Overview
Lincoln University (Māori: Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki) is a public university in New Zealand formed in 1990 when Lincoln College, Canterbury, was made independent of the University of Canterbury. Founded in 1878, it is the oldest agricultural teaching institution in the Southern Hemisphere. It remains the smallest university in New Zealand by enrolment and one of the eight public universities. The campus is situated on 50 hectares of land approximately 15 km outside Christchurch, in the township of Lincoln, Canterbury.
With a total enrollment of 5,484 students in 2024, including 1,593 international students, Lincoln University is New Zealand's smallest university by headcount and emphasises practical, future-focused programs in areas such as agriculture, environmental management, agribusiness, landscape architecture, viticulture, tourism, and sport management.
Lincoln University is New Zealand's only specialist land-based university. Its purpose is to facilitate excellent research and education to grow the knowledge of its students, and help shape a world that benefits from a greater understanding of the relationships between land, food and ecosystems.
The Māori name, Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki, reflects the university's deep connection to the land and to the values of higher learning. The name honours Aoraki, New Zealand's tallest mountain, symbolising the aspiration to seek knowledge and understanding. Lincoln's campus sits in Lincoln, a thriving village on the Canterbury Plains — small and friendly, boasting local pubs, great cafés and eateries, shops, and a farmers' and craft market. Lincoln is closely linked with New Zealand Cricket, which is based on the campus.
The 58-hectare campus, Te Waihora, features modern facilities and farmland, blending a rural setting with proximity to Christchurch's urban amenities and the natural beauty of the Southern Alps. The campus is surrounded by an additional 447 hectares of farmland used for teaching and research. Its small size enables personalised learning, with a high teacher-to-student ratio and access to faculty who are both educators and active researchers. The university's research is bolstered by partnerships with Lincoln Agritech and the Bio-Protection Research Centre.
Lincoln University is a member of the Euroleague for Life Sciences. Ivey Hall, built in 1878 as the original teaching, administrative and residential building, now houses the George Forbes Memorial Library. After sustaining damage in the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, it was restored and reopened in February 2025.
| ~87% Acceptance Rate | 5,484 Total Students (2024) | 80+ Countries Represented | Founded 1878 — Southern Hemisphere's Oldest Agricultural Institution |
Ranking
Lincoln University continues to achieve global recognition for its academic excellence. It is ranked #371 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing it in the top 25% of universities worldwide. It is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for agriculture and forestry — in the top 150 globally by QS Subject Rankings. The QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 place Lincoln at #463 globally. Lincoln also holds a prestigious QS Five Stars rating across key categories including teaching, internationalisation, and facilities.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university attained a position of #407, ranking 7th nationally in New Zealand. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked in the #501–600 band, 5th–7th nationally.
Lincoln is number one in New Zealand for graduate employment, with 82% of graduates in paid employment. The THE Impact Rankings 2024 place Lincoln in the #101–200 band globally, reflecting strong contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #407 Globally / #7 in New Zealand |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | #371 Globally / Top 25% Worldwide |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 | #501–600 Globally |
| THE Impact Rankings 2024 | #101–200 Globally (SDG performance) |
| QS — Agriculture & Forestry | Top 150 Globally / #1 in New Zealand |
| QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 | #463 Globally |
| Graduate Employment | #1 in New Zealand (82% employed) |
Intakes
Lincoln University offers two main intakes per year:
- February Intake — Primary intake; widest range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- July Intake — Mid-year intake; many popular programs across all three faculties
Application Deadlines:
| Intake | Application Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| February (Semester 1) | Late November (prior year) | Primary intake; all programs |
| July (Semester 2) | Late May | Mid-year; most programs |
Note: Applications are submitted online via lincoln.ac.nz/study/applications. International students need a New Zealand Student Visa. Apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing. Some programs may have earlier deadlines.
Top Courses
Lincoln University offers programs across agriculture, agribusiness, environmental management, food science, tourism, sport and recreation, landscape architecture, and commerce. Specialist degree courses include the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology and the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, as well as degrees in environmental policy, conservation, and agriculture.
