Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) has a total student headcount of 22,205, up 5% from the same time last year when the total was 21,189. The number of Equivalent Full-time Students (EFTS) is up 6% on last year.
The University, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, had more than 23,000 students by the end of last year, the second consecutive year of record enrolments. UC is in a positive position to exceed 24,000 students by the end of 2024.
The 2024 enrolments tally includes record numbers of Māori and Pacific students, with a headcount of 2,180 Māori students and 753 Pacific students, an increase of 9% and 11% respectively compared to the same time last year.
School leavers from Canterbury are up 11% and the University continues to attract students from outside the region across all disciplines.
There are 1,549 international students currently enrolled (including Study Abroad students who stay for one semester), a rise of 12% on the previous year.
UC Amokapua | Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement Brett Berquist says growing enrolments reflect Christchurch’s appeal as a modern, vibrant city that offers an affordable lifestyle for students and a strong student experience at UC. “We have a reputation for high-quality teaching and research as well as excellent student support services and student clubs.
“We’re proud of UC’s role in attracting and retaining talent to study and work in our region. One in two graduates who remain in New Zealand join the workforce in Waitaha Canterbury.”
