraduate students. Houses are fully-furnished, some with ensuites (own bathroom), others with shared bathroom facilities. Kitchen and laundry facilities are shared. There are also limited self-contained 1-bedroom units. University-managed housing offers a community environment for postgraduate students with Residential Assistants to provide support and organise social events. please
Families
Limited fully-furnished and self-contained 1 and 2-bedroom units may be available for small families. T
These options are in high demand. It is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Get picked up at the airport
If you are arriving in New Zealand for the first time and are intending to study for at least one semester or a UCIC student coming from outside New Zealand, you are eligible for a free airport pickup service. You will be picked up on arrival at Christchurch International Airport and delivered to your pre-arranged accommodation
Scholarships
Currently there are no scholarships available.
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