Study opportunities on the Christchurch campus
If you find a topic of interest, email the potential supervisor with your curriculum vitae, and academic transcript.
Once you have received confirmation that the academic staff member is willing to supervise you, go online to complete an application. The University operates an online application and enrolment system called eVision. You will be guided through the process as you go.
Student visas
Once you have received an offer of place you can apply for a student visa.
Support Services for International Students
- Go to the Support Services for international student page
- Go to the Postgraduate support services page
- PhD students will initially meet with the Manager, Academic Programmes. Further details here
Introduction to Christchurch City
Arriving in Christchurch
Students should arrange short-term accommodation before arriving in Christchurch.
- See accommodation options here
- First few days in Christchurch booklet (PDF)
Living in Christchurch
Christchurch is the gateway to New Zealand's South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps.
- Interactive Christchurch Map (web), App Store, Google Play
- Christchurch events
- Main shopping areas in Christchurch
- Beaches in and around Christchurch
- Christchurch City Council recreation and sport centres
- Other gyms: YMCA and University of Canterbury Recreation Centre. Show your Otago ID card to get a discount on membership.
- Māori customs, culture and language
- The cost of living in Christchurch
Food and drink
Asian Foods Markets:
- Big T Asian Supermarket
21 Foremans Road, Hornby (03) 349 0288 - KOSCO Asian Supermarket
227 Blenheim Road (03) 343 3101 - Maihan Supermarket & Halal Meat
303 Colombo Street, Sydenham, (03) 332 1897 - Guruji Indian Supermarket
12 Bath Street (near South City Mall) (03) 374 5222 - Halal NZ Meat
292 Lincoln Road, Addington (03) 339 6344
Halal Food guides:
Alcohol
The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18.
Many bars and restaurants will require proof that you are at least 18 years old before they will serve you alcohol.
Most places will not accept your international driver's licence as a form of identification. In order to avoid carrying your passport with you, you may want to purchase an 18 Plus Card.
Getting around Christchurch
Buses
- Metrocards can be purchased at the bus exchange (corner Lichfield St and Colombo St)
- Bus map (PDF) and timetables
- Bus information
Cycling
Christchurch is the city of cycling, with more people biking here than any other city in New Zealand.
- Cycle map and cycle routes
- Safety information - helmets and lights are compulsory
- Always lock your cycle. The Christchurch Hospital complex has a secure bicycle parking area with swipe card access.
Driving in New Zealand
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website is a great resource for finding information on driving in New Zealand. Free phone: 0800 822 422.
The Visiting Driver Training Programme is an interactive video that will assess your knowledge and understanding of driving in NZ and help you prepare for NZ road rules and road conditions.
Before driving around the city:
- You must have a drivers licence. You can use your international drivers licence for a maximum of one year. After one year you must get a New Zealand licence.
- You need to know the road rules. The rules are explained in a book called the Road Code. You can access it online on the NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) website
- Parking in Christchurch
Contact information
Email postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz