Lincoln University is a specialist university in Canterbury, New Zealand, with a long history of education in agriculture, land management and related subjects. Its main campus is in Lincoln, around 20 kilometres from Christchurch. The university combines academic study with practical learning through farms, laboratories, fieldwork, industry projects and specialist facilities. This approach is useful for students who want to apply classroom knowledge to agriculture, food, environment, business and land-based careers.
Lincoln offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across agriculture, agricultural science, agribusiness, commerce, environmental management, landscape architecture, sport and recreation, tourism, science and other related areas. International students form part of the university community, with dedicated services for students from overseas. English-language support is available through the English for Academic Purposes programme for students who need extra preparation before starting a degree.
The university has international recognition, particularly for agriculture and forestry. Its specialist focus gives students access to teaching and research linked to food production, natural resources, sustainability and land-based industries. Lincoln's campus setting includes teaching areas, research facilities, student accommodation, recreation spaces and agricultural land. The university's location near Christchurch gives students access to a major New Zealand city while allowing them to study in a smaller campus community.
| Intakes |
November,July,February |
| All Campuses |
Lincoln |
| Website |
https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/ |
| Monthly Living Cost |
NZD $1,667 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
NZD $20,000 |
| Application Fees |
n/a |
| Currency |
|
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Eligible student visa holders can work up to <strong>25 hours per week</strong> during study and may work full-time during holidays if their visa conditions allow it.</p> |
Ranking
Times Higher Education World University Rankings: No current overall THE ranking position is listed for Lincoln University, New Zealand.
QS World University Rankings: Lincoln University is included in the QS global university rankings. Subject results are particularly relevant to its agriculture and forestry strengths.
QS World University Rankings by Subject: Lincoln has a strong international position in Agriculture & Forestry.
UK University League Table: Not applicable — Lincoln University is in New Zealand.
The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable — The Guardian's university league table covers UK institutions.
Ranking tables change each year, so applicants should check the current QS and THE profiles before using a ranking figure in an application or promotional document.
English Language Requirements
English is the main teaching language at Lincoln University. Students whose first language is not English must meet the required English standard. Test results normally must be no more than two years old when the student begins study.
Accepted evidence includes approved English tests and Lincoln's English-language pathway programmes. Common tests include:
| Test |
Minimum Score |
| IELTS Academic |
6.0 overall, normally with no band below 5.5 for standard degree entry |
| TOEFL iBT |
Accepted; minimum score depends on the applicable Lincoln requirement |
| PTE Academic |
Accepted; minimum score depends on the applicable Lincoln requirement |
| Cambridge English |
Accepted under Lincoln's approved score requirements |
| Lincoln EAP |
Can meet the English requirement after reaching the required level |
Students who do not meet the required level can take Lincoln's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme. EAP modules range from Elementary to Advanced levels and can provide a direct route into academic study after the required level is reached.
Scholarship Policy
Lincoln University provides scholarships for international and domestic students. Awards can be based on academic achievement, programme, nationality, leadership, sporting achievement or other eligibility conditions.
Key options include:
- International scholarships for eligible overseas students.
- International Flagship Scholarships for selected international applicants.
- Programme-specific scholarships linked to particular areas of study.
- Country-specific scholarships where available.
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for eligible applicants from participating countries.
- Postgraduate and research scholarships for eligible master's and doctoral students.
Scholarship values, closing dates and eligibility rules vary by award. Students should check the individual scholarship page before submitting an application.
Fees & Funding
International tuition fees depend on the programme. Lincoln's 2026 published fees give the following examples:
| Programme |
2026 International Fee |
| First-Year Pathway Diploma |
NZD $27,300 |
| Diploma in Agriculture |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Diploma in Commerce |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Bachelor of Commerce |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Bachelor of Agriculture |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Bachelor of Agricultural Science |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Bachelor of Environmental Management |
Programme-based fee; check current fee schedule |
| Bachelor of Science |
NZD $37,000 for 120 credits in 2026 |
Lincoln states that international fees depend on the selected programme and that the programme-based fee is set for the first year and maintained for the minimum period required to complete the programme.
Application Guidelines
International students can apply online through Lincoln University's application system.
Main application steps
- Select a suitable programme.
- Check the academic entry requirements.
- Check the English-language requirement.
- Prepare academic certificates and transcripts.
- Prepare a valid passport.
- Submit the online application.
- Provide any extra documents requested by Lincoln.
- Receive the admission decision and offer of place.
- Accept the offer and arrange tuition payment.
- Apply for the appropriate New Zealand student visa.
- Arrange accommodation, insurance and travel before departure.