The university is organised into three faculties and a University Studies and English Language Division:
Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) — majors in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing
- Bachelor of Agribusiness
- MSc / MBA in Agribusiness
- MSc in International Business
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in Marketing
- MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- MSc in Sport Business Management
Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences:
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgSc)
- Bachelor of Agriculture (BAg)
- Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology (BVO) — specialist wine science degree
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science / Applied Science
- MSc in Agricultural Science
- MSc in Viticulture and Oenology
- MSc in Food Innovation
- MSc in Sustainable Land Management
- PhD programs across all agricultural disciplines
Faculty of Environment, Society and Design:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)
- Bachelor of Environment and Society
- Bachelor of Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management
- MSc in Environmental Management
- MSc in Ecological Restoration
- MSc in Geospatial Science and Technology
- MSc in Tourism Management
- MSc in Landscape Architecture
- MSc in Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Cost of Studying at Lincoln University
The first-year tuition fee at undergraduate level is NZD 29,000–46,250 (approximately INR 15,07,710–24,04,538). For graduate level, fees range from NZD 17,500–63,000 (approximately INR 9,09,825–32,75,370). Hostel fees range from NZD 13,056–14,400 (approximately INR 6,78,782–7,48,656).
International students at Lincoln University must have at least NZD 15,000 in their bank account to cover living expenses for the first academic year, excluding tuition fees.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (NZD) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees — BSc / BCom / BAgSc (International) | NZD 29,000 – 46,250 | ₹15,08,000 – ₹24,05,000 |
| Tuition Fees — MSc / MBA (International) | NZD 35,000 – 63,000 | ₹18,20,000 – ₹32,76,000 |
| PhD Tuition | Domestic rate (~NZD 6,000–8,500) | ₹3,12,000 – ₹4,42,000 |
| On-Campus Halls of Residence | NZD 13,056 – 14,400/year | ₹6,79,000 – ₹7,49,000 |
| Food & Personal Expenses | NZD 5,000 – 8,000/year | ₹2,60,000 – ₹4,16,000 |
| Transport (Lincoln / Christchurch) | NZD 400 – 800/year | ₹20,800 – ₹41,600 |
| Health Insurance (required) | NZD 400 – 700/year | ₹20,800 – ₹36,400 |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | NZD 30,000 – 50,000 | ₹15,60,000 – ₹26,00,000 |
Note: Lincoln, Canterbury is one of New Zealand's most affordable student locations. All fees are in NZD. International PhD students are usually eligible for domestic fee rates. Verify at lincoln.ac.nz/study/fees before applying.
Scholarships
Lincoln University offers various scholarships for international students across different levels of study. Qualifying international students enrolled in a 180-credit taught master's programme may receive a scholarship of NZD 7,000 to NZD 15,000 towards their tuition fees. The scholarship amount depends on the specific programme. The International Undergraduate Scholarship awards NZD 5,000 to high-achieving students enrolling in a bachelor's degree. New international students entering Pathway programmes may be eligible for a NZD 2,500 scholarship. Valued at NZD 10,000, the International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship is awarded to academically proven international students enrolling in the first year of a bachelor's degree.
Key scholarships for international students:
| Scholarship | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship | Merit-based (high achievers) | NZD 10,000 per year (Bachelor's first year) |
| International Undergraduate Scholarship | Merit-based | NZD 5,000 (Bachelor's level) |
| International Taught Master's Scholarship | Merit-based | NZD 7,000 – NZD 15,000 (180-credit Master's) |
| International Pathway Merit Scholarship | Entry-based | NZD 2,500 (Foundation / First Year Pathway) |
| EAP Progression Fee Rebate | Progress-based | NZD 3,000 rebate (on completing English for Academic Purposes) |
| PhD Scholarships (Research) | Research-based | Full domestic fee rate + stipend (competitive) |
| New Zealand Government Scholarships (NZS) | Government-funded | Full tuition + living allowance (select countries) |
Admissions
Lincoln University has an acceptance rate of approximately 87%, which accepts students largely on a first-come basis. The university requires all international applicants to submit official academic qualifications, proof of English proficiency, and a valid passport.
For Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's):
- Completion of Class 12 (CBSE/ISC or equivalent), equivalent to New Zealand's University Entrance standard
- Minimum 60–65% in Class 12 (program-dependent)
- IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) / TOEFL iBT 60 / PTE Academic 50
- English Language pathway available for students who don't meet IELTS minimums
For Postgraduate Programs (Master's):
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0), TOEFL iBT minimum 79, or PTE Academic minimum 58 are required for postgraduate programs. A bachelor's degree from a recognised institution in a relevant field is required, and some programs may require relevant work experience.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 / PTE 58
- Statement of Purpose, CV, transcripts, Letters of Recommendation
For PhD Programs:
International PhD students are usually eligible for domestic tuition fees — one of the most significant concessions for international PhD applicants at Lincoln University. They must be living in New Zealand (apart from temporary absences for approved doctoral research) to qualify.
- Master's degree with strong research record
- Research proposal and supervisor confirmation
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79+
- Eligible for domestic fee rates (significant saving for international PhD students)
Placements
Lincoln is number one in New Zealand for graduate employment, with 82% of graduates in paid employment. Lincoln holds a QS Five Stars rating for graduate employability — confirming the exceptional career outcomes of its graduates.
Learning Advisors Career and Employment at Lincoln University assists students with employment-related issues throughout the year, maintaining close contact with the New Zealand job market, current vacancies, internships, scholarships, employer events, and graduate programmes. Every year, the university hosts career events including Volunteering Expo and Career Fairs in Semester Two, attracting recent graduates and current students from all university areas.
Lincoln's graduates, numbering over 25,000 alumni, enjoy a 6% higher employment rate than peers from other New Zealand universities — a testament to the practical, industry-aligned education provided.
Lincoln's niche focus on land-based industries makes its graduates highly targeted by New Zealand's most important export sectors — agriculture, food and fibre, horticulture, viticulture, environmental consulting, agribusiness, and land management — as well as global agri-food companies and government agencies.
Key career sectors for Lincoln graduates:
- Agriculture & Agribusiness — Fonterra, Synlait, Silver Fern Farms, Alliance Group, PGG Wrightson, Federated Farmers NZ
- Environmental Science & Resource Management — New Zealand regional councils, Environment Canterbury, NIWA, DOC, Lincoln Agritech
- Viticulture & Wine — Constellation Brands, Villa Maria, Montana, Marlborough wine industry
- Landscape Architecture & Urban Design — Private practice firms, Christchurch City Council, Wellington City Council
- Tourism & Hospitality Management — Tourism New Zealand, Ngāi Tahu Tourism, international hotel chains
- Food Innovation & Science — Plant & Food Research (PFR), Bio-Protection Research Centre, Zespri International
Jobs After Graduating from Lincoln University
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (NZD) | INR Approx./Year |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Scientist / Agronomist | NZD 55,000 – 85,000 | ₹28,60,000 – ₹44,20,000 |
| Environmental Manager / Consultant | NZD 60,000 – 90,000 | ₹31,20,000 – ₹46,80,000 |
| Landscape Architect | NZD 65,000 – 95,000 | ₹33,80,000 – ₹49,40,000 |
| Agribusiness Manager | NZD 65,000 – 100,000 | ₹33,80,000 – ₹52,00,000 |
| Viticulturist / Winemaker | NZD 55,000 – 80,000 | ₹28,60,000 – ₹41,60,000 |
| Food Scientist / Food Technologist | NZD 60,000 – 90,000 | ₹31,20,000 – ₹46,80,000 |
| Tourism Manager | NZD 55,000 – 80,000 | ₹28,60,000 – ₹41,60,000 |
| Accountant / Finance Manager | NZD 65,000 – 90,000 | ₹33,80,000 – ₹46,80,000 |
| Water Resource / Hydrologist | NZD 60,000 – 92,000 | ₹31,20,000 – ₹47,84,000 |
| Sport & Recreation Manager | NZD 50,000 – 75,000 | ₹26,00,000 – ₹39,00,000 |
Note: Salary figures are indicative annual gross values in NZD. Post-study work visa allows eligible graduates to remain and work in New Zealand for 1–3 years after graduation.
For personalised guidance on Lincoln University admissions, scholarships, and the New Zealand student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.