Overview

We need to know how the living world interacts with the environment to better understand and prepare for the future.

What will my study involve?

Lab work to examine cell biology, biodiversity, microorganisms, zoology, and more.

We have the most extensive network of field stations of any university in Aotearoa. You get to explore Te Waipounamu South Island to enhance your practical field skills.

You can focus your interests as you progress in your studies.

Our Biological Sciences major has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), the first in Aotearoa to be internationally recognised in this way. This means that when you graduate you will be equipped with well-rounded knowledge and skills, making you highly employable.

Career opportunities

The Biological Sciences major offered at University of Canterbury indicates you have the ability to access, understand, analyse, and communicate complex information. You can develop further technical knowledge in areas that interest you like biosecurity, marine biology, evolutionary ecology, soil restoration, zoology, and biotechnology.

Career pathways could include:

forensics

primary industries

ecology

pharmaceutical and governmental industries.

Get more details

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Cellular Biology and Biochemistry

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

Diversity of Life

Statistics

Biological Data Analysis

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 120 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-07 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-13 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Christchurch, New Zealand

Disciplines

Biology View 14 other Bachelors in Biology in New Zealand

Explore more key information

Visit programme website

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To enrol in the degree, you will need:

University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

You may also gain entry to the Bachelor of Science via the Diploma in University Studies or Diploma in University Studies (International) which is an alternative first year of the degree offering additional support.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Canterbury and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Make sure you meet all requirements

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

43080 NZD / year

≈ 43080 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8410 NZD / year

≈ 8410 NZD / year

Additional Details

The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.

Living costs

Christchurch

New Zealand

1300 - 2000 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Visit programme website

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Biological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

What will my study involve?

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Christchurch

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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