University of Canterbury Business School Wins Prestigious Global Award

A proud moment for New Zealand education — shaping futures on the world stage

The University of Canterbury (UC) Business School has secured a major international honour at the 2025 PIEoneer Awards, cementing New Zealand’s reputation as a global leader in international education.

The annual PIEoneer Awards, hosted in London by The PIE (Professionals in International Education), recognise institutions worldwide that are redefining the future of learning. This year, UC Business School was not only the sole Australasian finalist in the highly competitive Business School of the Year category but also the first-ever New Zealand business school to win the award.

Why this matters for students

As Licensed Immigration Advisers at NZ Study Advisers and Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, we see firsthand how important it is for students to choose a university that not only delivers academic excellence but also equips them for real-world success. The UC Business School’s win highlights exactly that.

Two standout initiatives drove this recognition:

• The Tūhono Programme – focused on strengthening cultural intelligence and creating meaningful connections between international and domestic students.
• The Industry Project – providing globally relevant, hands-on opportunities that enhance employability and deliver real-world impact.

Both programmes received outstanding satisfaction scores and have already proven their ability to prepare graduates for a competitive international job market.

Leadership with vision

Executive Dean of Business, Professor Paul Ballantine, summarised the achievement perfectly:

“We’re not just in the business of education – we’re in the business of making a difference.”

His words reflect the Business School’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only skilled but also globally minded and confident in diverse environments.

Internationalisation Director, Dr Will Shannon, reinforced this by noting that the award recognises schools that “go above and beyond to support international students and prepare them for the global workforce.”

UC’s growing reputation

Earlier this year, UC was ranked second in New Zealand for employability outcomes by QS, with 89% of graduates securing employment or further study within a year of graduation. Achievements like the PIEoneer Award further strengthen UC’s standing as a desirable destination for ambitious international students.

What this means for aspiring students

For students considering New Zealand as their study destination, UC’s Business School now stands as a shining example of what world-class education, cultural inclusivity, and career readiness look like in practice.

At Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, we are proud to support students in charting their journey to institutions like UC, where innovation in education translates directly into better opportunities for career growth and residency pathways.

If you are exploring your options in business, management, or related fields, UC’s Business School offers an exceptional platform to build not just a degree, but a truly global future.