Learn more about our Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru campuses

Anyone who is Ōtautahi based is probably rather familiar with our Madras Street City campus, and perhaps also Manawa and Woolston, but we have 3 more wonderful campuses throughout Canterbury. We wanted to shine a light on them, and share things that make these campuses special! 

Ashburton is a thriving rural town about an hour south of Christchurch. The courses that we offer here are great for locals, as they include agrimanagement and business. There are lots of residents in this area involved in agriculture and farming, so these courses are very popular for many in those sectors. But of course, everyone is welcome! 

Timaru campus is located a short walk from the CBD, and has a fantastic range of courses, facilities and services. There is a huge range of flexible study options to learn from. From certificates to degrees this campus offers pathways into health, business, early childhood education, service industry and design. Hospitality, cookery and trades offer classroom delivery programmes and managed apprenticeships.

Did you know that we have real-world learning experiences available to our students through our partnerships with the South Canterbury District Health Board, Early Childhood Centres and numerous trades organisations. Students learn by doing in our commercial kitchens and restaurant, hairdressing salon and beauty therapy clinic. Our purpose built trades facilities allow students to gain the skills employers want.  Flexible learning plans also combine online learning, face to face class time and hands on experiences through workshops, studios, clinics and simulation suite.

Oamaru campus is a community hub housing external agencies and providing pathway opportunities for local secondary school students. These include dual enrolment offerings in hospitality and trades.

Ara also provides buses for Ashburton and Oamaru students studying in Timaru. This is part of the regional plan to ensure everyone has the opportunity to study.