University of Canterbury

Applying for admission

About applying for admission Admission at entrance level Admission with credit

Admission to a Certificate of Proficiency Admission at postgraduate level Pre-arrival checklist

About applying for admission

Who should apply? How do I apply? When should I apply? How long will my application take to be processed?

Who should apply?

To study at the University of Canterbury, you will need to apply for admission if you have:

• an international qualification, i.e. a qualification completed outside New Zealand; or
• a New Zealand University Foundation Studies qualification.

There are four main admissions pathways:

• Entrance level - for students beginning their university study;
• Credit - for students who have already done some tertiary study;
• Certificate of Proficiency - for students not seeking a University of Canterbury degree or diploma; and
• Postgraduate level - for students who have graduated with a first degree.

If you completed High School in New Zealand, please see the international students at New Zealand High Schools webpage for application instructions.
If you have already studied at another New Zealand university at undergraduate level, please see the transferring international students webpage (enrolment website).

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How do I apply?

You can apply for admission online. If you cannot apply online, please see our application forms page for forms which can be printed off and sent to us by post or courier.

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When should I apply?

You should apply as early as possible to give yourself maximum preparation time to obtain your student visa, and complete your accommodation and travel arrangements.
At undergraduate level, we recommend that you apply before 1 November for Semester One (February start) and before 1 May for Semester Two (July).
At graduate and postgraduate level, we recommend that you apply at least six months before your intended start date.

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How long will my application take to be processed?

Processing times vary depending on the time of year, the type of application, the programme applied for, and whether or not all information has been provided.
Current approximate processing times for complete applications are:

• Undergraduate (entrance level): 2 weeks
• Undergraduate (study abroad): 2 weeks
• Postgraduate (including graduate): 6 weeks
• Transfer of credit: 8 weeks