University of Canterbury International College (Pathway to University of Canterbury)

PROFILE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (PATHWAY TO UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY)

locationNew Zealand

Ranked #261

QS World University Rankings 2026, University of Canterbury overall ranking

Ranked Top 30 in the world

Environmental Education, QS 2026

Ranked Top 100 in the world

Sustainability, QS 2026

Ranked #2 in New Zealand

employability outcomes, QS 2026.

The University of Canterbury International College (UCIC) is a pathway provider for international students, offering Foundation Studies and University Transfer Programmes (UTPs) in Engineering, Commerce, and Science that prepare students for direct entry into the second year of Bachelor's degrees at the University of Canterbury (UC). UCIC provides academic and language support for a smooth transition, ensuring students meet UC's high standards for a seamless progression into their chosen UC degree, often in the same timeframe as direct-entry students.

ACHIEVEMENTS

UCIC’s key achievement is operating as an on campus pathway that publishes clear 2026 tuition fees for each programme and supports progression into UC study through structured transition qualifications. UC’s published English language policy explicitly recognises UCIC’s Pre masters One Semester (CertArts) as satisfying English language requirements for admission to most UC master’s programmes, which is a documented progression mechanism for international students. UC also publicly reports multiple QS 2026 outcomes, including its overall QS 2026 rank and subject and thematic highlights, which are often used by international students as external indicators of UC’s standing

  1. UCIC publishes 2026 tuition fees for its pathway programmes, including Foundation Studies, DipUS streams, Pre masters, and Study Abroad.
  2. UC states successful completion of UCIC Pre masters One Semester can satisfy English language requirements for admission to most UC master’s programmes.
  3. UC reports QS 2026 performance indicators including QS World University Ranking placement and QS themed rankings

FACILITIES

UCIC facilities and student access are primarily based on being located on the University of Canterbury campus and using UCIC teaching and study spaces plus wider UC campus services. UCIC describes on site learning spaces at its UC campus location, while UC also provides broad student facilities such as libraries, recreation, and student support services

  1. Classrooms, UCIC Campus
  2. Computer labs, UCIC Campus
  3. Student common areas, UCIC Campus
  4. UC Library access, UC Campus
  5. Sport and recreation facilities, UC Campus
  6. Student support and wellbeing services, UC Campus

LOCATION

UC International College

Alice Candy, corner Clyde Rd and Arts Rd, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 5.5

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 7.0

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.5

Programmes

List of all Certificate in Foundation Studies programmes

  1. Certificate in Foundation Studies

List of all diploma programmes

  1. Diploma in University Studies, Commerce
  2. Diploma in University Studies, Science
  3. Diploma in University Studies, Engineering

List of undergraduate programmes

  1. Bachelor of Arts
  2. Bachelor of Commerce
  3. Bachelor of Communication
  4. Bachelor of Criminal Justice
  5. Bachelor of Data Science
  6. Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
  7. Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
  8. Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
  9. Bachelor of Fine Arts
  10. Bachelor of Forestry Science
  11. Bachelor of Health
  12. Bachelor of Health Sciences
  13. Bachelor of Laws
  14. Bachelor of Music
  15. Bachelor of Product Design
  16. Bachelor of Psychological Science
  17. Bachelor of Science
  18. Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
  19. Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
  20. Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
  21. Bachelor of Sport
  22. Ako, Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
  23. Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership

List of other programmes

  1. One Semester Pre Master’s
  2. Two Semester Pre Master’s
  3. Study Abroad Certificate

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

NA

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

NZD 27,470 to NZD 44,476 per programme

NA

NA

Living Cost

Approximately NZD 1,875 to NZD 2,275 per month (including accommodation)

ACCOMODATION

on-campus
University of Canterbury Halls of Residence

University of Canterbury provides on campus student accommodation options and publishes living cost estimates for halls of residence. Weekly cost estimates and hall pricing can vary by hall and whether accommodation is catered or self catered.

  1. Weekly living cost estimate shown as NZD 525 for halls of residence (example budget).
  2. Hall accommodation cost example and ranges are provided by UC, with examples including self catered and catered ranges.
  3. Examples of first year hall options listed by UC include Arcady Hall, College House, Ilam Student Accommodation, University Hall, Rochester and Rutherford Hall, and Bishop Julius Hall.