Ara Institute of Canterbury is a government-owned tertiary education provider in New Zealand. It was formed in 2016 through the merger of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) and Aoraki Polytechnic. Ara provides career-focused education from foundation and certificate level through diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate study. Its programmes cover business, computing, engineering, construction, health, nursing, hospitality, tourism, creative industries, science, trades and outdoor education.
Ara is based in Canterbury and has study locations in Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton and Oamaru. International students mainly study at the Christchurch and Timaru campuses. The institute has a strong focus on practical learning, with many programmes including industry placements, applied projects or workplace-based training. Small classes and access to tutors with industry experience give students regular contact with teaching staff.
Ara offers more than 150 qualifications across different study levels. International students come from a range of countries and can access academic support, learner wellbeing services, career guidance, accommodation information and international student assistance. The institute is a Category 1 provider under the New Zealand quality-assurance system, reflecting its position as a high-performing tertiary education provider.
Its practical approach makes Ara a suitable choice for students who want career-based study with links to employers and workplace learning.
| Intakes |
July,February |
| All Campuses |
Christchurch & Timaru |
| Website |
https://www.ara.ac.nz/ |
| Monthly Living Cost |
NZD 1,667 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
NZD 20,000 |
| Application Fees |
n/a |
| Currency |
$ |
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Eligible student-visa holders may work up to <strong>25 hours per week</strong> during study, with full-time work during permitted holidays where their visa conditions allow it.</p> |
Ranking
Ara is an institute of technology and vocational education provider rather than a traditional research university. It is therefore not included in the main Times Higher Education World University Rankings or QS World University Rankings.
- Times Higher Education World Education Rankings: Not ranked
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: Not ranked
- UK University League Table: Not applicable; this table covers UK institutions
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable; this table covers UK institutions
For Ara, course quality, NZQA status, practical training, industry links and graduate outcomes provide more useful measures than university league tables.
English Language Requirements
English requirements vary by programme and qualification level. Ara states that international applicants must provide an accepted English test result or other approved evidence.
For many diploma, degree and graduate-level programmes, the common requirement is:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0, with minimum component scores set by the programme
- PTE Academic: Accepted for relevant programmes, with the required score based on the programme's English proficiency level
- TOEFL: Accepted evidence may apply under Ara's approved English proficiency options
- Ara English assessment: Available in some cases
- Previous study in English: May be accepted where Ara's approved evidence rules are met
For example, the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology has a higher writing and speaking requirement of 6.0, with an overall score of 6.0.
Scholarship Policy
Ara provides scholarships for domestic and international students. Awards can support tuition fees or other study costs, with eligibility depending on the scholarship.
Ara International Student Academic Scholarship
The Ara International Student Academic Scholarship offers NZD 5,000 to selected high-achieving international students. The 2026 award is applied as a credit towards the second year's tuition fees. The scholarship is available to eligible new international applicants entering selected bachelor's or postgraduate programmes.Other scholarships cover areas such as engineering, nursing, STEM, construction, performing arts and exchange study. Some awards are open to international learners, such as the Tait Foundation Scholarship, which provides four NZD 2,500 awards for eligible engineering or trades learners.
Applicants must check each award's closing date, academic requirements, programme rules and citizenship conditions.
Fees & Funding
Ara's tuition fees vary by programme, study level and course load. As a 2026 example, the Bachelor of Applied Management has an international tuition fee of around NZD 26,572 per year, plus an indicative student services fee of NZD 392.50 per year.
Other programmes have different fees. Health, engineering, computing, construction, hospitality and postgraduate programmes can have different annual charges.
Students should budget for:
- Tuition fees
- Student services fees
- Accommodation
- Food and transport
- Health and travel insurance
- Books, equipment and course materials
- Visa and travel expenses
Funding may come from Ara scholarships, external scholarships, family funds or approved education loans.
Application Guidelines
International applicants can apply online or use Ara's PDF application form. Ara recommends online applications since they are processed faster.
Main application steps
- Select an Ara programme.
- Check the academic and English requirements.
- Check the programme intake and application closing date.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Ara reviews the application.
- Receive an offer if the admission requirements are met.
- Follow the instructions for tuition payment and enrolment.
- Use the required documents for the New Zealand student visa application.
- Complete pre-arrival and orientation requirements.
Common Documents
Applicants may need:
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English-language test result
- CV or work evidence for selected programmes
- Portfolio for selected creative programmes
- Programme-specific documents
- Proof of funds for visa purposes
- Other documents requested by Ara
The exact document list depends on the programme and applicant's educational background.
