Overview

The Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education from Ara Institute of Canterbury is the only outdoor education degree in New Zealand that includes sustainability as a major component. It provides a unique combination of theory and practice to ensure you graduate with a sound understanding of contemporary social and cultural issues, geography and sustainability, and a proven capability in outdoor education.

It is a broad degree that allows you to tailor your learning to meet the needs of a variety of career aspirations including teaching, conservation, outdoor instruction and guiding.

During your studies, you’ll engage with the natural landscape to develop an in-depth understanding of sustainability, and what it means to our society now and for the future.

You’ll explore flora and fauna and consider social geography with the human influences and impacts on our environment including how decisions on land use are made. You’ll also develop your inter-personal skills and learn effective methods for teaching, guiding and helping other people to engage with and respect our spectacular natural environment.

Career opportunities

On successful completion of this degree you can seek work as an environmental educator, outdoor instructor, adventure or ecotourism guide, or take your skills into community health, recreation or conservation.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Teaching and Learning

Land-Based Practical Skills

Human Geography of Aotearoa New Zealand

Hauora and Wellbeing Outdoors

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-02 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-06 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Adelaide, Australia

Disciplines

Education Sustainable Development Environmental Sciences View 62 other Bachelors in Education in Australia

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,

Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4) or equivalent

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

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.

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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 Ara Institute of Canterbury and/or in Australia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

26572 NZD / year

≈ 26572 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

7110 NZD / year

≈ 7110 NZD / year

Additional Details

Domestic Fee: $7,110 - $10,510 per year

Living costs

Adelaide

Australia

1328 - 2474 AUD / month

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

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Sustainability and Outdoor Education.

Available Scholarships

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

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