Ara institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s major tertiary education institutions, located in the vibrant South Island cities of Christchurch, Timaru, and Ashburton. Formed from the merger of CPIT (Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology) and ARA Polytechnic in 2016, Ara delivers a hands-on, practical education that connects students directly with industry.

Ara offers a wide range of certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate programs across various fields, including business, health, engineering, design, IT, hospitality, and trades. The institute prides itself on delivering industry-relevant qualifications, strong employability outcomes, and meaningful personal support to students.

Known for its strong partnerships with employers, Ara empowers students with practical skills and experiences that prepare them to succeed in the workforce or further education. With a diverse student community, Ara actively supports both domestic and international learners, creating an inclusive, modern, and supportive environment.


Scholarship
Courses
Eligibility criteria
Accommodation
Visa
University Video

Scholarship

???? Undergraduate Scholarships at Ara Institute of Canterbury

???? For Domestic (New Zealand) Students

  1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

    • Value: Up to NZ$4,000 per full-time student

    • Eligibility: Open to domestic students enrolling in undergraduate degree programs. Must meet academic entry requirements and demonstrate strong academic performance.

    • Requirements: Application form, personal statement, and two references.

  2. Ara Focus Scholarships

    • Purpose: Funded by industry and community donors for targeted areas of study.

    • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship; generally based on academic merit or community involvement.

    • Requirements: May include transcripts and other supporting documents.

  3. Ara Partner Scholarships

    • Purpose: Available to students affiliated with partner organizations.

    • Eligibility: Must be connected to organizations that have formal partnership agreements with Ara.

    • Requirements: Criteria set by the partner organization; documentation required.

  4. Ara Foundation Scholarships

    • Purpose: Supports students in vocational or undergraduate education.

    • Eligibility: Based on financial need or academic merit.

    • Requirements: Varies; often includes a personal statement and proof of need or achievement.

  5. Hardship Grants and Financial Assistance

    • Purpose: Helps students experiencing financial challenges.

    • Eligibility: Must show evidence of hardship affecting their studies.

    • Requirements: Statement explaining the situation and documentation of expenses.

???? For International Students

  1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

    • Value: Up to NZ$4,000

    • Eligibility: International students enrolling in undergraduate programs with strong academic records.

    • Requirements: Application form, personal statement, academic transcripts, and references.

  2. External Scholarships

    • Examples: International students from specific countries may apply for external awards (e.g., those targeting Indian nationals or based on test performance).

    • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship provider but generally based on academic excellence, country of origin, or subject of study.

    • Requirements: Vary by award; typically include transcripts, essays, and references.

???? General Application Process

  • Timeline: Applications usually open mid-year (around June–September) for the following academic year.

  • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, personal statement, reference letters, and possibly a financial need explanation.

  • Accommodation: Scholarship recipients who apply for university accommodation are generally guaranteed a spot in a residence hall.

    ???? Graduate Scholarships at Ara Institute of Canterbury

    ???? For Domestic (New Zealand) Students

    1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

      • Value: Up to NZ$4,000

      • Eligibility: New Zealand citizens or permanent residents enrolling in postgraduate programs.

      • Requirements: Strong academic record, scholarship application form, personal statement, and references.

    2. Focus Scholarships

      • Purpose: Funded by industry and community donors for specific areas or levels of study.

      • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship; generally based on academic merit or community involvement.

      • Requirements: May include transcripts and other supporting documents.

    3. Partner Scholarships

      • Purpose: Available to students affiliated with partner organizations.

      • Eligibility: Must be connected to organizations that have formal partnership agreements with Ara.

      • Requirements: Criteria set by the partner organization; documentation required.

    4. Ara Foundation Grants

      • Purpose: Supports educational activities, including postgraduate research and development projects.

      • Eligibility: Open to Ara students and staff.

      • Requirements: Written application detailing the project, outcomes, benefits, and budget; letter of support from the department head.

    5. Completion Grants and Hardship Funds

      • Purpose: Provides financial assistance to students experiencing hardship.

      • Eligibility: Students facing unexpected financial challenges impacting their studies.

      • Requirements: Application detailing the nature of the hardship and required assistance.

    ???? For International Students

    1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

      • Value: Up to NZ$4,000

      • Eligibility: International students enrolling in postgraduate programs.

      • Requirements: Strong academic record, scholarship application form, personal statement, and references.

    2. Tait Foundation Scholarship

      • Purpose: Supports students facing challenges in achieving their career goals.

      • Eligibility: Open to both domestic and international students.

      • Requirements: Demonstrated need and commitment to career objectives.

    3. External Scholarships

      • Examples:

        • Education Future International Scholarship: Open to Indian nationals pursuing studies abroad; partial funding.

        • Higher Education Scholarship Test (HEST): Open to Indian nationals; funding up to INR 3 lakhs.

      • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship provider; generally based on academic excellence, country of origin, or field of study.

      • Requirements: Application forms, academic transcripts, personal statements, and other supporting documents as specified by the scholarship provider.

    ???? Application Process

    • Application Period: Scholarship applications typically open mid-year (around June–September) for the following academic year.

    • Application Requirements: Applicants may need to provide academic transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and evidence of extracurricular involvement.

    • Accommodation: Scholarship recipients who apply for university accommodation are generally guaranteed a spot in a residence hall.

Courses

No results found

Eligibility criteria

???? Undergraduate Eligibility Criteria – Ara Institute of Canterbury

???? Domestic Students (New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents)

1. Academic Requirements

  • University Entrance (UE): Achieved through NCEA Level 3, which includes:

    • 60 credits required at Level 3 and 20 credits required at Level 2 or higher.

    • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects.

    • Literacy: 10 credits required at Level 2 or above, comprising 5 credits required in reading and 5 credits in writing.

    • Numeracy: 10 credits at Level 1 or above.

  • Alternative Qualifications: Completion of the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) in a relevant pathway (e.g., Business and ICT) is also accepted.

2. English Language Proficiency

  • If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of English proficiency.

  • However, if you have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance, additional evidence may not be required

    3. Age Requirement

  • Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment.

4. Additional Requirements

  • Some programs may have specific prerequisites, such as portfolios, auditions, or interviews.

  • Applicants with relevant work or life experience may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

???? International Students

1. Academic Requirements

  • Completion of secondary education equivalent to New Zealand’s NCEA Level 3.

  • A minimum academic performance of 60% or equivalent is generally expected.

2. English Language Proficiency

  • If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

    • IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5.

    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 60.

    • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50.

3. Age Requirement

  • Applicants must be least 18 years old at the start of the course.

4. Additional Requirements

  • Submission of academic transcripts (translated into English if necessary).

  • Valid passport and student visa.

  • Proof of health and travel insurance.

  • Some programs may require portfolios, auditions, or interviews.

    ???? Graduate Eligibility Criteria – Ara Institute of Canterbury

    ???? Domestic Students (New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents)

    1. Academic Requirements

    ·         Bachelor’s Degree: A New Zealand bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field is typically required.

    ·         Grade Requirements: Some programs may require a minimum grade average, such as a B average, particularly for competitive courses.

    ·         Alternative Pathways: Applicants with significant relevant work experience may be considered through the Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning (CAPL).

    2. English Language Proficiency

    ·         Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

    o    IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

    o    TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.

    o    PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58.

    3. Additional Requirements

    ·         Some programs may have specific prerequisites, such as portfolios, interviews, or relevant work experience.

    ·         Applicants are advised to check the specific entry requirements for their chosen program.

    ???? International Students

    1. Academic Requirements

    ·         Bachelor’s Degree: An overseas qualification equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.

    ·         Grade Requirements: Some programs may require a minimum grade average, such as a B average, particularly for competitive courses.

