University of Canterbury

Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand’s second largest city, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majestic Southern Alps, and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the abundant Pacific Ocean, UC offers students endless opportunities for education, exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city.

Outside traditional learning, we provide students the chance to find themselves, to connect with others and to positively contribute to a changing world. Our students are innovative and caring, and we are proud to support them to grow as individuals alongside the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, nurturing our warm and vibrant community. The global impact of the University’s highly skilled, industry-ready graduates is visible through a whānau (family) of more than 140,000 strong; a cohort of engaged and empowered alumni affecting change around the world.

Our vision for the University of Canterbury is a contemporary university, a place of learning that is grounded in our shared history, values our differences, and aspires towards research and tertiary education that is equitable and accessible to all. We are determined to remain agile, responsive and pioneering, pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of our students. Since the Canterbury Collegiate Union was founded with Henry John Tancred’s inaugural address in 1872, the University of Canterbury has stood for the encouragement of talent without barriers. In 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary by reflecting on our successes and learning opportunities, setting our aspirations for the next 50 years. We achieved record enrolments in 2024 which is evidence of our status as a future focused, engaging university.

We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education and facilitating creative and innovative research for the benefit of both local and global communities. The international networks paved by teaching and research excellence, provide opportunities for partnerships, research collaborations and student exchanges. Our academic leaders are encouraged to be courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their learnings with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.

People come first at the University of Canterbury, reflecting our intrinsic values: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga. These values are rooted in trust, care and reciprocity, and were embedded over generations by the presence of the regions iwi (tribe)
In-Confidence

Ngāi Tahu, and hapū (sub-tribe),Ngāi Tūāhuriri. In fact, in 1861 Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko (tribal leader) of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi Christchurch: “kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.” Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster amongst our students, staff and community. We are proud to open our doors to students and staff throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, welcoming everyone to learn from one another and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community. The University of Canterbury is a place for everyone.

Our relationships with mana whenua (indigenous people of this land) are integral to these aspirations, as we strive to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) is the bedrock of the University of Canterbury. As we continue to strengthen our partnership and grow our understanding of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems), we are creating a programme of collaborative knowledge creation that sets the University of Canterbury apart. In doing so, we also acknowledge New Zealand as an integral Pacific nation and embrace the shared whakapapa (genealogical connections) and reciprocal relationships with our Pacific neighbours.

We seek to cultivate a spirit of curiosity that honours those who have gone before us, while contributing to the pool of diverse knowledge that we will in turn pass on to the next generation. In this, we are inspired by the Ngāi Tahu whakataukī (proverb): mō tātou, ā, mō ngā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us. We know that our students are our future, and we believe in empowering them to overcome the challenges of the changing world, and to create a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive future for us all.

The University of Canterbury provides a learning and research gateway, from the vast expanse of the galaxy to the depths of the Antarctic continent—offering the connection, understanding and opportunities that will enable us to overcome the challenges facing our society.

Our people are powered by resilience and determination, using our combined knowledge and experience to chart a course into the future – aukahatia tō waka, he hekenga tai roa. We stand with our community in times of need, mobilising our networks to provide solutions, resources and simple kindness.

There is a place for you at the University of Canterbury – nau mai, tauti mai – come join us.

Mission, Vision, Values and Focus

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury