Entry requirements
We offer programmes from certificate level through to PhD. Entry requirements vary, depending on which programme you want to study.
Below are the general entry requirements for each programme. However, special requirements apply to some programmes, so for detailed information, you're best to refer to the programme you want to study section.
Undergraduate entry requirements
The Certificate and Diploma in University Studies
The Certificate in University Studies is ideal if you haven't achieved a University Entrance qualification but are aiming to gain a Bachelor’s degree.
The Diploma in University Studies will take you from pre-degree to entry into the second year of a Bachelor's degree.
For students with overseas qualifications, you can view pathways to these qualifications here.
Diplomas in Agriculture and Horticulture
To qualify for either a Diploma in Agriculture or a Diploma in Horticulture, you must have achieved a minimum of 40 credits at NCEA level 2, in four of these subjects.
You will also need the literacy and numeracy requirements for university entrance.
If you are over 20 and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for special admission. Link to Special Admission (20+) Entry Requirements
Diplomas in Applied Sciences, Commerce and Natural Resources
To qualify for entry to these diploma programmes, you will need a New Zealand University Entrance qualification (or equivalent).
University Entrance (UE) through NCEA
A University Entrance (UE) qualification is the minimum requirement for entry to most of our undergraduate programmes. To be awarded UE, you will have achieved:
- NCEA Level 3
- Three subjects at Level 3, including 14 credits in each of three approved subjects
- Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above (at least 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing)
- Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above (the credits are achieved through specific achievement standards in a range of subjects, or unit standards – specifically, 26623, 26626, 26627)
For detailed information about the approved subject list and the University Entrance literacy and numeracy requirements, see the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) website. Please note: Lincoln University follows the recommendations of Universities New Zealand with regard to any changes to the minimum entry requirements resulting from study disruptions.
Before NCEA took effect, other qualifications were approved as New Zealand's University Entrance qualification and these are still acceptable. Please contact the admission staff in Student Administration.
Special admission (20+)
Any New Zealand citizen or permanent resident who will be 20 years of age on or before the first day of the semester when they wish to begin their programme may be granted special admission.
You may be required to submit a CV and personal statement outlining why you want to take this programme and how it will assist you to reach your career goals.
You may also need to attend an interview.
Other New Zealand entry level qualifications
Students who have passed qualifications other than NCEA can apply. If you studied in New Zealand, one of the following will be acceptable:
1. University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in New Zealand, achieving all of the following:
- 120 points on the UCAS tariff (in syllabus groups equivalent to NCEA-approved subjects)
- A minimum grade of D at AS level or higher in at least three syllabus groups equivalent to NCEA-approved subjects
- A minimum grade of E in an English subject at AS level or the required NCEA credits
- A minimum grade of D in Maths at IGCSE level or the required NCEA credits.
2. International Baccalaureate (IB): A completed diploma with a minimum of 24 points, with English as Language A1 at either Higher or Standard level and any mathematics subject.
3. New Zealand Steiner Education (Level 3): A completed Steiner School Certificate Level 3, including 9 points in each of 3 approved subject areas, 8 points in literacy (4 reading/4 writing), and 9 points in numeracy.
4. New Zealand Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Level 3 Certificate (Year 13): A completed ACE Year 13 Certificate which includes at least 4 subjects (ie. 16 credits) designated Level 3 and passes in Algebra 1 (1097 – 1108) and English 1 (1097 – 1108).
5. Christian Education New Zealand (CENZ) Level 3 Certificate: A completed CENZ Level 3 Certificate which includes at least 4 subjects designated Level 3 and passes in Algebra 1 (1097 – 1108) and English 1 (1097 – 1108).
Other qualifications may be acceptable following assessment by our admission staff. Please note: Lincoln University follows the recommendations of Universities New Zealand with regard to any changes to the minimum entry requirements resulting from study disruptions.
Other New Zealand tertiary qualifications
Students transferring from another tertiary institution should apply for admission with credit.
Credit is awarded to recognise the quality, nature, level and achievement of previous study taken at recognised tertiary institutions. Transferred credit can contribute to the total credit required to complete a Lincoln qualification and enable students to access courses at higher levels.