    2. English Language Proficiency

    ·         Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

    o    IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

    o    TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.

    o    PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58.

    3. Additional Requirements

    ·         Age Requirement: Applicants must be least of 18 years old at the commencement of the course.

    ·         Documentation: Submission of academic transcripts (translated into English if necessary), valid passport, student visa, and proof of health and travel insurance.

    ·         Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs may require portfolios, interviews, or relevant work experience.

Accommodation

Visa

University Video

???? Undergraduate Scholarships at Ara Institute of Canterbury

???? For Domestic (New Zealand) Students

  1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

    • Value: Up to NZ$4,000 per full-time student

    • Eligibility: Open to domestic students enrolling in undergraduate degree programs. Must meet academic entry requirements and demonstrate strong academic performance.

    • Requirements: Application form, personal statement, and two references.

  2. Ara Focus Scholarships

    • Purpose: Funded by industry and community donors for targeted areas of study.

    • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship; generally based on academic merit or community involvement.

    • Requirements: May include transcripts and other supporting documents.

  3. Ara Partner Scholarships

    • Purpose: Available to students affiliated with partner organizations.

    • Eligibility: Must be connected to organizations that have formal partnership agreements with Ara.

    • Requirements: Criteria set by the partner organization; documentation required.

  4. Ara Foundation Scholarships

    • Purpose: Supports students in vocational or undergraduate education.

    • Eligibility: Based on financial need or academic merit.

    • Requirements: Varies; often includes a personal statement and proof of need or achievement.

  5. Hardship Grants and Financial Assistance

    • Purpose: Helps students experiencing financial challenges.

    • Eligibility: Must show evidence of hardship affecting their studies.

    • Requirements: Statement explaining the situation and documentation of expenses.

???? For International Students

  1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

    • Value: Up to NZ$4,000

    • Eligibility: International students enrolling in undergraduate programs with strong academic records.

    • Requirements: Application form, personal statement, academic transcripts, and references.

  2. External Scholarships

    • Examples: International students from specific countries may apply for external awards (e.g., those targeting Indian nationals or based on test performance).

    • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship provider but generally based on academic excellence, country of origin, or subject of study.

    • Requirements: Vary by award; typically include transcripts, essays, and references.

???? General Application Process

  • Timeline: Applications usually open mid-year (around June–September) for the following academic year.

  • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, personal statement, reference letters, and possibly a financial need explanation.

  • Accommodation: Scholarship recipients who apply for university accommodation are generally guaranteed a spot in a residence hall.

    ???? Graduate Scholarships at Ara Institute of Canterbury

    ???? For Domestic (New Zealand) Students

    1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

      • Value: Up to NZ$4,000

      • Eligibility: New Zealand citizens or permanent residents enrolling in postgraduate programs.

      • Requirements: Strong academic record, scholarship application form, personal statement, and references.

    2. Focus Scholarships

      • Purpose: Funded by industry and community donors for specific areas or levels of study.

      • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship; generally based on academic merit or community involvement.

      • Requirements: May include transcripts and other supporting documents.

    3. Partner Scholarships

      • Purpose: Available to students affiliated with partner organizations.

      • Eligibility: Must be connected to organizations that have formal partnership agreements with Ara.

      • Requirements: Criteria set by the partner organization; documentation required.

    4. Ara Foundation Grants

      • Purpose: Supports educational activities, including postgraduate research and development projects.

      • Eligibility: Open to Ara students and staff.

      • Requirements: Written application detailing the project, outcomes, benefits, and budget; letter of support from the department head.

    5. Completion Grants and Hardship Funds

      • Purpose: Provides financial assistance to students experiencing hardship.

      • Eligibility: Students facing unexpected financial challenges impacting their studies.

      • Requirements: Application detailing the nature of the hardship and required assistance.

    ???? For International Students

    1. Ara Excellence Scholarships

      • Value: Up to NZ$4,000

      • Eligibility: International students enrolling in postgraduate programs.

