The venue will host New Zealand's first Boxing Day test in more than a decade when the Black Caps play Sri Lanka at the fledgling international venue.
The second test, and the only other home test this summer, will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on January 3-7.
The University Oval has staged six tests since making its international debut in January 2008.
It has established itself as one of the premier test venues in the country but now has more competition for fixtures following the development of Hagley Oval and Saxton Oval in Nelson.
However, Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes does not believe that means less test cricket for the University Oval.
''I think you have to be realistic,'' Dykes said.
''There are only two test matches in a year in which there is a World Cup. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over that. I think it is a peculiar year and clearly Hagley Oval needs some cricket before the World Cup.
''So I think they [New Zealand Cricket] are just taking that opportunity and I don't think it is setting us [the University Oval] back.
''I'm certainly not resentful of it. I think it is great Canterbury have got international cricket back there but that does not mean to say they are going to get precedence over the University Oval.''
There will be plenty of one-day cricket in the city this summer.
The Black Caps will play Sri Lanka on January 23 and 25 and there are three World Cup games to look forward to, as well.
Cricket fans in Christchurch have been starved of international cricket since the 2011 earthquake.
Hagley Oval is also hosting the opening match of the World Cup.
''Bringing international cricket back to Christchurch was always a priority for New Zealand Cricket,'' NZC head of cricket Lindsay Crocker said.
South Africa plays three one-dayers in New Zealand from October 21 to October 27 and Tauranga's Bay Oval will make its international debut, hosting the first two fixtures.
Sri Lanka arrives in December for two tests and seven one-dayers.
Between the South African and Sri Lankan series the Black Caps will travel to the United Arab Emirates to play Pakistan in three tests, five one-dayers and a twenty20.
Pakistan plays two one-dayers in New Zealand in January and February.
