Lincoln University
Established: 1878
Location: Canterbury – 25 minutes from Christchurch
Student population: Around 5,000
Lincoln University provides students with an education that is academically rigorous and highly practical, preparing its graduates to make a difference locally and globally.
Everything you need to know
Find your potential
Lincoln’s Māori name, Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki, reflects its 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. For students, it represents a journey of growth, discovery and achievement in an environment that is small enough to provide individual attention but global enough to open doors to international opportunities.
At Lincoln, teaching is led by experts engaged in real-world issues, ensuring study remains relevant to future careers. Students are encouraged to explore ideas, to challenge assumptions and develop the skills required to thrive in fast-changing industries.
Our campus sits in Lincoln, a thriving village on the Canterbury Plains. Lincoln is small and very friendly. It boasts local pubs, great cafés and eateries, shops and even its own farmers and craft market. The Canterbury region offers plenty of attractions, activities and natural wonders, from snowy mountains and wide-open plains to the stunning coastline. And when you feel like a weekend on the slopes, it’s less than two hours’ drive to the nearest ski field.
Success comes with more choices
Lincoln is New Zealand’s smallest university, with approximately 5,000 students. This creates a close-knit, friendly community where everyone quickly feels at home. Each year, students from more than 80 countries join the Lincoln whānau [family] and benefit from our unique focus on land, people, and sustainability.
The University offers a range of programmes across agriculture, agribusiness, environmental management, food science, tourism, sport and recreation, landscape architecture, commerce and land-based industries. Specialist degree courses at Lincoln include the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology and the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, as well as degrees in environmental policy, conservation and agriculture.
Lincoln’s teaching and research excellence are recognised globally and it ranks among the world’s best for environmental science, forestry and agriculture (2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject). As a partner in the prestigious Euroleague for Life Sciences (ELLS) Lincoln also provides its students the chance to study with leading European universities, broadening their international experience.
Success comes from opportunities
A distinctive feature of study at Lincoln is an emphasis on practical learning. Programmes are designed with industry input. Many include internships, fieldwork, or applied research projects. Lincoln students graduate with academic knowledge and with the real-world experience that employers value.
Lincoln has close partnerships with businesses, government, and community organisations across New Zealand and internationally. From agricultural research institutes to environmental agencies and tourism operators, these links create opportunities for students to gain insights into their future careers and to build connections.
Sport and student life
Lincoln’s vibrant student life is enriched by a strong sporting tradition. The University is home to high-performing rugby teams which have produced a number of international players, and offers opportunities in a wide range of sports including netball, hockey and basketball. Lincoln is closely linked with New Zealand Cricket, which is based on campus, giving unique opportunities for students passionate about the game.
Recreation and wellbeing are an important part of the Lincoln experience, and all students have access to high-quality sporting facilities, a well-equipped gym, and a supportive campus community.
Study with flexibility
Located just 25 minutes from Christchurch, Lincoln’s campus offers the best of both worlds: a safe, welcoming environment with all the benefits of a city nearby. The surrounding Canterbury region provides an inspiring natural setting, with mountains, rivers, and coastlines close at hand, reinforcing the university’s strong connection with the land.
Services and support for students
Lincoln takes pride in its inclusive, friendly community. Students receive comprehensive support services from the moment they arrive, including orientation, academic advice, and wellbeing support. The close-knit nature of the campus means help is never far away, and students quickly feel part of a caring community. Small class sizes ensure that students benefit from close interaction with lecturers and a personalised approach to learning.
The International School Leavers Scholarship is available to help new students begin studying at Lincoln.
Join us
Choosing Lincoln means joining a specialist institution dedicated to the future of the land, the people, and the planet. Whatever you study, you will benefit from world-class expertise, a unique, supportive environment and the chance to live in a safe, welcoming country with a strong reputation for innovation and sustainability. You’ll leave not just with a qualification but with experiences, connections, and memories to last a lifetime.
