16th September, 2026: Aotearoa New Zealand’s University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (UC) recently completed a five-city Open Day series in India, connecting with future students and their families in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi.
More than 225 people attended the events from 31st August – 8th September with attendees hearing from leading UC academics, meeting staff one-to-one and connecting with UC alumni who shared their own experiences of studying in Ōtautahi Christchurch and where their qualifications have taken them.
Across presentations, conversations and interactive sessions, students explored degree and pathway options and were able to ask the questions that mattered to them – from entry requirements and career opportunities to student life in New Zealand.
Together, the events gave a more personal sense of what studying at UC could look like, and the opportunity to explore how a New Zealand education could fit with study and career ambitions.
One future student travelled seven hours by train to attend the Kochi event, describing the experience afterwards as “genuinely well worth the travel”.
“I haven’t even made it back home yet, but I have already told my family all about the visit. It was an absolutely amazing experience.”
UC Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement Dr David Craig said opportunities for UC staff to meet future students and their families face-to-face were an important part of building lasting connections between the University and India.
“Choosing to study overseas is a big decision, not just for students but for their families. Being able to sit down with our people, ask questions and get a better sense of what studying and living in another country might actually be like can make a real difference.
“We want students who come to UC from India to leave with more than a qualification. We want them to build the knowledge, confidence and experience to make their mark wherever their careers take them, and to feel at home – part of our community – while they’re with us in Christchurch.”
The Open Day series reflects the University’s growing engagement with India and the wider education connections between India and New Zealand.
Those connections can be seen in the careers of UC graduates like Dr Gregory King, Strength and
Conditioning Coach for Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings, whose doctorate was among the hundreds of qualifications recognised at the University’s recent spring graduation celebrations.
Dr King’s doctoral research at UC explored the strength qualities that enable fast bowlers to perform at their best, with a focus on developing evidence-based approaches to improving bowling speed and performance. Read more about Dr King’s research.
UC’s 2026 India Open Day series gave students the chance the look beyond courses and qualifications and gain a better understanding of what studying, living and building a future in New Zealand could look like.
The University of Canterbury is based in Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island, and is ranked among the world’s top 300 universities (QS 2027) and welcomes students from around the world.
Christchurch is ranked among the world’s top 100 student cities (QS, 2027) and offers international students the chance to combine study with life in a vibrant, globally connected city. UC provides academic, wellbeing and practical support to help international students settle in, build connections and thrive in their studies and wider university life.
About the University of Canterbury
Founded in 1873, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s second-oldest university, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch on the South Island – a vibrant, globally connected city ranked among the world’s top 100 student cities (QS 2027).
Ranked among the world’s top 300 universities (QS 2027), UC is one of New Zealand’s most international universities, with more than 100 nationalities represented on campus. Its welcoming and inclusive community supports students to build connections, confidence and a sense of belonging, while gaining a globally recognised education that prepares them to adapt and thrive in a changing world.
As a bicultural university, UC is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partnership with Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tūāhuriri. Te ao Māori perspectives and mātauranga Māori are part of the UC learning environment, helping students build cultural awareness and confidence alongside their academic studies.
UC is ranked #2 in New Zealand for employability outcomes (QS 2027). Through practical, Industry connected learning and partnerships with industry, government, iwi, communities and international collaborators, UC helps students turn knowledge into real-world impact. Its graduates and researchers contribute to communities and industries in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, tackling complex challenges and helping shape a more sustainable, connected future.
