Alumni News
UC geography graduate honoured for global science leadership
UC alumnus Distinguished Professor Emeritus Iain Hay has received a prestigious international Fellowship recognising his contributions to geography and scientific collaboration.
Are Kiwi businesses jumping blindly on the AI bandwagon?
AI doesn’t have to play an inevitably dominant role in our lives, businesses and future, argues a guest speaker for an upcoming UC public lecture.
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Digital models to help predict natural hazards in Kiwi capital
An innovative project using digital simulations to predict future hazards in New Zealand’s capital city takes its name from science fiction.
Evolutionary theory plus maths add up to Royal Society award
Resolving a key mathematical question in evolutionary biology has earned a University of Canterbury doctoral student a prestigious award.
Researcher celebrated for giving voice to iwi in new history
A University of Canterbury researcher has scooped a top award after writing a book about the history of her own iwi, Ngāti Kuia.
UC graduate takes upcycling role in global beauty sector
UC graduate Emmalee Abbott Joe has combined formulation science and marketing to secure an international role advancing upcycled beauty ingredients.
UC internship leads to international basketball role
Hands-on experience with Basketball New Zealand gave a UC student a first-hand look at high-performance sport on the international stage.
New degree helps young musician hit the high notes in her career
A high-flying Christchurch musician and composer is calling the tune after achieving her fourth degree – a doctorate.
Pressure test for new graduate working through real-life disaster
A UC graduate hit the ground running when she found herself working in emergency communications within weeks of starting her first job.
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Alumni
Alumni Stories
Karenia Anderson
BFA(Hons) Graphic Design 2020
Content & Brand Designer, Not Just Social
Founder & Designer, LA Vintage
Kyra Elliott
BProdDesign Chemical Formulation Design 2024
Product Developer, Sans[ceuticals]
Ryan Lock
BE(Hons) Mechanical Engineering 2011
Co-Founder and Head of Product Management, Planes Studio
David Garrett
BSc Chemistry 2007, BSc(Hons) Chemistry 2007, PhD Chemistry 2011
CEO and Co-Founder, The Carbon Cybernetics Group
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, RMIT University
Sir Sam Neill
Sir Sam was one of New Zealand's most celebrated actors, internationally renowned for films including Jurassic Park, The Piano and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Beyond the screen, he was also a passionate environmental advocate and successful winemaker.
Todd Wilson
BCom Business Administration 1989
Director, Media Procurement at the Lego Group
John Britten
John Britten designed the world-renowned Britten motorcycle, a ground-breaking invention that won races and set numerous speed records on international circuits.
Robert Falcasantos
BSc Computer Science 2018
Software Engineer at Vermiculus Financial Technology
Nicole Gaviria
BA Psychology 2014, PGDipHealSc 2017, MCouns 2023
Therapist and Founder of Binge Free Bestie
Outstanding Alumni
UC Legends
Celebrating alumni who have made a great difference to the world and stand as shining examples of our community.
Notable Alumni
We are proud of how our graduates have excelled in a multitude of areas through a wide range of achievements. Check out some of our notable alumni, including Lianne Dalziel and Sir John Key.
Young Alumni
Whether they graduated in Arts, Engineering, Law, or Product Design our young UC alumni have left a trail of success stories. See what they studied are how they're making a difference in the world today.
Honorary Doctorates
UC awards Honorary Doctorates to people in our wider national and international community who have made outstanding contributions in their field. These are people who have substantially contributed to the well-being and betterment of society, or to cultural development and understanding.
Alumni Authors
From Eleanor Catton's Booker prize winning 'The Luminaries', to Paul Ewen's "Francis Plug: How To Be A Public Author", UC alumni have authored books from a wide variety of genres and fields, reflecting the diverse learning experiences and expertise of our community.
Have you published a book? We welcome all submissions for consideration to be added to our online catalogue.
Early Honorary Doctorates
Since 1931, when Ernest, Lord Rutherford received Canterbury College’s first Honorary Doctorate, the University of Canterbury has conferred 120 of these awards. Sixty-one of these were given before the year 2000.
Alumni Ambassadors
Ambassadors work to support events and develop connections with local alumni and those new to their area.
Find your local alumni ambassador or get in touch if you'd like to volunteer.
Contact the Alumni Office
More communities
Pacific students
We are excited to have you join our diverse academic community, where Pacific students thrive through, and gain a world-class education.
Check out the range of programmes and services available!
Disabled students
At UC, we celebrate disabled people as a valued part of our diverse community. We value lived experience of disability and the expertise that it brings. We are committed to improving the experience of students who are disabled by the environment.
Current students
As a current UC student, this is your resource hub. Find the relevant, up-to-date information about your studies at UC.
Future students
Check out the different study options on offer, the diverse range of subjects and courses available, and how to get yourself enrolled. Head along to one of our future student events to find out why UC is the best place to study.
International
Information for international students, agents or university partners already studying or working with us, or looking to in the future.
Postgraduates
Postgraduate study at UC lets you hone your expertise and focus on the area that you're most passionate about. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge from your undergraduate degree, enhance your skillset to progress your career, or pursue an entirely new path, UC has more than 100 postgraduate programmes that will help you advance with purpose.
Rainbow communities
UC celebrates and respects our Rainbow ākonga | students and aims to foster an inclusive and affirming environment. Check out our Rainbow support options, student clubs, events and spaces.
Prospective staff
If you are interested to be part of UC, search the latest vacancies and find out what it's like to work at UC and live in Christchurch.
Partners
Being part of a global network gives our students opportunities to gain global experience. We also provide spaces for international students from to study part of their qualification in their home country and finish this at UC. Contact our International Partnership Team for help with global partnerships, international pathways, and more.