Please apply for credits using the Credit Application form and send it to the Student Administration office along with an official copy of your academic record. A credit assessment is free, however if credit is approved, there is a fee to have this credit placed on your academic record. (Fee: $100.00)
Discretionary entrance
New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who are under 20 years of age and who have not otherwise gained a University Entrance qualification may be eligible to apply for Discretionary Entrance. A student who has been enrolled as a Year 13 student beyond 1 June at a New Zealand secondary school is not normally eligible to be admitted through Discretionary Entrance before July in the following year.
The decision to grant Discretionary Entrance is made by designated members of the university’s academic staff. Successful applicants would be expected to have a minimum of 80 credits at NCEA Level 2 over four approved subjects, and the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance. The number of credits achieved with merit and excellence will also be taken into account. We may expect support from the principal of your school and we would expect that the study you had taken would be highly relevant to your proposed study at Lincoln. Applicants with qualifications other than NCEA will also be considered.
Overseas qualification information
For applicants with overseas qualifications, please refer to our list of acceptable overseas qualifications table.
English Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that your English is good enough to study with us successfully.
All tuition at Lincoln University is in English, although some programmes may, in part, be taught in Te Reo Māori.
It is expected that all students will be able to:
- Write clear and grammatically correct English in essays, assignments, reports and exams
- Read English with understanding, find relevant information without assistance, and comprehend and analyse a line of argument
- Listen actively and discern key points in English and follow complex, technical discussion in lectures and small groups
- Speak freely and clearly in English and actively engage in large and small group discussions.
You can satisfy the English requirement for entry to our programmes by studying English Language at Lincoln.
View information about the full English language requirements here.
Visa and Insurance information
Obtain a current, valid student visa if you plan to study with us for more than three months. International students (including group students) must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand.
We may require you to provide us with specific documents to verify your identity and support your study application.
This could include one of the following:
- A full New Zealand birth certificate
- A New Zealand passport
- A New Zealand citizenship certificate
- An overseas passport together with a New Zealand Immigration visa/permit
- A letter from Immigration New Zealand together with your passport (if your permit has not yet been issued)
- An Australian full birth certificate or passport. Australian citizens and permanent residents are classified as New Zealand permanent residents for the purposes of admission to a New Zealand university.
English language requirement
Tuition for all of our courses is conducted in the English Language. Within some courses, part of the tuition may be taught in Te Reo Māori. Lincoln University requires all its students to be sufficiently competent in English to enable them to take part in academic study successfully. Therefore all students whose first language is not English need to satisfy Lincoln University’s English language requirements. Approved English language tests with the minimum levels required for all undergraduate degrees and some diplomas.
Verified documentation/certified true copies
Documentation must be either original or in the form of verified copies. A verified copy of a document is a photocopy signed by someone in authority, who has seen the original document and checked that the photocopy is a genuine, unaltered copy of that original. The verifier must be an authorised person such as a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, registrar or deputy registrar of the court.
The person who verifies your document(s) prints their full name and address, and uses their official stamp if they have one. Solicitors, registrars and Justices of the Peace usually have official stamps. Lincoln University Student Administration staff will copy your original documents if you bring them in to the office to verify for admission purposes.
Please note:
- The document must be in the name that you are enrolling under or be supported by evidence of a name change by deed poll or marriage.
- It is preferable for you to send verified copies. Please do not send us the originals by post.
- We normally accept scanned copies of documents if they are correctly verified. Students may be asked to present the original or the original verified document at any time.
Exclusion
If you have studied at a university in the past and have been excluded from further enrolment in that university or in a department, school, or faculty of that university on the grounds of unsatisfactory academic progress, then Lincoln University has the right to decline your admission, even if you meet other admission conditions. Please contact staff in the admission office for advice.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
An Honours degree gives you an extra year of study at the end of your undergraduate degree.
Please note:
- Honours is available by application only, after the completion of a relevant degree
- Applicants must have a B+ average in your 300 level courses.
Required documents
To submit your application online, you will need the following:
1. A birth certificate or passport (a scanned copy showing the same name that is on your academic documents).
2. Academic documents. These must be:
- In the original language. If this is not English, then an official translation should be provided.