For applicants from Bangladesh, Lincoln lists the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 5 as an undergraduate entry qualification. A lower HSC GPA may be accepted for Lincoln's pathway programmes.
Apply Online
Yes.
International students can submit their study application online through Lincoln University's official application system.
Immigration Support Service
Lincoln provides international student support before and during study. Students can receive help with enrolment, orientation, accommodation, student services and other matters connected with studying in New Zealand.
For the New Zealand student visa, students need an offer of place from an approved education provider and must provide evidence of tuition funding, living funds, insurance and other required documents. Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students to show NZD $20,000 per year for living costs or NZD $1,667 per month for study shorter than one year.
Lincoln University began in 1878 as the School of Agriculture at Canterbury College, making it one of New Zealand's oldest agricultural teaching institutions. In 1896, it moved to its present site at Lincoln, Canterbury. The institution later became a separate agricultural college and gained university status in 1990, becoming Lincoln University.
Over time, Lincoln expanded from its original agriculture focus into areas such as agricultural science, agribusiness, commerce, environmental management, landscape architecture, sport, tourism and science. Its teaching and research continue to have strong links with agriculture, food, land, water and environmental management. The university's campus includes farms, research facilities, laboratories and specialist teaching spaces that support practical learning.
Lincoln now welcomes students from New Zealand and many countries overseas. Its research and teaching connections extend across New Zealand and internationally through academic partnerships, industry links and research projects. The university continues to focus on subjects connected with land, food, environment and sustainable development.
Lincoln University is a good choice for students who want practical education linked to agriculture, food, environment, business, tourism and land-based industries. Its specialist focus gives students access to farms, laboratories, fieldwork areas and research facilities. Many programmes include practical learning, industry projects or field-based activities.
Students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. International students receive support through dedicated international services, orientation, accommodation assistance, health and wellbeing services, career guidance and academic support. The campus is close to Christchurch, giving students access to city services while studying in a smaller university setting.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Lincoln University is organised around specialist academic areas rather than a large number of traditional faculties. Its main academic areas include:
Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences – agriculture, agricultural science, horticulture, animal science and related subjects.
Faculty of Environment, Society and Design – environmental management, landscape architecture, planning and related areas.
Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce – commerce, agribusiness, food marketing, economics and business subjects.
Faculty of Science – science programmes linked to areas such as ecology, environmental science and related disciplines.
Sport and Recreation – programmes covering sport, recreation and human performance.
Tourism and Hospitality – programmes covering tourism management and related services.
Research Centres and Institutes – specialist research groups work on areas such as agriculture, food, environment, land and water.
Lincoln's teaching and research are supported by farms, laboratories, field sites, libraries and specialist facilities across its campus.
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
Lincoln University provides a range of scholarships and financial support for eligible students. Options vary by study level, programme, nationality and academic record.
Key options include:
Lincoln University International Scholarships – financial awards for eligible international students.
International Flagship Scholarships – scholarships for selected international applicants.
Country-specific scholarships – awards available to students from selected countries.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships – New Zealand government scholarships for eligible students from participating countries.
Postgraduate Scholarships – funding opportunities for eligible master's and doctoral students.
Research Scholarships – support for students undertaking approved research programmes.
Student grants and hardship support – financial assistance may be available for eligible students who face financial difficulties.
Scholarship values, closing dates and entry conditions vary. Students should check the individual scholarship before submitting an application. Lincoln's official scholarship pages provide current information about eligibility and application dates.
Student Accommodation
Lincoln University provides several accommodation options on or close to its campus. These include University Hall, Colleges, Catered Halls, and self-catered accommodation. Options vary by room type, catering arrangement and contract length.
University accommodation gives students access to campus facilities and makes it easier to attend classes, use the library and take part in student activities. Catered accommodation includes meals, whereas self-catered options give students access to shared kitchen facilities.
For 2026, accommodation prices vary by residence and contract. As a guide, weekly residential costs can range from around NZD $200 to more than NZD $500 per week, depending on the accommodation type and whether meals are included. Students should check Lincoln's current accommodation price list before booking.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Students who prefer to live outside university accommodation can rent rooms or houses in Lincoln township, Rolleston and nearby Christchurch suburbs. Shared houses are a common option for students who want to reduce weekly housing costs.
Living in Lincoln provides easy access to the university campus, local shops, supermarkets, cafés, sports facilities and public transport connections. Christchurch is around 20–25 kilometres from the university, so students can travel into the city for wider shopping, entertainment and other services.
Off-campus costs depend on the room, property size, location and whether electricity, internet and other bills are included. Students should check rental conditions, bond requirements, transport costs and utility charges before signing a tenancy agreement.
Lincoln University's accommodation team provides information about housing options and can assist students with accommodation-related questions.