Ngā akoranga mō te hapori
Community study
Our Ara Connect community hubs bring a range of free and low-cost courses to neighbourhoods across the Canterbury region.
Our sites are conveniently located for easy access.
You can gain a formal qualification for employment, learn the fundamentals of computing and business, or equip yourself with useful job hunting skills. We allow you to do all this at your own pace, in a friendly environment with the support of experienced tutors.
Click here to explore the range of courses and programmes available.
Take the next step at Ara Institute of Canterbury.
Locations and opening hours
Opening hours and session times vary depending on location, see timetables below:
- Ara City (PDF) - holiday hours
- Ara City (PDF) - from Feb 8th
- Ara Papanui (PDF)
- Ara Rangiora (PDF)
- Ara Woolston (PDF)
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| 9am - 12pm | Class | 10am start class | Class | 10am start class | Class |
| 12:30pm - 3pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class |
How to apply
Choose the course or programme you'd like to do, then drop in to your chosen location to enrol and book your first class.
Note: please remember to take your passport or birth certificate with you (also marriage certificate, if your name has changed) so we can enrol you straight away.
Terms and conditions
Opening hours and class times are subject to change. Students will be notified during class time of any changes in advance.
You must be 16 years or older and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Class numbers are limited so enrolment bookings will be on a first come, first served basis.
Getting started
It's easy. Choose the course you'd like to do, then drop into one of our community hubs to enrol in your first class or phone us on 0800 24 24 76 for more information.