Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 1 March | 29 June 2026 | 8 November 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | 1 October | early February 2027 | late June 2027 |
| Calendar Year 2026 | 1 October | 8 February 2026 | 8 November 2026 |
View the WorldStrides program calendar.
Do not make travel arrangements until WorldStrides and the host university have officially accepted you and shared key dates.
Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
Christchurch, New Zealand
The University of Canterbury
Located in the beautiful Canterbury region of the South Island, Christchurch is a city where the old and the new intertwine. Christchurch, New Zealand's second-largest city by area, is often referred to as the "Gateway to the South Island" due to the convenience of traveling from the city to other parts of the island. It sits on the eastern coast, which is a short drive from ski resorts, rivers for whitewater rafting, mountain bike trails, and the awe-inspiring Southern Alps. In your free time, take advantage of opportunities to tour the majestic and rugged West Coast of the South Island, spend a day whale watching in Kaikoura, or even travel to Australia!
The University of Canterbury offers a wide variety of courses, allowing you to tailor your abroad experience to a particular area of interest. A few of the university's programs include geological sciences, arts, education, biological sciences, Pacific studies, and psychology. Business students should note that this university is triple-crown accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
>> View complete affiliate program information
Academics
The University of Canterbury
Courses are available in a multitude of subjects. Semester enrollment consists of 3-4 courses which equates to 12-16 U.S. credits.
- Learn about course offerings at Christchurch
- Search University of Canterbury courses already reviewed at UMD
- This program counts for the UMD Liberal Education Global Perspectives Requirement
- Study abroad foreign courses must be reviewed at UMD prior to program participation so that you know how they will contribute to your degree progress
- To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
- Compare this program cost to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the semester/term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide students with the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- UMD Scholarships
- Cosponsor program scholarships
- Note: credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used in tuition banding.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
Housing consists of on-campus apartments with 5-6 other students. Apartments offer single occupancy rooms. More details are provided on the WorldStrides website.
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Visa guidance will be provided by Worldstrides.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance from the foreign university is issued.
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - WorldStrides Study in Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Canterbury;
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Calendar Year 2026)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