- Academic transcripts (results or mark sheets) for all tertiary education qualifications, either completed or partially completed. The transcript must include the courses taken and the marks or grades achieved. The grading scale used must also be provided.
- Confirmation of any completed qualifications, if applicable. This can be either: an award certificate, a statement on the transcript or a letter from the awarding institution.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that your level of English meets the English language requirements for admission to Lincoln. If you don't currently have this, you can provide it to us later.
4. A Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
- This is optional but can be used to evaluate your experience to support your application. It should be brief and must include tertiary education and any employment or project experience.
5. Statement (the name of the area you're applying for honours in, for example, ecology).
- A brief statement of the project or research area.
Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours
Our Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours is open to students who have completed their sixth semester (normally the third year of study), and passed all courses at a sufficiently high standard (at least a B average in last two years of study).
Students need to have completed a total of 480 credits, with a minimum of 120 credits at the 300 level to attain a BAgSc (Hons). You will need to submit the 'Honours' Form provided in MyLinc.
We offer a number of postgraduate certificates and diplomas to extend your studies in your chosen discipline.
To apply to study for a postgraduate certificate or diploma, you must have a relevant degree with at least a B- average in the 300-level courses and final year (or full-time equivalent).
Required documents
To submit your application online, you will need the following:
1. A birth certificate or passport (a scanned copy showing the same name that is on your academic documents).
2. Academic documents. These must be:
- In the original language. If this is not English, then an official translation should be provided.
- Academic transcripts (results or mark sheets) for all tertiary education qualifications, either completed or partially completed. The transcript must include the courses taken and the marks or grades achieved. The grading scale used must also be provided.
- Confirmation of any completed qualifications, if applicable. This can be either: an award certificate, a statement on the transcript or a letter from the awarding institution.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you are able to meet the English language requirements for admission to Lincoln. If you don't currently have this, you can provide it to us later.
4. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- This is optional but can be used to evaluate your experience to support your application. It should be brief and must include tertiary education and any employment or project experience.
Whether you are considering a taught, taught/research or research-only Master’s degree, you will need a relevant degree with a B-grade average in your 300-level courses and final year (or full-time equivalent).
Taught Master’s degrees are usually 12-month full-time programmes. Like Bachelor’s degrees, they are delivered and assessed through a series of taught modules and may include independent research in the specialised subject area.
Application tips
Check out this video for useful tips on what you need to prepare before submitting your taught master's application.
Required documents
To submit your application online, you will need:
1. A birth certificate or passport (a scanned copy showing the same name that is on your academic documents).
2. Academic documents. These must be:
- In the original language. If this is not English, then an official translation should be provided.
- Academic transcripts (results or mark sheets) for all tertiary education qualifications, either completed or partially completed. The transcript must include the courses taken and the marks or grades achieved. The grading scale used must also be provided.
- Confirmation of any completed qualifications, if applicable. This can be either: an award certificate, a statement on the transcript or a letter from the awarding institution.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you are able to meet the English language requirements for admission to Lincoln. If you don't currently have this, you can provide it to us later.
4. A Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
- This is optional but can be used to evaluate your experience to support your application. It should be brief and must include tertiary education and any employment or project experience.
Entry to a Master’s degree requires a relevant degree with at least a B-grade average in your 300-level or higher courses and final year overall (or full-time equivalent).
Taught and research Master’s degrees (240 credits) require two years of full-time study. The first year is devoted to course work and the second year to a research thesis.
Required documents
To submit your application online, you will need the following:
1. A birth certificate or passport (a scanned copy showing the same name that is on your academic documents).
2. Academic documents. These must be:
- In the original language. If this is not English, then an official translation should be provided.
- Academic transcripts (results or mark sheets) for all tertiary education qualifications, either completed or partially completed. The transcript must include the courses taken and the marks or grades achieved. The grading scale used must also be provided.
- Confirmation of any completed qualifications, if applicable. This can be either: an award certificate, a statement on the transcript or a letter from the awarding institution.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you are able to meet the English language requirements for admission to Lincoln. If you don't currently have this, you can provide it to us later.
4. Curriculum Vitae (including a statement of your career intentions).
- This should be brief and must include tertiary education and any employment or project experience.
5. Statement of Research Interest.
- Please complete the Research Statement (Masters Exam and Thesis) document.
