UC is offering an accelerated pathway for high achieving international students (living outside of New Zealand) who are pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
Students can gain their BE (Hons) in as little as 3.25 years – versus the standard 4 years, resulting in reduced fees and less time away from home.
Programme Structure
(1) July - August: Remote Pre-university self-study in Python programming. Online material will be provided by UC for COSC131
(2) 1st September - 8th November: On campus study in:
Foundations of Engineering (ENGR101) and Introduction to Programming for Engineers (COSC131)
(3) 24th November 2025 – 6th February 2026: On campus study in: Engineering Mathematics 1B (EMTH119) and one from list of pre-approved courses specific to the chosen discipline of engineering
(4) Full year on campus study (2026-2028): corresponding to 200-, 300- and 400-degree requirements for the chosen discipline.
Entry Requirements
International:
- Cambridge (CIE) A Level: Minimum B grades in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Must have at least 6 at HL in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, and be awarded the diploma. The literacy requirement for admission will be met if the IB diploma has been completed with English as the language in any of: Language A: literature (SL or HL) Language A: language and literature (SL or HL), or Language B: (HL). Any mathematics subject at IB meets numeracy requirement.
Vietnam
- Completion of Grade 12 as shown on the High School report (Học Bạ Trung Học Phổ Thông) with a minimum GPA of 9.2/10.0 in each of the best four subjects (mandatory and elective subjects), and a pass in the National High School Graduation Examination (Kỳ Thi Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông Quốc Gia) – the Temporary High School Graduation Certificate can be supplied by end of August for September intake.
Malaysia
- American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP): Completed successfully the two-year Diploma.
China
- Chinese National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) with a score of 75% or better, regardless of the province where a student sits the exam.
USA
- From a US High School, a GPA requirement of 3.8 from their school transcript. SAT tests are no longer accepted as entrance to UC.
India
- Applicants must have had 12 years of schooling. Must have also achieved an overall average of 85% in Indian School Certificate (ISC) or All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) with a minimum of 60% in English.
Duration
3.25 years in New Zealand
Cost
Fee Estimate for the 0.25 year (based on 2025 rate):
- Tuition fees: $22833 (60 points)
- Student Services levy: $583.20 (60 points)
- Insurance: $427.50 (one semester)
Annual Fee Estimate for year BE (Hons) Second-Fourth Years:
- Tuition fees: $51900 (per year or per 120 points) - (based on 2026 rate)
- Student Services Levy: $1166.40 (per 120 points) - (based on 2025 rate)
- Insurance: $855 (for one year) - (based on 2025 rate)
Please be advised that the annual fee estimate for BE Hons Second-Fourth Years is for one year only and is not the total cost for three years. Tuition fees for year 2027 and beyond have not been set and are subject to change. Student Services Levy and Insurance for year 2026 and beyond have not yet been set and are subject to change.
How to apply
For any PROGRAMME related requirements, please contact: engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
For all other enquiries, please contact the International Future Students team: futurestudents@canterbury.ac.nz
Please also visit Immigration NZ for more information. We recommend applying for a visa by 1 June 2025 to avoid visa processing delays.
