Christchurch

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara teaches in Christchurch and Timaru, and prices its master’s degrees at NZ$27,458 a year, roughly half what the University of Auckland charges for 120 points. Its Master of Applied Management runs four intakes a year, and it also teaches a Master of Sustainable Practice, which was the first qualification of its kind in New Zealand.

Why study here

Four intakes a year

The Master of Applied Management starts in February, April, July and October. The universities run two intakes a year.

Christchurch

The South Island's largest city and job market, with living costs below Auckland.

A study grant on some programmes

Ara publishes a grant-applied rate alongside the standard fee on several of its master's degrees.

Entry requirements

English

IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking

Campuses

Christchurch and Timaru

Fee basis

Per year. An 18 month master's costs more than the single figure shown

Programmes

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Master of Applied Management

No Green List occupation
NZ$27,458 per year, 2026 indicative. Ara's programme page gives NZ$41,487 for the full 1.5 year programme. 18 months 6.5 IELTS
Ara Institute of Canterbury

Master of Sustainable Practice

No Green List occupation
NZ$27,458 per year. Ara publishes NZ$41,187 for the full 1.5 year programme. 18 months 6.5 IELTS