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Ara Institute of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand · Public · Est. 2016 (merger of CPIT and Aoraki Polytechnic)

Updated 28 Oct 2026

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Established

2016 (merger of CPIT and Aoraki Polytechnic)

Type

Public

Location

Christchurch, New Zealand

Ranking

Not ranked

About the university

Ara Institute of Canterbury was created in 2016 when CPIT and Aoraki Polytechnic merged. It is a government-funded institute of technology and describes itself as the largest in New Zealand's South Island. Its main campus is on Madras Street in central Christchurch.

Ara is known for applied degrees and diplomas in engineering technology, construction and quantity surveying, information and communication technologies, business, health and design. Its Bachelor of Engineering Technology is accredited by Engineering New Zealand under the Sydney Accord.

Indian students often choose Ara's one-year graduate diplomas in construction management, project management and business, the 18-month Master of Applied Management, and engineering technology degrees. Fees are lower than at most New Zealand universities.

Ara's main campus is in central Christchurch. Ara budgets living costs at about NZ$1,709 a month including accommodation.

Founded
2016, when CPIT and Aoraki Polytechnic merged
Type
Government-funded institute of technology for Canterbury and Waitaki
Size
The largest institute of technology in the South Island (Ara international page)
Main campus
Madras Street, Christchurch city centre; some programmes also in Timaru
Intakes
February and July for most programmes; February, April, July and October for the Master of Applied Management
International fees 2027
NZ$27,237–31,101 a year for most degrees; NZ$28,694 a year for 18-month master's

Rankings

    Popular courses with Indian students

    View all 8 courses with filters

    Fees for international students

    Course fees
    CourseDurationFee / year (NZD)Approx. in rupees
    Master of Applied Management (180 credit)1.5 years (full time)NZ$28,694≈ ₹15.5 lakh
    Graduate Diploma in Construction Management1 year (120 credits, full time)NZ$27,237≈ ₹14.7 lakh
    Graduate Diploma in Project Management1 year (120 credits, full time)NZ$27,768≈ ₹15 lakh
    Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies (Software Engineering)3 years (360 credits, full time)NZ$27,237≈ ₹14.7 lakh
    Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil)3 years (360 credits, full time)NZ$31,101≈ ₹16.8 lakh
    Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics1 year (120 credits, full time)NZ$27,768≈ ₹15 lakh
    Master of Sustainable Practice1.5 years (full time)NZ$28,694≈ ₹15.5 lakh
    Bachelor of Medical Imaging3 years (360 credits, full time)NZ$31,101≈ ₹16.8 lakh

    Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

    Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Ara Institute of Canterbury with similar universities in New Zealand.

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    Scholarships

      Admission requirements

      Undergraduate

      • Degrees ask for New Zealand University Entrance or an equivalent; Ara assesses overseas school qualifications, including Indian Class 12, for equivalency.
      • Bachelor of Engineering Technology needs strong physics and calculus at school-leaving level.
      • Bachelor of Medical Imaging has limited places, a single January intake for Christchurch and extra health, police and first aid requirements.

      Postgraduate

      • Graduate diplomas need a bachelor's degree; Construction Management asks for a degree in a construction or engineering field.
      • The Master of Applied Management (180 credit) asks for a business or management degree with at least a B- average plus management experience; a 240-credit version suits graduates of other fields.
      • International fees must be paid by the invoice due date to get your student visa.

      Documents

      • Ara International Application Form
      • Passport
      • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, and degree certificate and transcripts for postgraduate study
      • IELTS Test Report Form (valid for two years) or other accepted English evidence

      Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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      English language requirements

      English requirements
      Test or routeTypical requirement
      IELTS Academic (bachelor's and graduate diplomas)Usually 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5; engineering technology needs 6.0 in writing and speaking
      IELTS Academic (master's)6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
      Medical ImagingIELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in every band
      PTE Academic and othersPTE Academic (can be taken at Ara's exam centre) and other tests on NZQA's English proficiency outcomes chart are accepted
      English pathwayNZ Certificate in English Language Levels 3–5 at Ara, NZ$8,716 for 18 weeks in 2027

      Accommodation and living costs

      Ara recommends homestay when you first arrive. Ōtautahi House, across the road from the city campus, offers furnished apartment-style rooms for students aged 18 to 25; international students pay the full year upfront. Ara budgets about NZ$1,709 a month for living costs including accommodation.

      Accommodation and living costs
      ItemIn NZDApprox. in rupees
      Ōtautahi House (48-week contract, 2026)NZ$13,056 a year; average weekly figure as publishedNZ$285per week≈ ₹15,390
      Ōtautahi House bond for international studentsPlus NZ$300 admin and NZ$300 activity feesNZ$1,200one-off≈ ₹64,800
      Homestay through NZEAS (long term)$370 without lunch, $400 with lunch; $320 placement feeNZ$370–400per week≈ ₹19,980 – ₹21,600
      Living costs including accommodationNZ$1,709per month≈ ₹92,286
      Medical and travel insurance (12 months)NZ$992per year≈ ₹53,568

      Campus and location

      Most programmes for international students are taught at the Madras Street campus in central Christchurch. Some certificates and diplomas are also offered in Timaru.

      • Madras Street campus in Christchurch's city centre.
      • Ōtautahi House student accommodation across the road from the campus.
      • Ara Examination Centre where you can sit PTE Academic.
      • Clinical placements for medical imaging across New Zealand.

      Careers and graduate outcomes

      Ara's programmes are applied and many lead to professional membership, such as Engineering New Zealand graduate membership for engineering technology graduates. Ara does not publish graduate employment figures on the pages we used. For post-study work rights, see our New Zealand guide.

      Graduate outcomes
      WhatFigureSource

      Studying in New Zealand

      Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in New Zealand. Our country guide covers them in detail:

      Other universities in New Zealand

      Compare all universities in New Zealand

      FAQs

      How much does Ara cost for Indian students?

      In 2027, most graduate diplomas cost NZ$27,237 or NZ$27,768, engineering technology degrees NZ$31,101 a year and the Master of Applied Management NZ$28,694 a year. Fees exclude the Student Services Levy (NZ$408 a year) and insurance.

      When are the intakes?

      Most programmes start in February and July. The Master of Applied Management starts in February, April, July and October.

      Does Ara offer scholarships to international students?

      Ara's 2027 international fees guide does not list any international scholarships. Check with Ara's international team when you apply.

      What IELTS score do I need?

      Usually 6.0 with no band below 5.5 for bachelor's and graduate diplomas, and 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for master's. Medical imaging needs 6.5 in every band.

      Where will I live?

      Many students start in a homestay (from NZ$370 a week with meals) and later move to a flat or Ōtautahi House, next to the campus.

      Sources

      1. Ara: 2027 International Programme Fees and Dates (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
      2. Ara: International fees (opens in a new tab)
      3. Ara: Programmes for international students (opens in a new tab)
      4. Ara: International (opens in a new tab)
      5. Ara: About us (opens in a new tab)
      6. Ara: Accommodation (opens in a new tab)
      7. Ara: Ōtautahi House (opens in a new tab)
      8. Ara: Master of Applied Management (180 credit) (opens in a new tab)
      9. Ara: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil) (opens in a new tab)

      Official website: www.ara.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)

      Check the latest details

      We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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      Ask about courses, fees, scholarships and your eligibility for Ara Institute of Canterbury.

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