ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY

Institution Overview

Ara Institute of Canterbury is one of New Zealand's largest and most prominent tertiary institutes, specializing in applied, vocational, and professional training. Serving the Canterbury and North Otago regions, Ara operates across six campuses, with its primary hub in Christchurch. The institute offers over 150 programmes, ranging from foundation certificates to postgraduate qualifications, all designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industry application.

Following the 2026 vocational reforms, Ara continues to be a leading force in regional education, focusing on creating "work-ready" graduates. The institute is deeply committed to a bicultural campus environment, giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through its Framework for Māori Achievement. For international students, Ara provides a supportive, multicultural community in Christchurch—New Zealand's "Garden City"—offering a vibrant lifestyle and a wealth of professional opportunities in a rapidly growing tech and construction economy.

Why Choose Ara – Institute of Canterbury?

The "Ara Advantage" lies in its commitment to real-life learning environments and industry connections. Almost every programme at Ara includes work-integrated learning, such as internships, apprenticeships, or industry-based projects. With smaller class sizes than traditional universities, students receive personalized mentorship from tutors who are often active professionals in their fields. The Christchurch City campus is a modern, central hub, while the Manawa campus—located adjacent to the Christchurch Public Hospital—provides world-class facilities specifically for health students.

Highlights

• Comprehensive Campus Network: Major campuses in Christchurch (City, Woolston, Manawa), Ashburton, Timaru, and Oamaru.
• Specialized Health Hub: The Manawa campus features high-tech simulation suites and mock wards shared with health professionals.
• Work-Ready Focus: Strong emphasis on internships and clinical placements across all disciplines.
• Central Location: Christchurch campuses are well-connected to the city’s business district and transport hubs.
• Vibrant Student Life: Access to on-campus gyms, health centres, cafes, and diverse student events.
• Commitment to Equity: Dedicated support services for Māori, Pasifika, and students with disabilities.

Study Pathways

Ara offers a wide variety of pathways across several core interest areas:

• Health & Social Services: Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Imaging, Social Work, and Musculoskeletal Therapy.
• Engineering & Trades: Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, and Automotive.
• Business & Digital Technologies: Accounting, Marketing, Enterprise, Software Development, and Cyber Security.
• Creative Arts: NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art), New Zealand Broadcasting School, Art, Design, and Photography.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Cookery, Baking, Event Management, and Travel & Tourism.
• Science & Sustainability: Laboratory Technology, Sustainability, and Outdoor Education.

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements vary depending on the level of study:

• Certificates (Level 1–4): Completion of secondary school or relevant life/work experience.
• Diplomas & Degrees (Level 5–7): Typically requires NCEA Level 3 (University Entrance) or international equivalent.
• Postgraduate (Level 8–9): A recognized Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Special Admission: Available for learners aged 20+ who do not meet academic requirements but have relevant experience.

English Language Requirements

• Certificates/Diplomas (Level 4–5): IELTS Academic 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0).
• Degrees (Level 6–7): IELTS Academic 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5).
• Postgraduate (Level 8–9): IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0).

Scholarships at Ara – Institute of Canterbury

• Ara International Student Academic Scholarship: Valued at $5,000 for high-achieving international students enrolling in Bachelor or Master’s programmes.
• Māori & Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT): Funding and support for eligible learners entering trade-related fields.
• Prime Minister’s Scholarships: Support for group departures to Asia and Latin America for domestic students.
• Refugee & Migrant Scholarships: Financial assistance for students from refugee backgrounds settling in Canterbury.

Career Outcomes

Ara graduates benefit from exceptionally high employability rates due to the institute's deep integration with regional employers. The Career Centre provides dedicated support, including CV workshops, interview coaching, and networking expos. Graduates often secure roles with leading hospitals, engineering firms, and creative agencies throughout New Zealand. The "Ara Advantage" ensures that students graduate not just with a qualification, but with a professional network and the practical competence required by modern employers.

What Sets Us Apart

The Manawa Health Partnership The Manawa campus is a unique collaboration between Ara, the Canterbury District Health Board, and the University of Canterbury. This "health precinct" allows nursing and midwifery students to learn alongside researchers and practitioners, providing a seamless transition into clinical practice.

The New Zealand Broadcasting School (NZBS) Located at Ara, the NZBS is the premier training ground for the country’s media professionals. Its industry-standard studios and equipment produce the next generation of journalists, screen producers, and radio broadcasters.

Tiriti-Led Education Ara is dedicated to being a Tiriti-led institution, ensuring that Māori culture, language, and values are not just taught, but lived across the campus. This cultural competence gives all Ara graduates a distinct edge in New Zealand’s diverse professional landscape.