A Complete Guide for International Students

Dreaming of studying in New Zealand? Lincoln University — the country’s only specialist land-based university — offers a range of scholarships designed to make undergraduate and master’s study more accessible for international students. Located just 20 minutes from Christchurch, Lincoln is known for its strengths in agriculture, food science, environmental management, and sustainability.

Here’s a breakdown of the main scholarships on offer, their values, and what you’ll need to qualify.

Available Scholarships

International Pathway Merit Scholarship — NZ$2,500
For new international students entering the Pathway Certificate (Foundation) or First Year Pathway Diploma programmes.

International Undergraduate Scholarship — NZ$3,000
Open to new international students enrolling in undergraduate programmes.

Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship — NZ$5,000
For new international students starting a Bachelor’s degree who meet academic and English language requirements.

International School Leavers Scholarship — NZ$10,000
For school leavers — from a New Zealand or overseas high school — entering their first year of a bachelor’s degree. The award is credited directly to your tuition fees account once enrolment is confirmed.

Taught Master’s Scholarship — NZ$7,000–10,000
Awarded to qualifying international students in a taught master’s programme. No separate application is required — Lincoln assesses and offers this automatically.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
A fully funded scholarship programme administered by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), available to students from more than 80 partner countries. Priority goes to subjects that align with your home country’s economic and social development needs — a strong fit for Lincoln’s focus on agriculture, food security, and environmental resilience.

General Eligibility

While each scholarship has its own specific criteria, most share these common requirements:

• You must be a new-to-programme international student who hasn’t previously studied at Lincoln University
• You must meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen programme
• You must meet all immigration requirements to study in New Zealand
• You cannot hold another scholarship at the same time

How to Apply

Applications are made through Lincoln University’s official scholarships portal. Because deadlines and application forms vary by scholarship, it’s worth checking the specific page for the award you’re interested in rather than relying on a single blanket deadline.

For general enquiries about international scholarships, you can also contact the International Office directly:

• Email: international@lincoln.ac.nz
• Phone: +64 3 423 0000 or 0800 10 60 10
• Address: International Office, Lincoln University, Hudson Building Room 010, PO Box 94, Lincoln 7647, Canterbury, New Zealand

Why Choose Lincoln University?

Beyond the financial support, Lincoln offers international students a tight-knit campus community, hands-on learning grounded in real-world practice, and direct access to leading academics in agriculture, food security, and sustainability. Its location — close to Christchurch but with a small-town feel — makes it an appealing option for students who want quality education without the pace of a big city.

Scholarship values and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always confirm current details on Lincoln University’s official website before applying.