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Ara Institute of Canterbury is an institute of technology located in Canterbury, New Zealand. It was formed in 2016 when Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) and Aoraki Polytechnic merged and became Ara. Ara Institute of Canterbury is a government-funded institute providing world-class, tertiary-level education. Around 14,000 students join Ara yearly. A large number of the students are international students. Ara has been recognised internationally as one of the best English language training centres in New Zealand. Ara’s staff and student communities include more than 50 nationalities. Ara is committed to ensuring that every student has the industry-relevant knowledge, skills, and experience they need to get the job they want and to excel in it.
Ara has programmes ranging from Level 1 to Level 9 in applied tertiary training. It has courses and qualifications that suit both, absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. There are courses in various areas of interest. You can find courses in animal and laboratory science, architecture and construction management, art and design, business, digital technologies, engineering, English, food, hospitality and tourism, language and education, Māori, music arts, music theatre, and more. There are also special courses in hair, beauty and massage. Additionally, there are courses in nursing, midwifery and medical imaging, social work and human services, sport science, nutrition and health promotion, sustainability and outdoor education, trades, and transport and logistics. Besides, there is a special school for broadcasting known as New Zealand Broadcasting School. Moreover, Ara offers short courses and online courses.
Ara Institute of Canterbury has several study support services. There is a library that has an extensive range of services and resources to support teaching, learning, and research at Ara. The institute also provides learning services, disability services, and careers and employment services. Ara also cares for the students’ health and well-being as they provide counselling and many health-related services. Besides, there are on-campus cafes and restaurants which are open to students, staff, and the public. A well-equipped gym is available for all students on campus as well as multiple fitness classes.
Ara has campuses in Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, and Oamaru and each of these regions offers a range of accommodation options. In Christchurch, Ara’s Ōtautahi House (right across the road from the City campus) offers apartment-style accommodation with other students in a flat share.