Overview

Lincoln University, located in Lincoln, New Zealand, is a public university established in 1878 as the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest agricultural teaching institution. Originally a school of agriculture under Canterbury College, it became independent in 1990. Known for its focus on land-based disciplines, Lincoln offers programs in agriculture, environmental management, business, and more, set on a picturesque 58-hectare campus near Christchurch, serving around 3,000 students from over 80 countries.

Lincoln University, situated in the township of Lincoln, approximately 15 kilometers outside Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, holds a distinguished place in the nation’s educational landscape as its third-oldest university and the oldest agricultural teaching institution in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1878 as the School of Agriculture under Canterbury University College, it evolved over time—first as Canterbury Agricultural College (1896–1961), then as Lincoln College (1961–1990), a constituent of the University of Canterbury—before achieving full autonomy in 1990 as Lincoln University. Its Māori name, Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki, reflects its connection to the region’s cultural heritage, with "Aoraki" referring to the majestic Mount Cook.

Spanning a 58-hectare campus known as Te Waihora, Lincoln University combines park-like grounds with modern facilities, surrounded by an additional 447 hectares of farmland used for teaching and research. This unique setting underscores its identity as New Zealand’s only specialist land-based university, a mission that drives its academic offerings and research agenda. With a student body of approximately 3,000, including a significant international cohort from over 80 countries, Lincoln fosters a tight-knit, village-like community that balances academic rigor with a supportive environment. Its small size—making it the smallest of New Zealand’s eight public universities by enrollment—enables personalized learning, with a high teacher-to-student ratio and access to faculty who are both educators and active researchers.

Lincoln’s academic portfolio is organized into three faculties—Agribusiness and Commerce, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Environment, Society and Design—alongside a University Studies and English Language Division. Programs range from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate research, with standout offerings in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, landscape architecture, environmental management, and tourism. The university’s emphasis on sustainability and land-based solutions is evident in initiatives like the National Centre for Nitrous Oxide Measurement and its focus on addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and ecosystem health. Lincoln’s QS World University Rankings place it in the top 25% globally, with particular strength in agriculture and forestry, earning it a QS Five-Star rating for teaching, employability, and facilities.

The campus itself is a blend of history and innovation. Historic buildings like Ivey Hall, now home to the George Forbes Memorial Library, sit alongside modern lecture theaters and IT labs with 24-hour access. Six halls of residence, including the century-old Hudson Hall and the newer Southland Hall, house around 600 students, fostering a vibrant residential culture. Lincoln’s research prowess is bolstered by partnerships with industry and organizations like Lincoln Agritech and the Bio-Protection Research Centre, ensuring its work remains relevant and impactful. Its 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 University’s commitment to growing knowledge and shaping a sustainable future, paired with its scenic location near Christchurch’s urban amenities and the Southern Alps’ natural wonders, makes it a unique destination for students seeking both academic excellence and a transformative experience.

Frequently Asked Questions