Less than a year after stepping down as Prime Minister, Sir John Key will have a doctorate in his name to go with his recently minted knighthood.

The University of Canterbury on Monday announced Sir John, who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in accountancy in 1983, would be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Commerce at a ceremony in December.

Chancellor John Wood described the 55-year-old as "a valued alumnus of this university".

"Sir John provided strong support to the University of Canterbury, especially in the years since the 2010/2011 earthquakes."

"His leadership has been critical to the rebuild, not just on campus but in the region in general, and we will be eternally grateful to him for that."