When you look outside your window in Ōtautahi Christchurch, you know exploration awaits you—hiking, fishing, kayaking, or swimming—that’s just a typical day here. You directly enroll in the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (UC). Along with a wide variety of academic offerings, UC has exceptionally strong offerings in Ecology, Engineering, Forestry, Geology, and Speech & Language Pathology. You'll also have access to more than 100 on-campus clubs and organizations.
Christchurch, New Zealand
Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Academic Year 2025-2026: July 03 - June 21
- Spring 2026: February 05 - June 21
- Fall 2026: July 02 - November 08
Credits:
16 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$21,995
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Apartment
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
About the Program
Program Advisor
Liat Wasserman
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why Ōtautahi Christchurch?
When you look outside your window in Ōtautahi Christchurch, you know exploration awaits you—hiking, fishing, kayaking, or swimming—that’s just a typical day here. Enjoy the adventurous, yet relaxed, lifestyle that Ōtautahi has to offer. Ski slopes, mountains, native bush, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and beaches are all within 1.5 hours of Ōtautahi, making this an ideal place to study and experience Aotearoa New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle. We want you to feel at home in Ōtautahi, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. We also offer many opportunities to meet with Kiwis and learn about their culture.
The Student Experience
The End
I am no longer in New Zealand! In this blog, I offer some final reflections and share what it has been like readjusting to life in the U.S.
Program Dates
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
February 05 - June 21
Application Deadline:
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
July 02 - November 08
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2026-2027
Program Dates:
July 02 - Late June
Application Deadline:
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Early February - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Academics
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.
Partner Institution
University of Canterbury
Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha is one of the top three universities in Aotearoa New Zealand. The University has a population of about 12,000 students and more than 500 academic staff members. The university excels at teaching with its smaller, more personalized approach, but also is large enough to offer a broad and diverse curriculum.
The University of Canterbury is located on a beautiful, park-like campus in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. The University is a 15-minute bus ride from downtown Christchurch. Students will likely have a five to 10-minute commute to the campus by foot from the Ilam Apartments.
Courses
The University of Canterbury assigns a point value to each course. IES Abroad divides the number of points by four in order to determine the number of IES Abroad credits. The normal semester load is 60 University of Canterbury course points, or 15-16 IES Abroad credits (typically four courses).
The University of Canterbury has hundreds of course offerings available to IES Abroad students. In addition to course offerings across disciplines, the University offers you unique opportunities for course-related trips through its four research stations. Courses in the School of Business & Economics are AACSB-, AMBS-, and EQUIS-accredited.
Further information about course content and availability is provided on the University’s Courses, Subjects and Qualifications site.
Please note that not all subjects are offered every semester or every year. Certain disciplines have enrollment caps and others require prerequisites. Single-semester students cannot enroll in full-year courses. Study abroad students are not eligible to take Fine Arts courses, and some courses, such as Music Performance and Creative Writing, have limited entry or may require additional application materials such as a portfolio. If you have specific questions regarding courses, please contact your IES Abroad Representative.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age
- Sophomore, Junior, or first-semester Senior standing when program begins.
- In good standing at your home school
- 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
- Final admission decision rests with the University of Canterbury
About the IES Abroad Center
IES Abroad Christchurch
The Center staff are highly trained local professionals providing on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Nearby the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, we have on-the-ground staff dedicated to supporting you during your time abroad. Get comfortable commuting to university, and finding your study abroad hub; all the while, our staff is just a phone call away.
IES Abroad Ōtautahi Christchurch Staff
Leona Harris
IES Abroad Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland & IES Abroad Ōtautahi Christchurch Center Director
Read Full BioHousing
Apartment
You have your own bedroom in a four- to six-person suite. The apartments are fully furnished with kitchens, communal living areas, and free Internet connections.
The apartments complex also offers a large recreational room where community events and social activities are held. There are table tennis and pool tables, Sky (cable) television, DVD players, board games. There are also outdoor barbecue facilities and sports equipment you can borrow. For study space outside of your room, the university apartments offers large, quiet study areas.
There are a number of Kiwis who live at the apartments, but we also encourage you to join student clubs and organizations as a way to make friends with local students.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Ōtautahi Christchurch, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Te Tai Poutini - Christchurch to Queenstown
5 days ($)
Fall & Spring
Tracing Māori and European pathways across the West Coast and Southern Alps, this experience weaves through mountains, rainforests, and more, discovering Aotearoa’s natural world and deep cultural connections through an indigenous Māori perspective.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
5 Days ($)
Spring
Explore the mountainous island and white sand beaches, visit local institutions such as an animal shelter, and even go snorkeling in the marine reserve.
Akaroa Harbour: Orientation
2 Days
Fall & Spring
During orientation, we'll journey to Akaroa Harbour for Noho Marae - an overnight stay at the historically significant Ōnuku Marae. You’ll also explore Akaroa Harbour's volcanic landscape on a nature cruise, spotting dolphins, penguins, and seals.
Hanmer Springs
1 Day
Fall & Spring
You'll visit the alpine thermal village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by forest-clad hills. Enjoy the relaxation in the hot thermal pools and sample some fine New Zealand wine at a local winery.
Part-Time Internships
Interning while you study in Ōtautahi Christchurch gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working Christchurch is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
Internship placements are part of two possible internship classes at the University of Canterbury. You can take one worth 15 points or one worth 30 points. You spend up to 70 hours (140 hours for the longer course) over the semester at your internship placement—a local business or community organization—in addition to the academic component of the course.
Placement Examples
Public Policy
Raise awareness of policies in local elections.
Arts & Culture
Support arts engagement for underserved communities.
Charities & Nonprofits
Analyze course effectiveness for a local NGO.
Experiential Learning
Anna Marie R. • Gustavus Adolphus College
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Christchurch, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
If you are interested in community-based learning, you can enroll in the 4-credit course, where you will work for up to 20 hours in community engagement projects in Ōtautahi Christchurch alongside class time that allows for reflection and provides context about Christchurch post-earthquake, social innovation, and more. You will experience first-hand how individuals and organizations work to strengthen local communities.
Past community-based projects have included:
- Community gardening
- Conducting surveys of underrepresented residents for City Council
- Painting public murals
- Planning and launching a book exchange
Kelsey R. • Marist College
About the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship
The UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) has innovation at its core. UCE aims to stimulate the development of entrepreneurs through a combination of research, teaching and community engagement.
UCE offers world-class facilities, academic courses and extra-curricular initiatives that focus on the business of entrepreneurship. With its world-class learning environment, strong business connections and commitment to developing resilient and talented entrepreneurs, UCE aims to:
- Become a student-focused centre of excellence for innovation and entrepreneurial research.
- Nurture the development of more employable UC graduates with exceptional entrepreneurial capability.
- Become a driving force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem regionally and nationally.
- Expand UC’s national and international entrepreneurial networks.
Caroline S. • Texas Christian University
Additional Experiential Learning Opportunities at the Centre for Entrepreneurship
With a combination of research, teaching, and community engagement, the Centre for Entrepreneurship facilitates the development of entrepreneurs, opening minds to a world of new ideas and possibilities.
- If you are looking for a more sustained experience during your study abroad, you may enroll in a 4-credit course and be placed in an internship-like experience with a start-up. In your placement, you will complete a 105-hour project. Weekly lectures and tutorials via UCE augment your project work.
- If you are interested in a shorter experience, you may apply to take part in one of the UCE’s sponsored Student Challenges. If accepted, you will become a part of a small team that works on a project intensively for a few days. This may be part of a competition, with other student teams working on the same project.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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