6. Two references.
- Both of your referees should be able to comment on your academic performance, your research capability, and your ability to complete the degree. At least one referee (preferably both) must be familiar with your recent work. If you have completed a thesis, dissertation or project, we will expect your supervisor to provide a reference.
- Your application can be processed more quickly if these confidential references are sent to us either in sealed envelopes or emailed to mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz. The references must be signed and dated to enable assessment. The necessary referee form can be found here.
Entry to all Lincoln’s Master’s degrees requires a relevant degree with at least a B-grade average in your 300-level or higher courses and final year overall (or full-time equivalent).
Lincoln's Master's degree by research only (120 credits) requires one year of full-time study. To apply, you must have an appropriate and relevant postgraduate honours degree awarded with at least second class honours, division one or equivalent (B+ grade average or higher).
Required documents
To submit your application online, you will need the following:
1. Birth certificate or passport (scanned copy showing the same name that is on your academic documents).
2. Academic documents. These need to:
- Be official academic transcripts (results/mark sheets) for all tertiary education qualifications, either completed or partially completed. The transcript must include the courses taken and the marks/grades achieved. The grading scale used must also be provided.
- Be in the original language. If this is not English, then an official translation should be provided.
- Provide confirmation of any completed qualifications, if applicable. This can be either: an award certificate, a statement on the transcript or a letter from the awarding institution.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you are able to meet the English language requirements for admission to Lincoln. If you don't currently have this, you can provide it to us later.
4. Curriculum Vitae (including a statement of your career intentions).
- This is used to evaluate your experience to support your application. It should be brief and must include tertiary education and any employment or project experience.
5. Statement of Research Interest.
- Please complete the Research Statement (Masters Exam and Thesis) document.
6. Two references.
- Both of your referees should be able to comment on your academic performance, your research capability, and your ability to complete the degree. At least one referee (preferably both) must be familiar with your recent work. If you have completed a thesis, dissertation or project we will expect your supervisor to provide a reference. Download this referee form and supply it to the referees.
- Your application can be processed more quickly if these confidential reports are either sent to us in sealed envelopes or emailed to mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz. These references must be signed and dated.
7. A research abstract of a previous project, dissertation or thesis.
- To assist with the evaluation, it will also be useful for you to submit a complete electronic copy of your Master's thesis or Honours dissertation.
To apply for a PhD, you will need an appropriate and relevant postgraduate Honours or Master’s degree awarded with at least second-class honours, division one or equivalent (a grade average of a B+ or higher).
In addition, your previous qualification must include a significant research component, such as a project, dissertation or thesis, requiring at least 40 credit equivalents of research skills in your previous qualification.
View the PhD House Rules to find out more about the most important rules, regulations and procedures for your PhD study.
Required documents
To submit your application online, you will need the following:
1. A birth certificate or passport (a scanned copy showing the same name that is on your academic documents).
2. Academic documents. These must:
- Be in the original language. If this is not English, then an official translation should be provided.
- Be official academic transcripts (results or mark sheets) for all tertiary education qualifications, either completed or partially completed. The transcript needs to include the courses taken and the marks or grades achieved. The grading scale used must also be provided.
- Include confirmation of any completed qualifications, if applicable. This can be either: an award certificate, a statement on the transcript or a letter from the awarding institution.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you are able to meet the English language requirements for admission to Lincoln. If you don't currently have this, you can provide it to us later.
4. Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
- This is used to evaluate your experience to support your application. It should be brief and must include tertiary education and any employment or project experience.
5. Statement of Research Interest.
- Please complete the Research Statement (Master's Thesis and PhD) document.
6. Two references.
- Both of your referees should be able to comment on your academic performance, your research capability, and your ability to complete the degree. At least one (preferably both) must be familiar with your recent work. If you have completed a thesis, dissertation or project we will expect your supervisor to provide a reference. Download this referee form and supply it to the referees.
- Your application can be processed more quickly if these confidential reports are either sent to us in sealed envelopes or emailed to mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz. These references must be signed and dated.
7. A research abstract of a previous project, dissertation or thesis.
- To assist with the evaluation, it will also be useful for you to submit a complete electronic copy of your Master's thesis or Honours dissertation.
