Ara Institute of Canterbury is one of the largest government-run polytechnics in South Island, New Zealand, located in Christchurch. It was formed by the merger of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) and Aoraki Polytechnic in 2016. Here is some basic information about Ara:

Overview

Founded in 2016 (after the merger), but its history can be traced back to 1906.

Country: New Zealand

City and Region: The main campus is located in Christchurch, with campuses in Timaru, Ashburton and Oamaru.

Institutional Nature: Public Polytechnic

Accreditation: Accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and one of the overseas universities recognized by the Ministry of Education of China.

Educational Philosophy

Ara is committed to providing high-quality vocational education and technical training, emphasizing a teaching method that combines theory with practice. The school focuses on the individual development of students, provides small classes and personalized support to ensure that every student receives adequate attention. In addition, Ara values ​​cultural diversity and inclusiveness, supports the development of Maori culture and values, and encourages international and cross-cultural exchanges.

Disciplines and Faculties

Ara offers a wide range of courses covering multiple fields:

Specialized certificates and diplomas: such as business management, information technology, tourism and hotel management, etc.

Undergraduate courses: including nursing, engineering, computer science, construction, creative arts, etc.

Postgraduate diplomas: such as business postgraduate diploma, information technology postgraduate diploma, etc.

English language courses: provide a variety of English intensive courses for international students to help them improve their English and adapt to the academic environment.

Short-term courses and vocational training: customized training programs for specific skills or industries.

Number of students

Ara has more than 17,000 students, including about 1,800 international students. The school has an experienced teaching team and provides a wide range of academic support and services.

Campuses

Main campuses:

Christchurch Campus

Timaru Campus

Ashburton Campus

Oamaru Campus

Facilities: Each campus is equipped with modern teaching facilities, including libraries, laboratories, studios, sports facilities, etc. The Christchurch campus has a comprehensive health and health research and education center, Manawa, which is adjacent to the Christchurch City Hospital and provides nursing students with an advanced simulation teaching environment.

Fee

Tuition fees vary depending on the course selected. For international students, the fees are usually higher than those for local students. Specific tuition information can be obtained through Ara's official website to obtain the latest data. For example, the average annual tuition fee for some courses may be between NZ$18,000 and NZ$22,000.

Ranking

As an institution focusing on technical and vocational education, Ara may not appear in global comprehensive rankings such as the QS World University Rankings. However, it is well-known in New Zealand for its high-quality teaching and practical experience, and has a high reputation in related fields.

Advantages

Geographic location: Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, with rich cultural activities and employment opportunities.

Industry connections: We have established close cooperative relationships with local companies and provide internships and employment opportunities.

International support: We provide a range of support services for international students, including accommodation arrangements, airport pick-up, etc.

Employment prospects: Many courses are on the professional list designated by the New Zealand Immigration Service, which helps graduates find jobs and apply for residency.

Featured majors: Ara is known for its professional strength in nursing, engineering, information technology and other fields, especially the high employment rate of nursing graduates.

Support services

Academic support: Provide learning tutoring, writing center and other resources.

Career development: There is a career service center to help students plan their careers, provide resume writing and interview skills training, etc.

Mental health: Provide psychological counseling services and pay attention to students' physical and mental health.

Accommodation arrangements: Assist students in finding suitable housing options, including homestay and student apartments.

Featured projects

Industry cooperation: Ara has a close cooperative relationship with local companies to provide students with practical work experience.

Community participation: Encourage students to participate in community projects and enhance their sense of social responsibility.

Maori culture: Respect and promote Maori culture, and provide relevant cultural and language courses.

International exchange: Ara has established partnerships with many higher education institutions in other countries to provide students with international exchange opportunities.