Study abroad in New Zealand with IFSA

University of Canterbury Partnership

Program Overview

Love the outdoors? Canterbury could steal your heart. Its central South Island location makes it easy to jump off into breathtaking scenery and unlimited outdoor adventure, from rock climbing to snow sports. Established in 1873 by scholars from Oxford and Cambridge, the university is ranked amongst the world’s top 3% schools, with world-class facilities and community project options.

Details in a Glance

Application deadline

November 1

Minimum GPA

2.80

Credit load

16

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Instruction language

English

Prerequisites

None

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Academics

Looking for specific classes? Explore CHART, our exclusive class database — if the University of Canterbury Program is pre-approved at your institution, you’ll find classes recently taken by other IFSA students.

Open the University of Canterbury online course catalog to see the classes that are offered. To search the catalogue, enter the appropriate keywords and/or filters to search for your subject of interest. Under 'Course level,' uncheck the boxes for Pre-100 and 400+ and choose 'Christchurch' from the dropdown menu for 'Site.'

The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select, students take three or four classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded.

15 Points at Canterbury = 4 U.S. semester credit hours

30 Points at Canterbury = 8 U.S. semester credit hours

60 Points at Canterbury = 16 U.S. semester credit hours

Lab & Field Trip Fees

Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.

Community Based Learning

IFSA students can participate in Canterbury's unique community based learning opportunity, the CHCH 101 Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation course. Class participants integrate up to 30 hours of community service (completed as a whole class and individually) which builds on the community spirit of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army. This opportunity includes both community service hours and academic content related to volunteering in general and the rebuild of Christchurch after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

This opportunity is worth 15 Canterbury points, or 4 U.S. semester credit hours. Interested students should indicate CHCH101 on their IFSA course preference form.

Internship

Students are able to enroll in a for-credit internship opportunity where they will work with a local New Zealand organization or business on a special project, under the supervision of a specialist lecturer. Students who enroll in PACE 295 will complete approximately 75 hours in their internship placement over the course of the semester. The internship is worth 15 Canterbury points, or 4 U.S. semester credit hours, and is taken in place of one regular class. A double credit (30 Canterbury points/8 U.S. semester credit hour) option may also be available. Internship placements are available in a variety of areas and are open to students from all academic backgrounds. Some past examples of projects include:

  • Filmmaking, radio production, media and communications
  • Food sustainability and urban gardening
  • Non-profit/charity work
  • Event planning
  • GIS mapping and environmental projects
  • Health care and community wellbeing facilitation
  • Social entrepreneurship

Project-Based Learning

Students have the option to work with a local business or start-up venture by enrolling in BSNS290 Enterprise in Practice. This for-credit course allows students to apply academic skills and knowledge to a practical project. This course is offered through Canterbury’s Center for Entrepreneurship, which also offers mentoring, seminars and development boot camps to students who would like to pursue further entrepreneurial discovery. Students who enroll in BSNS290 may work on their own start-up, team up with an existing student start-up or undertake a project for a local business or social enterprise.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter

Not required.

Visa Requirement

This program requires a visa for all students.

Start your application now by clicking the Apply Now button.

TRANSCRIPT

Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t our control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As result, we cannot guarantee activities and excursions.

Activities

  • Learning Plan Check-in: Three times during the semester, catch up for a one-on-one with an IFSA team member to discuss your academic progress, housing, and general well-being. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions about roommates, lecturers, and new experiences.
  • Catch-up Meal: Share a meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner) and any questions about your new life in New Zealand during this gathering. It’s a great chance to chill out, connect with new friends, and generate excitement as you embark on your academic journey at your host institution
  • Weekly Catch-up: Meet your IFSA Student Experience Coordinator on campus or at a local hiking trail, farmers market, museum, or pub quiz night for a snack and take a bit of time out with your IFSA community.
  • Resume-Building Workshop: Study abroad in New Zealand is a great addition to your resume. Learn how to highlight all the transferable skills gained in a powerful and succinct way that will appeal to prospective employers.
  • Celebration Dinner: The farewell dinner is the last official get-together with the IFSA crew. It’s time to recount great experiences and reflect on personal and academic growth before preparing for final exams! It’s a fun and memorable send-off, with an awesome culinary experience and plenty of laughs.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

All IFSA students will reside in Ilam Apartments, modern, spacious and conveniently located fully-furnished flats. Students are responsible for buying food and preparing their own meals, but meal plans are also available for purchase upon arrival for short or longer durations.

Dates and Fees

Term

Term begins

Term ends

Program costs

Application deadline

Spring 2023

February 14, 2023

June 25, 2023

$20,995

November 1

Fall 2023

Early July 2023

Early November 2023

$20,995

April 1

Spring 2024

Mid-February 2024

Late June 2024

$20,995 (estimated)

November 1

Term

Spring 2023

Term begins

February 14, 2023

Term ends

June 25, 2023

Program costs

$20,995

Application deadline

November 1

Term

Fall 2023

Term begins

Early July 2023

Term ends

Early November 2023

Program costs

$20,995

Application deadline

April 1

Term

Spring 2024

Term begins

Mid-February 2024

Term ends

Late June 2024

Program costs

$20,995 (estimated)

Application deadline

November 1

Program Counselors

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