Ara Institute of Canterbury

The cost of living in Christchurch, the city where Ara Institute of Canterbury is located, is relatively inexpensive compared to other New Zealand cities. However, the cost of living may vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Here are some of the average monthly expenses that you may need to consider:

• Rent: NZD 1,713 for a furnished 85 m2 (900 sqft) accommodation in a normal area
• Utilities: NZD 179 for heating, electricity, gas, and water for 2 people in an 85 m2 (900 sqft) flat
• Internet: NZD 82 for 8 mbps (1 month)
• Food: NZD 1,000 for groceries and eating out for 2 people
• Transportation: NZD 100 for public transport for 2 people
• Entertainment: NZD 300 for cinema, sports, and leisure activities for 2 people
• The total estimated monthly cost for 2 people is NZD 3,374, which is equivalent to USD 2,1444. You can use the [cost of living calculator] to compare the cost of living in Christchurch with other cities or countries. You can also find more information about the financial aspects of studying at Ara Institute of Canterbury on their website or contact them directly. 

Ara offers admission around the year, i.e. it has rolling admissions for most of the courses. International students can apply for admission months are January, February, May, July, and October. 

You can refer to the application deadlines given below: 

• Bachelor's Deadline (Feb Start): Jan 22, 2026
• Bachelor's Deadline (Jul Start): Jun 23, 2026
• Master's Deadline (Feb Start): Over
• Master's Deadline (Jul Start): May 15, 2026

You can apply online by selecting “apply now” on the programme page you wish to apply for on the Ara website. An application fee needs to be paid at this university while completing the application process. 

When it comes to part-time jobs for Indian students at Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC), there are several popular sectors that offer flexibility, valuable experience, and potentially align with their future career aspirations. Here are some top picks:

Hospitality and Retail:

• Restaurants and cafes: These settings can offer flexible hours, opportunities for interaction, and potential tips, making them popular among students.
• Retail stores: Working in various stores provides customer service experience, product knowledge, and teamwork skills, all valuable assets for any career path.

Education and Administration:

• Tutoring and educational support: Sharing their academic knowledge and assisting other students can be rewarding for Indian students with strong academic backgrounds.
• Administrative roles: Assisting with office tasks, data entry, or event organisation can develop valuable organizational and communication skills.

Technology and Creative fields:

• Web development and design: Students with tech expertise can find freelance gigs or part-time work with agencies, honing their skills and building portfolios.
• Graphic design and content creation: For creative individuals, freelance graphic design, photography, or video editing work can be both fulfilling and income-generating.

Other attractive options:

• Call centers: Multilingual students can leverage their language skills in customer service roles at call centers.
• Event management: Assisting with event setup, logistics, or catering can be a dynamic and exciting part-time opportunity.

The tuition fees for international students at Ara Institute of Canterbury typically range between NZD 8,000 - 27,500 per year, depending on the programme and level of study. The tuition fees for international students at Lincoln University typically range between GBP 15,900 - 19,300 per year, depending on the programme and level of study. Based on the current exchange rate, GBP 1 is equivalent to NZD 1.973. Therefore, Lincoln University is more expensive than Ara Institute of Canterbury in terms of tuition fees. However, you should also consider other factors, such as living costs, scholarships, and quality of education, when choosing a university.

There are currently 3 scholarships being offered to international students at Ara, all with varying requirements, benefits, and application processes. They are:

• Advanced Energy Technology Scholarship: A $5000 scholarship for M? ori, Pacific or women studying mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering at Ara. You need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and a minimum GPA of 6.0
• M? ori and Pacific Scholarship: A scholarship that champions equitable outcomes for M? ori and Pacific learners by supporting their access to and success in tertiary study at Ara. You need to be of M? ori or Pacific descent, and have a minimum GPA of 5.0
• Excellence Scholarship: A scholarship that supports high-achieving learners who exhibit all-round ability and academic excellence to access and succeed in tertiary study at Ara. You need to have a minimum GPA of 7.0, and demonstrate your interest, aptitude, and potential for the programme you are applying for4.
• The scholarship value for each scholarship is $4,000 per equivalent full-time student enrolment, which means you can spend it on anything that helps you succeed in your studies, such as fees, rent, transport, or childcare. You can apply online by selecting “apply now” on the programme page you wish to apply for on the Ara website. You will also need to pay an application fee of NZD 250, which is non-refundable. You should apply as early as possible, as the admission process can take up to 8 weeks.

Unfortunately, I cannot definitively tell you whether a TOEFL score of 85 is good enough for Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC) without more information. The minimum TOEFL score requirement for admission into AIC programs can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Specific programme you are applying to: Different programs at AIC might have different English language proficiency requirements.
• Level of study: Undergraduate programs may have lower score requirements compared to postgraduate programs.
• Your academic background and other qualifications: Applicants with strong academic records or relevant experience might be considered despite slightly lower TOEFL scores.

TOEFL score range for AIC: Based on publicly available information, the average TOEFL score requirement for most programs at AIC ranges from 80 to 90.

• Score of 85: Your score of 85 falls within this range, making it competitive for many programs at AIC. However, some competitive programs, particularly in postgraduate studies, might require a higher score.

You will need the following documents when applying for a programme at Ara:

• Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The minimum score required depends on the program, but usually it is 6.0 or higher for IELTS, 80 or higher for TOEFL, or 50 or higher for PTE.
• Resume/CV, highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
• Letters of recommendation (LORs) from your teachers, employers, or mentors, who can vouch for your academic potential, skills, and character.
• Personal statement, explaining your motivation, goals, and suitability for the programme you are applying for.
• Passport copy, showing your personal details and validity.
• Financial documents, such as bank statements, loan approvals, or scholarship letters, to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in New Zealand.
• You can apply online by selecting “apply now” on the programme page you wish to apply for on the Ara website. You will also need to pay an application fee of NZD 250, which is non-refundable. You should apply as early as possible, as the admission process can take up to 8 weeks.
• The admission criteria for each programme may vary depending on the level, duration, and content of the program. You will need to have a higher education entrance qualification, which is equivalent to the New Zealand NCEA Level 3 or higher. If you have a foreign qualification, such as the Indian CBSE, ISC, or State Board, you will need to check if it is recognised in New Zealand and if you need to take an assessment test or a preparatory course. You can use the NZQA website or the Ara website to check your qualification.

In summary, an average Indian student can join Ara Institute of Canterbury, as long as they meet the academic and English language requirements, and have the necessary documents and funds to support their study. However, the admission process is competitive and selective, so you will need to demonstrate your interest, aptitude, and potential for the programme you are applying for.