Ara is a vibrant, progressive, government-funded institute providing world-class, tertiary-level education.
Explore the transformative experience of studying in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a living case study of a revitalised, resilient city.
Christchurch, New Zealand, a city reborn from the devastation of earthquakes and tragedy, stands as a living testament to resilience and innovation. This remarkable transformation offers a unique case study for exploring resilient cities.
Ara Institute of Canterbury has been a driving force in Christchurch's recovery. Our graduates and academics have played pivotal roles in the city's rebuild, leveraging their expertise in sustainability, architecture, and design engineering to create a brighter future.
At Ara, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and open doors to endless possibilities. We are dedicated to providing you with a world-class education that is both practical and innovative.
Our diverse and inclusive community is where you can thrive, forge lifelong connections, and acquire the skills and knowledge essential for success in your chosen field.
Our students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, industry-experienced tutors, and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. We take pride in offering globally relevant programmes designed to nurture your ambition and prepare you for a dynamic future.
Join us for a Study Abroad semester or for a full degree programme!
Ara has six campuses across the South Island. Most courses available to international students are taught at our City, Manawa and Timaru campuses.
City campus – Christchurch
Ara’s City campus is a vibrant and dynamic place to study. Located in the heart of Christchurch, it offers a wide range of modern, purpose-designed facilities to enhance your student experience. These include state-of-the-art classrooms, a well-equipped library, a recreation centre with a gym and sports court, and multiple on-site cafes and restaurants operated by hospitality students.
Manawa – Christchurch
Manawa is where we deliver nursing, midwifery and medical imaging courses. Located within Christchurch’s health precinct, it’s a modern, purpose-designed building that boasts state-of-the-art facilities including high-tech simulation rooms to enable practical, hands-on learning.
Timaru campus
Ara’s Timaru campus is a modern and welcoming facility located just a short stroll from the city’s CBD. It offers a range of services and amenities for students, including a library, gym and recreation centre. It also has a cafe and restaurant operated by hospitality students. The campus provides career advice, learning services, student support advisors, and disability support services. Our international student community in Timaru is very active, with an exciting schedule of activities and social events. It’s a great way to get to know other students from around the world, meet New Zealanders and make friends.
Studying overseas is a big commitment. When you decide to apply to study at Ara, you can have confidence that we will guide you through the whole process.
We will assist you to:
There are two ways to apply: online or by using a PDF application form. We recommend applying online because online applications are processed much faster.
You can apply online here. If you are not able to apply online, you can download our PDF application form. Once you’ve filled it in, email it to: intladmissions@ara.ac.nz.
You MUST supply documentation (in English) with your application. So before starting your application, be ready to supply the following:
Immigration NZ issues visas for overseas people wanting to travel or stay in New Zealand. Every international student must have a valid visa before coming to New Zealand to study.
Full details of visa requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through Immigration NZ, and can be viewed on their website.
You should apply for a visa as soon as you have been accepted for a course of study. Contact Immigration NZ for details and documents.
A student visa is required for a course of longer than 12 weeks. If you are studying a 10-week English course, you may enter New Zealand on a visitor's visa. Any other course will require you to obtain a student visa before you leave home, or a student visa once you are in New Zealand.
When you arrive at the airport in New Zealand, your passport will be stamped with a student visa, provided everything is in order. While in New Zealand, you must keep this visa valid. If your visa expires, you could be asked to leave the country. You must not start a course other than that stated on your visa without the permission of your institution and Immigration NZ. Advise Immigration NZ if you change your address or course of study, or if there is any other change in your circumstances.
Visas are usually issued for the length of time that your fees are paid for.
Ara is pleased to be able to assist students financially with a range of scholarships and grants.
We encourage you to make the most of these opportunities, which can save you thousands on fees, help you get through unexpected financial hardship, or facilitate experiences and special projects that increase learning outcomes.
You will be part of a friendly, inclusive community
Ara is a culturally and socially diverse community where you will enjoy a sense of belonging. You will be treated as an individual (our class sizes are small, so your tutors will know you by name) and you will be supported with an extensive range of student services and specialist support staff.
Our qualifications are world-class class
Ara is a Category 1 institute, the highest rating awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). All of our qualifications are NZQA-approved and recognised internationally. Ara graduates can be found working and making a difference around the globe.
Our tutors are experts
Our tutors come from the industry and have years of on-the-job experience in their speciality area. They are committed to sharing their knowledge with you and inspiring you to achieve your study goals.
We focus on hands-on, real-life learning
Ara is known for its practical, hands-on programmes. You will learn in environments that mimic real workplaces and undertake some form of work-based learning like an internship, industry project or work placement.
You will be work-ready when you graduate
All that you do and learn at Ara will ensure your transition to the workplace is seamless and that you have the confidence and capability to contribute from your first day on the job.
Ōtautahi House is our student accommodation, right next to our City campus in central Christchurch. It is close to shops, public transport and everything that the city centre has to offer. At Ōtautahi House, you share an apartment with Ara students from around New Zealand and the world. Each apartment is modern, comfortable and well-appointed. You have your own furnished room (with a bed, desk and drawers) and share a communal kitchen, bathroom and living space with your roommates. There are coin-operated laundry facilities in the building. Bathrooms are cleaned every day for you, but you are responsible for keeping your room and apartment clean and tidy. Support for Ōtautahi residents is provided by a student advisor. House rules are based on consideration and respect for others to ensure everyone’s academic success and enjoyment.
Childcare
Quality care and education for children up to the age of five is available at our Christchurch City campus. There are two options: Ara Early Learning Centre and Te Waka Huruhurumanu ki Ōtautahi.
Counselling
Free, confidential counselling is available to all Ara students for any reason – from stress or course concerns to relationship difficulties, personal issues or anything else that might be worrying you.
Groups and clubs
Got a special interest? Our student groups and clubs are a great way to make friends with fellow like-minded students while doing something you enjoy. You can join an existing group – such as gaming, tramping, Rainbow, Japan club, poetry club or a faith group – or start your own with support from our student groups advisor.
Health, well-being and recreation
We offer a range of services and facilities aimed at helping you enjoy good health and wellbeing while studying with us. These include gym and recreation facilities, a health centre with GP and nurses, counselling, a nutrition clinic, an osteopathic clinic and fitness testing. A healthy body can help create a healthy mind. At the City campus, you can become a member of our modern, well-equipped gym, take part in group fitness classes, participate in social sports or – if you’re a more serious athlete – use our state-of-the-art facilities at The Zone to understand your fitness to improve your results. In Timaru, you can utilise the basketball court.
Learning Services
Our Learning Services team is dedicated to supporting you to complete your coursework successfully. They offer a broad range of study and support resources, plus group study opportunities, academic workshops and quick question sessions.
Library
Our libraries provide an extensive range of services and resources to support learning, teaching and researching. Physical libraries are located at the City and Timaru campuses and all resources are available online through Library Search. Librarian Support is available in person and via phone, email, live chat and Zoom.
Student advocacy
If you’re having personal difficulties – either at Ara or outside of Ara – that are affecting your studies, our independent student advocate can support you and help you solve your problems. This free, confidential service covers everything from relationship issues with staff or fellow students through to helping you address challenges involving alcohol, drugs, family violence, housing and mental health.
Student events
Student life is never dull, with events occurring on campus throughout the year. These range from orientation and cultural events through to student-produced musicals, concerts and exhibitions.