      • Requirements: Strong academic record, scholarship application form, personal statement, and references.

    2. Tait Foundation Scholarship

      • Purpose: Supports students facing challenges in achieving their career goals.

      • Eligibility: Open to both domestic and international students.

      • Requirements: Demonstrated need and commitment to career objectives.

    3. External Scholarships

      • Examples:

        • Education Future International Scholarship: Open to Indian nationals pursuing studies abroad; partial funding.

        • Higher Education Scholarship Test (HEST): Open to Indian nationals; funding up to INR 3 lakhs.

      • Eligibility: Varies by scholarship provider; generally based on academic excellence, country of origin, or field of study.

      • Requirements: Application forms, academic transcripts, personal statements, and other supporting documents as specified by the scholarship provider.

    ???? Application Process

    • Application Period: Scholarship applications typically open mid-year (around June–September) for the following academic year.

    • Application Requirements: Applicants may need to provide academic transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and evidence of extracurricular involvement.

    • Accommodation: Scholarship recipients who apply for university accommodation are generally guaranteed a spot in a residence hall.

No results found

???? Undergraduate Eligibility Criteria – Ara Institute of Canterbury

???? Domestic Students (New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents)

1. Academic Requirements

  • University Entrance (UE): Achieved through NCEA Level 3, which includes:

    • 60 credits required at Level 3 and 20 credits required at Level 2 or higher.

    • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects.

    • Literacy: 10 credits required at Level 2 or above, comprising 5 credits required in reading and 5 credits in writing.

    • Numeracy: 10 credits at Level 1 or above.

  • Alternative Qualifications: Completion of the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) in a relevant pathway (e.g., Business and ICT) is also accepted.

2. English Language Proficiency

  • If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of English proficiency.

  • However, if you have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance, additional evidence may not be required

    3. Age Requirement

  • Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment.

4. Additional Requirements

  • Some programs may have specific prerequisites, such as portfolios, auditions, or interviews.

  • Applicants with relevant work or life experience may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

???? International Students

1. Academic Requirements

  • Completion of secondary education equivalent to New Zealand’s NCEA Level 3.

  • A minimum academic performance of 60% or equivalent is generally expected.

2. English Language Proficiency

  • If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

    • IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5.

    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 60.

    • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50.

3. Age Requirement

  • Applicants must be least 18 years old at the start of the course.

4. Additional Requirements

  • Submission of academic transcripts (translated into English if necessary).

  • Valid passport and student visa.

  • Proof of health and travel insurance.

  • Some programs may require portfolios, auditions, or interviews.

    ???? Graduate Eligibility Criteria – Ara Institute of Canterbury

    ???? Domestic Students (New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents)

    1. Academic Requirements

    ·         Bachelor’s Degree: A New Zealand bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field is typically required.

    ·         Grade Requirements: Some programs may require a minimum grade average, such as a B average, particularly for competitive courses.

    ·         Alternative Pathways: Applicants with significant relevant work experience may be considered through the Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning (CAPL).

    2. English Language Proficiency

    ·         Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

    o    IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

    o    TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.

    o    PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58.

    3. Additional Requirements

    ·         Some programs may have specific prerequisites, such as portfolios, interviews, or relevant work experience.

    ·         Applicants are advised to check the specific entry requirements for their chosen program.

    ???? International Students

    1. Academic Requirements

    ·         Bachelor’s Degree: An overseas qualification equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.

    ·         Grade Requirements: Some programs may require a minimum grade average, such as a B average, particularly for competitive courses.

    2. English Language Proficiency

    ·         Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

    o    IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

    o    TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.

    o    PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58.

    3. Additional Requirements

    ·         Age Requirement: Applicants must be least of 18 years old at the commencement of the course.

    ·         Documentation: Submission of academic transcripts (translated into English if necessary), valid passport, student visa, and proof of health and travel insurance.

    ·         Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs may require portfolios, interviews, or relevant work experience.

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