About the university
Lincoln University is New Zealand's specialist land-based university. It began in 1878 as a school of agriculture linked to Canterbury College and became an independent university in 1990. It is ranked =419th in the world by QS in 2027, and it is one of New Zealand's smallest universities, which means smaller classes and close contact with teaching staff.
Lincoln's programmes focus on the land and what comes from it: agriculture and agricultural science, agribusiness and food marketing, food innovation, environmental management, landscape architecture, land and property management, tourism, and commerce with an agricultural or global business focus. It also offers a Master of Applied Computing for graduates moving into IT.
The campus is in the small town of Lincoln on the Canterbury Plains, about 20 kilometres from Christchurch, surrounded by research farms and close to the research institutes it works with. Students who want a quiet, rural campus with easy access to a city often choose Lincoln.
For Indian students, Lincoln suits those interested in agriculture, food and agribusiness, which are major export sectors for New Zealand. Fees are lower than at most New Zealand universities, and Christchurch is cheaper than Auckland.
- Founded
- 1878, as a school of agriculture; an independent university since 1990
- Type
- Public university specialising in land-based study
- Location
- Lincoln township, about 20 kilometres south-west of Christchurch
- Specialisms
- Agriculture, agribusiness, food, environment, landscape architecture, tourism and commerce
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July), plus a November summer school for some programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
=419 in the world
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$42,000
- Duration
- 1.5 years full time (180 credits)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February), Semester 2 (July) and November summer school
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Postgraduate
Master of Management in Agribusiness
- Fee / year
- NZ$57,000
- Duration
- 12–18 months (180 credits)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (preferred) and Semester 2
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Land and Property Management
- Fee / year
- NZ$37,000
- Duration
- 4 years full time (480 credits)
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February); confirm Semester 2 entry with Lincoln
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing
- Fee / year
- NZ$35,000
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Fee / year
- NZ$37,000
- Duration
- 4 years full time
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$37,000
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
- Fee / year
- NZ$35,000
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Commerce (Global Business)
- Fee / year
- NZ$35,000
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page and Lincoln's English language requirements
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (NZD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Applied Computing | 1.5 years full time (180 credits) | NZ$42,000 | ≈ ₹22.7 lakh |
| Master of Management in Agribusiness | 12–18 months (180 credits) | NZ$57,000 | ≈ ₹30.8 lakh |
| Bachelor of Land and Property Management | 4 years full time (480 credits) | NZ$37,000 | ≈ ₹20 lakh |
| Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing | 3 years full time | NZ$35,000 | ≈ ₹18.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Agricultural Science | 4 years full time | NZ$37,000 | ≈ ₹20 lakh |
| Bachelor of Agriculture | 3 years full time | NZ$37,000 | ≈ ₹20 lakh |
| Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) | 3 years full time | NZ$35,000 | ≈ ₹18.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Commerce (Global Business) | 3 years full time | NZ$35,000 | ≈ ₹18.9 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Lincoln University with similar universities in New Zealand.
Scholarships
- 180-credit taught master's
Lincoln University 180 Credit Taught Master Merit Scholarship
Value: See the scholarship page
Eligibility: International students admitted to an eligible taught master's; check criteria on the page.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Students moving from a pathway programme
Lincoln University International Pathway Merit Scholarship
Value: See the scholarship regulations
Eligibility: International students progressing from an approved pathway.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Bachelor's and taught master's
New Zealand Excellence Awards (India)
Value: Set each round
Eligibility: Exclusive to Indian students; offered through New Zealand universities in yearly rounds.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Bachelor's entry is based on your Class 12 results; Lincoln assesses Indian qualifications individually.
- Science-based degrees such as agricultural science expect science subjects at school.
- Lincoln offers foundation and English pathways for students who need extra preparation.
Postgraduate
- Taught master's degrees need a relevant bachelor's degree; the Master of Applied Computing is designed for graduates from other fields moving into IT.
- Most 180-credit master's take 12–18 months depending on your start date.
- Apply online; check the programme page for start dates and the fee estimate for your year.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (bachelor's)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (master's)
- English test result
- CV and statement of purpose where required
- Evidence of funds for the student visa (NZ$20,000 a year for living costs)
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Lincoln sets English requirements by programme level; check its English language requirements page. |
| Other tests | PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and other tests are accepted. |
| English courses | Lincoln runs English language programmes for students who need to reach the required level. |
Accommodation and living costs
Lincoln has on-campus halls and flats in the township, and some students live in Christchurch and travel in. The costs below are our estimates built from the figures in our New Zealand study guide.
| Item | In NZD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flatOur New Zealand estimate | NZ$650–1,400per month | ≈ ₹35,100 – ₹75,600 |
| On-campus hallOur estimate; choose a hall or a flat, not both | NZ$1,450–2,400per month | ≈ ₹78,300 – ₹1.3 lakh |
| Public transportBuses link Lincoln and Christchurch | NZ$60–160per month | ≈ ₹3,240 – ₹8,640 |
| Living funds to show for the visaImmigration New Zealand requirement | NZ$20,000per year | ≈ ₹10.8 lakh |
Campus and location
Lincoln's campus sits in a small township on the Canterbury Plains, with research farms around it and Christchurch about 20 minutes' drive away.
- A compact, rural campus with research farms and close links to nearby research institutes.
- Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, is about 20 kilometres away.
- The Southern Alps and ski fields are within a few hours' drive.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Agriculture, food and agribusiness are among New Zealand's largest export sectors. Graduates can apply for post-study work; outcomes depend on your course, experience and English.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Post-study work after a master's (at least 30 weeks in NZ) | Up to 3 years, open work rights | Immigration New Zealand |
| Work allowed during study | Up to 25 hours a week (since 3 November 2025); full time in holidays | Immigration New Zealand |
| Minimum wage | NZ$23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026 | New Zealand Government |
Studying in New Zealand
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in New Zealand. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
What is Lincoln University known for?
Land-based study: agriculture, agribusiness, food, environment, landscape architecture and land and property management.
How much is the Master of Applied Computing?
Lincoln's 2026 estimate is NZ$63,000 for the 180-credit programme. Check the programme page for the current estimate.
Is Lincoln near a city?
Yes. Lincoln is about 20 kilometres from Christchurch, the South Island's largest city.
How much is a bachelor's degree?
International fees are about NZ$35,000 a year for most commerce and agribusiness degrees and NZ$37,000 a year for agriculture and science degrees. Check the programme page for the current estimate.
Can I work after my master's?
A master's with at least 30 weeks of study in New Zealand can lead to a Post Study Work Visa of up to three years.
Sources
- Lincoln University: Master of Applied Computing (opens in a new tab)
- Lincoln University: Master of Management in Agribusiness (opens in a new tab)
- Lincoln University: Bachelor of Land and Property Management (opens in a new tab)
- Hotcourses Abroad: all courses at Lincoln University (international fees per year) (opens in a new tab)
- Lincoln University: international fees (opens in a new tab)
- Lincoln University: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- QS World University Rankings (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: staying to work after study (opens in a new tab)
- Study with New Zealand: cost of living (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.lincoln.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details