Ara institute
Ara Institute of Canterbury

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Ara institute
Ara Institute of Canterbury

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About

Ara Institute of Canterburywas formed in 2016 through a merger of two well-established tertiary providers: Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) (in Christchurch) and Aoraki Polytechnic (in South Canterbury). Each of those predecessor institutions had roots going back a century: for example, Aoraki began teaching in Timaru in 1901 as the Timaru Technical School.

Today Ara positions itself as “Many pathways, many opportunities” (its Māori motto: Ara rau, taumata rau) and focuses on applied, vocational and professional education across a broad range of fields.

Ara offers more than 150 programmes from foundation level up to postgraduate level, across a wide spectrum of subject areas. Some of the key subject/interest areas include:

  • Business, Accounting, Management
  • Digital Technologies & Computing
  • Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management
  • Health: Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Imaging
  • Art & Design, Music, Media & Broadcasting (including the New Zealand Broadcasting School)
  • Hospitality, Tourism, Food & Beverage
  • Trades, Outdoor and Sustainability Education
  • Foundation and pathway programmes to ease into more advanced study.

The emphasis is on “work-integrated learning” — meaning many courses include industry placement, apprenticeships, projects with real employers, so that graduates are ready for employment.

Rankings and reputation

One of the major strengths of Ara is the close link between study and employment. Because many programmes include placements, work experience, industry-connected projects, graduates are often ready to transition into the workforce. Here are some specifics of how employment pathways are supported:

  • The “Ara Advantage” slogan emphasises courses taught by mentors in real-life learning environments, ensuring students are work-ready when they graduate.
  • Student support services: career advice and planning are integrated into campus life (e.g., at the City campus).
  • For younger learners (rangatahi) or those outside mainstream education, Ara offers targeted programmes like the “Ara Rangatahi Pathways to Employment” which is a free 12-week training programme (followed by mentoring) for young people aged 15-25 to help them enter employment across sectors.
  • Because the institute spans vocational and professional training, graduates may move directly into roles (e.g., in hospitality, trades, health) or continue into further study – thereby opening both employment and progression options.
Campuses

Ara has a presence across the South Island of New Zealand, offering students access to multiple campus locations.

Key campuses include:

  • City Campus (Christchurch, 130 Madras Street) – the largest campus, centrally located in Christchurch’s city centre, with extensive student services, facilities, cafés, recreation and more.
  • Manawa Campus (Christchurch, 276 Antigua Street) – focused on health-education: nursing, midwifery, medical imaging, built in the health-precinct next to Christchurch Hospital with simulation rooms and integrated industry links.
  • Other campuses: Woolston (Christchurch), Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru.

This network allows students to study in both urban and regional settings; the infrastructure supports applied learning, student support services, and connection to local industries.

https://ara.ac.nz/

Courses offered by this provider

Study in New Zealand