Ara Institute of Canterbury
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, Ara has an impressive history of innovation and academic success.
Each year around over 19,000 students enrol at Ara campuses throughout the Canterbury and Waitaki region in order to excel in their chosen field or to qualify for further study either in New Zealand or in their home country. International students make up 12% of students at Ara and more than fifty different nationalities are represented.
All Ara programmes - whether foundation, certificate, diploma, degree or graduate diploma - have a strong emphasis on work-integration and are structured on the requirements of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Our learning models and course content continually evolve to respond to industry and regional needs. To ensure our students have real-world experience and graduate work-ready, we offer an ever-expanding array of workplace training opportunities, internships, apprenticeships and partnerships with industry. And to meet the demand for flexible study options, we offer an increasing range of online, blended delivery and part-time programmes.
Ara Institute of Canterbury’s desire for educational excellence is single-minded, and its delivery is world-class. The institute will empower you with work-ready skills, and give you the tools and confidence to succeed in your chosen career, anywhere in the world.
Programs
Accommodation
Location and accommodation
Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and beautiful regions, encompassing prosperous cities and towns and natural attractions that will take your breath away. Canterbury’s largest city is Christchurch, home to around 400,000 people. With its parks, gardens and rivers, Christchurch is justifiably known as the "garden city". For first-time visitors here, it is the sheer green beauty of the place that captivates and entrances them. The terrain is flat - ideal for cycling, and the climate is temperate. Christchurch’s vitality can be seen and felt throughout Canterbury, in smaller cities and towns such as Timaru, Ashburton and Kaikoura. When you come to Canterbury to study at Ara, your opportunities to explore and experience the region are endless.
One of the most important choices you need to make when coming to Ara is where to live. Options for you to consider include flatting, private board or homestay accommodation with a local family. If you are an international student visiting New Zealand for the first time, you are strongly recommended to apply for homestay accommodation. Not only does a homestay provide a warm family environment with your own room and meals provided, it gives you the opportunity to assimilate into the New Zealand way of life by becoming part of a New Zealand family.
For further information about homestays in Christchurch or Timaru, please contact the New Zealand Education Advisor Services at Ara Institute of Canterbury.
