Lincoln University students rate highest in Aotearoa for course completion

Students studying at Lincoln University have the highest course completion rates in Aotearoa compared to other universities, as identified by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) in the latest annual Educational Performance Indicators (EPIs).

Measuring the educational performance of New Zealand tertiary education providers, the EPIs include course and qualification completion rates, retention rates and progression to higher levels of study.

Among the eight New Zealand universities in 2023, Lincoln University ranked first for course completion (90.5%), second for qualification completion (73.3%) and third for first-year retention rate (79.5%).

Lincoln University is also the highest-ranked university for the three EPIs of qualification completion rates, course completion rates and first-year retention rates for Māori students.

For Pasifika students, Lincoln is ranked first for qualification completion rates, first for first-year retention rates and second for course completion rates.

For Level 7 (undergraduate) degree enrolments, Lincoln is ranked first for three EPIs: qualification completion rate, first-year retention rate and course completion rate, while at Level 8-10 (postgraduate) the University is ranked first for qualification completion rate.

Lincoln University Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Student Life, Damian Lodge, said the very pleasing EPI rankings demonstrate the effectiveness of the University’s Manaaki Tauira Programme, which supports the success, fulfilment and wellbeing of all Lincoln students as they undertake their higher-education journey.

Our goal at Lincoln University is to provide for our students a distinctive, Aotearoa, end-to-end student experience where they are supported and empowered to achieve academic and personal success in an inclusive, enriching and diverse environment.

“Our commitment to our values of manaakitaka, wairuataka and whanaukataka ensure that our students benefit from engaging in a wide range of social, cultural and recreational activities while also pursuing their academic goals.”

Aimed at increasing the participation, retention and completion rates of all Lincoln University students, the Manaaki Tauira Programme is focused on achieving parity for Māori and Pasifika students and improving support for disabled students.

“Lincoln University is committed to growing our cohort of Māori and Pasifika tauira, and by doing so, expanding Aotearoa’s Māori and Pasifika workforce,” said Damian Lodge.

“In 2023, new initiatives included publishing bilingual marketing materials that promote programmes with high success rates for Māori and Pasifika tauira, and helping our teaching staff to identify course enhancements that will ultimately lead to higher success rates for all students across the board.

“We also took the significant step of appointing five strategic Māori emerging academics. This initiative, named Whanake Ake, offers opportunities for outstanding postgraduates to progress in their early academic career and help drive the advancement of mātauraka Māori in their chosen fields.”

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: media@lincoln.ac.nz.