

EVENING COURSES
The Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury (CIUC) offers Mandarin evening courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, providing learners with opportunities to strengthen their communication skills in a structured and supportive environment. Whether students are new to the language or looking to advance their proficiency, these courses are designed to build fluency and confidence. Taught by experienced native Chinese-speaking instructors, the classes promote active engagement and sustained progress through culturally rich and interactive learning experiences.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND FEES
Mandarin evening courses are non-credit programmes structured around the official HSK exam (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì), ranging from Level 1 to Level 6. The HSK is an internationally recognised Chinese language proficiency examination, comparable to the IELTS for English. It is designed to assess practical language ability through a focus on high-frequency vocabulary and real-life communication scenarios. By adopting the latest learner-friendly HSK materials, these courses provide a structured and accessible pathway to developing Mandarin proficiency in an effective and engaging manner.
The fee structure for these evening courses is as follows:
- HSK Levels 1 and 2: $15 per session
- HSK Levels 3 and 4: $18 per session
- HSK Levels 5 and 6: $20 per session
From July 2023, CIUC no longer accepts registrations for evening courses from students currently enrolled at the University of Canterbury. Students seeking credit-based Chinese language study are encouraged to contact the Chinese Programme within the Faculty of Arts for further information on academic course offerings.
COURSE SELECTION AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS
STEP 1: Identify the course level that is right for you.
- For complete beginners, it is recommended to enrol in the HSK 1A course during Term 1 or Term 3, as these are the only terms in which the course commences from the very beginning. In Terms 2 and 4, HSK 1A resumes from the mid-point, and is therefore more appropriate for learners who have already begun their studies.
- Returning students are advised to consult their previous instructor to determine the most suitable course level.
- For individuals unsure of the appropriate course level, please contact us. A placement test may be arranged to help identify the course level that best matches your current proficiency.
STEP 2: Please refer to the course timetable below to confirm that the scheduled class times and overall duration align with your availability and other commitments. Kindly note that course fees are non-refundable in cases of non-attendance.
2025 Evening Courses in Term 2 (28th April– 27th June)

Note there are no classes on Monday, 2nd June, the King’s birthday.
STEP 3: Complete course fee payment to finalise enrollment.
STEP 4: Purchase course materials.
HSK textbooks and/or workbooks must be purchased for the courses. These materials are available for purchase through the Confucius Institute online shop. Purchased items can be collected from Room 206, second floor, James Logie Building on the UC campus or during HSK classes. Alternatively, postage can be arranged for a small additional fee. The preferred delivery method can be selected at checkout.
For any inquiries about our evening courses and textbook/workbook selection, please email CIUC Chinese Language Instructor, Dr. Yu Wang, at yu.wang@canterbury.ac.nz.