Category Archives: Equity and Diversity

Think your story could speak to someone? Been through something others might get?

We’re looking for UC students who have a story that would help others feel supported, understood or inspired. Whether it relates to fear of failure, finding balance, asking for help, discovering self-kindness, feeling a sense of belonging, or something else entirely, stories are powerful things and can make a real difference to others.  

If you’re willing to share yours, we’d love to hear from you. Those selected will be paid for their time. 

Maybe you’ve been encouraged by someone else’s story in the past and you want to be a part of making a difference for others. Your story could help someone feel less alone, enable a shift in perspective or help someone open up to have conversations about their experiences. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect ending. You just need to be open to sharing something real. 

What to expect 

  • We’ll look through all the stories people have to share and select some that help show a range of different experiences. 
  • For those selected, we’ll film you sharing your story. Thinking maybe that being filmed isn’t your vibe? We can try and be creative in how you share your story in a way that is comfortable. 
  • You’ll be supported throughout the process, and you are welcome to bring a support person. 
  • Your story will be one of several others and shared through UC Wellbeing digital channels e.g. Instagram, UC website, with processes in place to manage online safety.  
  • You’ll be paid for your time, with rates reflecting the commitment involved. 

How to get involved 

If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, or just want to learn more about it before deciding, we’d love to hear from you. 

👉 Fill out a quick Expression of Interest form or email us at studentwellbeing@canterbury.ac.nz 

Please get in touch by 26 September 2025 at 11:59pm

Thinking about putting in an expression of interest but feeling unsure about the form or the process? If you’d like to talk through your application, you’re welcome to reach out for an initial kōrero. We’re happy to offer guidance where we can, or help fill out parts of the form if needed. This conversation is just to support you in getting started or feeling more confident about putting your name forward. There may be a delay in a staff member being able to assist so please get in touch as soon as you can.  

Applications now open for 2026 ‘UC Doctoral Scholarships’

 

The ‘UC Doctoral Scholarships’ are a collection of centrally-funded scholarships for which students mostly apply on the one form. In this application round the following scholarships are being offered:

  • UC Doctoral Scholarship (UCDS)
  • UC Matariki Doctoral Scholarship
  • UC Pacific Doctoral Scholarship
  • Rātā Foundation Scholarship
  • UC Doctoral Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (separate application required)

Students who submit an application for the above are also automatically considered for the Prestige / Recognition scholarships below which are awarded at the end of the year (no separate application is required):

  • Brownlie Scholarship
  • Ngata Centenary Doctoral Scholarship
  • Roper Scholarship in Science
  • William and Ina Cartwright Scholarship
  • Canterbury Scholarship

Applications are now open and close 20 October 2025 – see our ‘UC Doctoral Scholarships’ webpage for details.

This application round is for students planning to start their doctoral studies in 2026 before 1st July 2026. Students planning to start 1st July to 1st November 2026 are recommended to apply in the April 2026 application round (specific opening and closing dates TBC).

What’s on this month for wellbeing?

UC Wellbeing is here to support your oranga– your overall wellbeing – while you’re studying at UC. Whether it’s tips to manage stress, ways to stay active, or events that help you connect with others, we are here to support you.

We run regular activations, workshops, and events throughout the year – so there’s always something happening! Want to know what’s coming up? Keep an eye on our socials to keep updated!

To see what’s happening this month check out the calendar below. You can find more information on the posters in and outside of The Living Room (next to the bookshop) – A space where you can go and take a break between your studies anytime from  9am – 4pm on weekdays.

Take care,

UC Student Wellbeing