About community study
Our six 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
Our locations are closed on statutory holidays, Easter Tuesday, and from 12 December (last day is 11 Dec) and re-opening 7 January 2019
Opening hours and session times vary depending on location, see timetables below:
Christchurch City
Ara City
Oblock, 0102, Madras Street
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 8am - 3pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3pm - 5pm | Enquiries | Enquiries | Enquiries | Enquiries | ||
| 6pm - 8pm |
Bishopdale
Ara Bishopdale
Situated in the centre of Bishopdale Mall
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 8am-12am | Class | 9am start | Class | 9am start | 9am start | 9am -11am |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
| 12:30pm-3pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
| 3pm - 5pm | Class | Class | ||||
| 6pm - 8pm | Class | Class |
We are closed between 12pm and 12:30pm each weekday. On Tuesday and Thursday, we are closed between 5 pm and 6pm before our evening classes.
Hornby
Ara Hornby
1 Brynley Street, Hornby
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 9am - 12pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10am start | ||||||
| 12:30pm - 3pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
| 3pm - 4pm | Enquiries | Enquiries | Enquiries | Enquiries | ||
| 6pm - 8pm | Class | Class |
We are closed between 12pm and 12:30pm each weekday. On Tuesday and Thursday we are closed between 4pm and 6pm before our evening classes.
New Brighton
Ara New Brighton
Cnr of Hawke Street and Shaw Avenue, New Brighton
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 9am - 12am | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm - 3:00pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
| 6pm - 8pm | Class | Class |
We are closed between 12pm and 12:30pm each weekday. On Tuesday and Thursday we are closed between 3pm and 6pm before our evening classes.
Rangiora
Ara Rangiora
14 Ashley Street, Rangiora
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 9am - 12pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm - 3:00pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class |
| 6pm - 8pm | Class | Class |
We are closed between 12pm and 12:30pm each weekday. On Tuesday and Thursday we are closed between 2:30pm and 6pm before our evening classes.
Timaru
Ara Timaru
G103, Theodosia Street, Timaru
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 9am - 12pm | Class | 10am Class | 9am Class | 10am Class | 9am Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm - 3pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
| 3pm-4pm | Branch closes at 3pm | |||||
| 6pm - 8pm | Class | |||||
We are closed between 12 pm and 12:30 pm each weekday. We are closed between 3 pm and 4 pm.
Oamaru
Ara Oamaru
44, Humber Street
| Times and days | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 10am - 12pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1pm - 3pm | Class | Class | Class | Class | Class | |
| 6pm - 8pm | Class | Class |
We are closed between 12 pm and 12:30 pm each weekday. We are closed between 3 pm and 4 pm.
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.
