Information for parents of students

Welcome to the Lincoln University

Lincoln University recognises the important role of parents in helping young people make decisions on what and where to study.

The purpose of this webpage is to answer some of the questions you have regarding your son’s or daughter’s big step towards becoming a Lincoln University student.

Note:  The term parent has been used to include step-parents, caregivers, guardians etc.  It refers to anyone carrying out a parenting role.

12 reasons to study at Lincoln University

Choosing the right university is potentially a life-changing decision.  Here are just some of the reasons why people come to Lincoln.

1. Specialist land-based university
2. Particular focus on sciences, social sciences and commerce
3. Theoretically strong and very practical university degrees.  We are highly regarded nationally and internationally for our close links to industry and the real world experiences we include in our teaching
4. Courses include unique qualifications in a number of land-based fields
5. Beautifully landscaped campus, just 20 minutes from Christchurch, sits among focused hub of Crown Research Institutes.  Minutes from Lincoln township
6. Impressive research credentials – these highlight the calibre of our teaching staff
7. Supportive, multi-cultural atmosphere – an easy place to make friends
8. Alumni spread out across more than 50 countries around the world – exciting networking opportunities
9. Personalised teaching approach at all levels thanks to the low lecturer to student ratio
10. Active campus life – with events for residents in the Halls, activities organised by the Students’ Association and many sporting and cultural clubs.  Facilities include a fully equipped gym and recreation centre and, of course, top-level rugby
11. Wide range of leisure activities outside the campus – from snowboarding to surfing, symphonies to theatre sports, nightclubbing, dining out and, of course, top level rugby
12. Excellent prospects for employment in your chosen field thanks to Lincoln University’s reputation  

Your questions answered

How will my son/daughter settle in and make friends?

The Halls of Residence Students come to Lincoln from all over New Zealand and the world.  Often students move into the Halls of Residence in their first year.  The Halls will give your son or daughter the opportunity to live as part of a community and establish friendships with others who have varied interests, backgrounds and cultures.

The Halls of Residence are situated right on campus – it is literally a five minute walk from the Halls to the library in the centre of the campus!  The Halls offer accommodation for over 550 students and provide a great opportunity to meet people.  The Halls also organise lots of social events to encourage student interaction.

Please note there is also a ‘Halls of Residence Parents’ Guide’ which is sent out to Halls’ students at the end of January before the semester begins.

What support is available?

The Student Health and Support team provides total health care and support all year round for students.

The team includes doctors, nurses and clinical psychologist as well as an Inclusive Education Unit and the chaplains.  The staff are all experienced at offering support and guidance on all kinds of issues and illnesses.

The Inclusive Education Unit offers support strategies for students to lessen the impact of illness, injury or disability.  The Chaplains offer pastoral support for personal, spiritual and work related concerns.

How is my son or daughter going to get on financially?

• Lincoln’s fee system is based on the courses you take for each year as opposed to a set amount for each degree.
• Course fees can change from year to year – for updates see www.lincoln.ac.nz/fees.  The website includes a fees calculator which allows students to calculate their fees based on the courses they are taking.
• There will also be a number of course related costs, for example textbooks and field trips as well as a compulsory student services levy.

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is a ‘merit award’ given to students in recognition of their abilities and achievements and is usually a financial reward, either a lump sum payment or regular instalments paid to the student.  Some take into account other factors such as financial need, disability, and geographic location.

How do I find out about scholarships?

• See www.lincoln.ac.nz/scholar.  This webpage is constantly being updated and gives details of scholarships available at Lincoln University and throughout New Zealand.
• There is a Scholarships office on campus which you can contact for further information.  Email scholarships@lincoln.ac.nz

First year Lincoln University scholarships

The following are examples of scholarships available to those entering their first year of study at Lincoln University:

• Lincoln University Scholarship for Excellence
  Covers tuition fees and pays an allowance of $4000 per academic year for the duration of undergraduate study.  Students must have excellent academic results from school to apply.
• Lincoln University Sports Scholarships
  Covers tuition fees for the duration of undergraduate study and also includes development programmes run by the sporting codes and the University.
• Lincoln University Future Leaders Scholarships
  Covers tuition fees for the first year of undergraduate study and also includes leadership development programmes run by the University.  There is the opportunity to reapply for this scholarship in subsequent years.

More information on these and other scholarships can be found at www.lincoln.ac.nz/scholar.

The programmes at Lincoln University have been developed to meet the demands of specific industries and they are closely aligned with actual careers.

The teaching style at Lincoln University also enhances the employability of students.  Lincoln University programmes involve theory, case studies, field trips, teamwork, and the practical application of theory.  The practical components support the theory, rather than replace it, and provide an effective learning tool.

The programmes also take an interdisciplinary approach meaning that many of the areas of study overlap and work together.  This allows students to gain a broader understanding of their field of specialisation.  As a result, Lincoln University has earned a well-deserved reputation among employers for producing graduates who are adaptable, creative, resourceful and knowledgeable. 

The Employment and Industry Liaison Unit provides a link between students seeks graduate employment and employers looking for staff.

More questions?

Contact a Student Recruitment Officer:
Email:  info@lincoln.ac.nz
Call:  0800 10 60 10 (freephone within New Zealand)