Apply Online
Yes.
Ara provides an online application system for international students. The institute recommends online applications since they are processed faster than paper applications.
Immigration Support Service
Ara provides support for international students during the admission and visa preparation process. Its international team assists students with submitting applications, preparing for their move to New Zealand and understanding visa requirements.
Students must meet Immigration New Zealand's visa rules. For a tertiary student visa, current evidence of living funds is NZD 20,000 per year, or NZD 1,667 per month for study shorter than one year.
Eligible students may receive work rights of up to 25 hours per week, subject to the conditions shown on their student visa.
Ara's international student services continue to provide guidance after arrival, including orientation and access to student support services.
Ara Institute of Canterbury was created in 2016 through the merger of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) and Aoraki Polytechnic. Both institutions had long histories in vocational education. Aoraki Polytechnic traces its roots to Timaru Technical School, which began offering evening classes in 1901. Christchurch technical classes began in 1902. Over time, both institutions expanded their programmes to meet the education and training needs of their regions.
CPIT introduced its first degree programmes in 1993, including Bachelor programmes in Japanese Language and Broadcasting. In 2000, Christchurch Polytechnic adopted the CPIT name. After the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, CPIT expanded trades training and supported workforce training for the Christchurch rebuild. New facilities were added in later years, including Kahukura for engineering and architectural studies in 2017 and Manawa for health education and research in 2019.
The 2016 merger created Ara as a major vocational education provider for Canterbury and the wider South Island. Today, Ara offers more than 150 study options and serves over 1,000 international students each year.
Ara offers practical, career-focused education across certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate programmes. Students can choose subjects such as business, computing, engineering, construction, health, nursing, hospitality, tourism, creative arts, science and trades. Ara is the largest institute of technology in New Zealand's South Island and has more than 150 study options.
Students have access to specialist teaching spaces, practical training facilities, libraries, learning support and career services. International students receive support from the international team, including orientation and guidance on studying and living in New Zealand. Christchurch international students take part in a compulsory orientation programme that introduces student advisers, support services, visa responsibilities and study information.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Ara organises its programmes across several subject areas rather than using the traditional university faculty structure. Major study areas include:
- Business: Accounting, management, marketing, business administration and related programmes.
- Computing and Digital Technology: Information technology, software development, networking and digital technologies.
- Engineering and Architectural Studies: Engineering technology, architectural technology, construction and related technical programmes.
- Health and Nursing: Nursing, health studies, medical imaging, occupational therapy and other health-related programmes.
- Creative Industries: Art, design, broadcasting, music, performing arts and screen-related study.
- Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality management, culinary arts, tourism and travel.
- Trades: Automotive, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, building and other practical trades.
- Science and Environment: Laboratory science, environmental study and related subjects.
Ara's Manawa facility in Christchurch supports health education and research and operates through a partnership involving Ara, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury and the University of Canterbury.
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
Ara offers scholarships and grants from Ara, local organisations, trusts and other providers. Each award has its own academic, programme, citizenship or other eligibility rules.
Ara International Student Academic Scholarship
The Ara International Student Academic Scholarship provides NZD 5,000 to selected high-achieving international students. For 2026, seven scholarships are listed. The award is credited towards the student's second-year tuition fees.
Tait Foundation Scholarship
The Tait Foundation Scholarship provides NZD 2,500 cash grants for four learners studying eligible engineering or trades programmes. The scholarship is open to domestic and international learners who meet the listed requirements.
Ara Foundation Outbound Exchange Grant
The Ara Foundation Outbound Exchange Grant offers up to NZD 10,000 for eligible Ara students taking part in an approved exchange with a partner institution. Five awards were listed for 2026.
Other awards support nursing, engineering, STEM, construction, performing arts and other areas. Students should check the individual scholarship page for application dates and requirements.
Student Accommodation
Ara provides several accommodation choices for students in Christchurch and Timaru. Options include student residences, homestays, shared flats and private board.
Ōtautahi House
Ara's main student residence in Christchurch is Ōtautahi House, located directly beside the City Campus. It has rooms for up to 192 students in apartment-style shared accommodation. The residence is close to supermarkets, pharmacies, public transport and Hagley Park.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Many Ara students choose shared rental accommodation. Sharing a flat can reduce weekly housing costs compared with renting an entire property alone. Ara lists several Christchurch areas that are convenient for students, including Addington, Beckenham, Central City, Linwood, Opawa, Phillipstown, Riccarton, Somerfield, Sydenham and Waltham.