Times are looking up for the University of Canterbury, with almost 1000 new students enrolled than last year.

It's experiencing student increases across all five of their colleges, with a total new enrolment increase of 15 per cent since last year - and record numbers of engineering and post-graduate students.

University of Canterbury vice-chancellor, Dr Rod Carr, says a 29 per cent increase in new international students brings diversity to campus and it is encouraging that more Christchurch high school students are choosing to stay on in the city.

"It means bright young talented people are coming to join what is an innovation city of opportunity."