Lincoln University Scholarships 2026-27 in New Zealand (Funded)
Apply for Scholarships from Here.
Lincoln University Scholarships 2026-27 are merit-based awards for international students in New Zealand, ranging from NZ$2,500 to NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees. Up to 50 scholarships are awarded annually across undergraduate and master’s programmes, open to students from all countries who meet academic and English language requirements.
INTRODUCTION
Lincoln University Scholarships
If you’re planning to study agriculture, environmental science, business, or land management abroad, Lincoln University Scholarships 2026-27 offer a genuine way to cut the cost of studying in New Zealand. Lincoln University is the country’s only specialist land-based university, located near Christchurch, and it’s internationally recognised for its work in agriculture, food security, sustainability, and environmental management.
Rather than a single scholarship, Lincoln offers a set of international scholarships, each targeting a different stage of study — from foundation pathway programmes through to taught master’s degrees. Awards range from NZ$2,500 to NZ$15,000, applied directly as a credit toward your tuition fees. On top of these, eligible students from partner countries may also be considered for the New Zealand government’s fully funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme through Lincoln.
This guide covers every major Lincoln University international scholarship for 2026-27: what each one is worth, who can apply, required documents, and how to apply.
QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Lincoln University International Scholarships (multiple awards) |
| Host Country | New Zealand |
| Host University | Lincoln University |
| Degree Level | Foundation/Pathway, Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Taught Master’s |
| Funded By | Lincoln University (plus NZ Government for Manaaki NZ Scholarships) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based tuition-fee scholarships (partial funding), plus a separate fully funded government route |
| Coverage | NZ$2,500 to NZ$15,000 tuition fee credit, depending on scholarship |
| Eligible Countries | All countries (Manaaki NZ Scholarships limited to 80+ specific partner countries) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by scholarship; several tied to semester start dates |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on campus |
| Duration | One-off award, credited to tuition fees upon enrolment |
| English Requirement | IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent, per Lincoln’s standard admission requirements |
| Application Fee | None |
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Lincoln University Scholarships
Lincoln University sits just outside Christchurch, in New Zealand’s Canterbury region, and is the country’s only university dedicated entirely to land-based studies — agriculture, food production, environmental management, and climate sustainability. It’s known for small class sizes, hands-on teaching, and strong industry connections.
To attract talented students internationally, Lincoln offers up to 50 scholarships a year across several categories, from foundation-level pathway programmes to postgraduate taught master’s degrees. Instead of one blanket award, each scholarship targets a specific stage of study, so most applicants will only qualify for one or two of them depending on where they’re starting.
Separately, eligible students from Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme partner countries can also apply for a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, living costs, and in some cases travel — administered by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), with Lincoln fast-tracking the university side of the process for shortlisted candidates.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
✔ International Pathway Merit Scholarship — NZ$2,500 toward Pathway Certificate (Foundation) or First Year Pathway Diploma tuition.
✔ International Undergraduate Scholarship — NZ$3,000 toward a Bachelor’s programme.
✔ Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship — NZ$5,000 for new international students entering a Bachelor’s degree programme.
✔ International School Leavers Scholarship — NZ$10,000 for school leavers (from a New Zealand or overseas high school) entering first-year Bachelor’s study.
✔ Taught Master Merit Scholarship — NZ$7,000 to NZ$15,000 toward a taught master’s programme, for students with at least a B+ GPA average in their last year of study.
✔ Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme — Fully funded: tuition, living costs, and support services, for students from more than 80 partner countries, via MFAT nomination.
✔ English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Tuition Rebate — Students who complete at least 12 weeks of EAP study are eligible for a rebate, capped at the value of up to 12 weeks of EAP tuition, when they enrol in their next programme.
All undergraduate and master’s scholarships listed above are paid as a credit toward your Lincoln University tuition fees account upon confirmed enrolment — they are not cash payments.
Lincoln University Scholarships
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Lincoln University’s scholarships apply across its core academic strengths, including:
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Environmental Science and Management
- Food Science and Innovation
- Sustainability and Land Management
- Business and Commerce
- Science and related interdisciplinary fields
Both Bachelor’s and taught Master’s programmes are covered, along with foundation-level Pathway programmes for students who need to meet Lincoln’s academic or English requirements before starting a degree. (Lincoln University Scholarships)
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
General requirements across most Lincoln scholarships:
- Be a new-to-programme international student at Lincoln University (not previously enrolled there)
- Meet Lincoln’s academic entry requirements for your chosen programme
- Meet Lincoln’s English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Not be holding another scholarship at the same time, in most cases
Specific requirements by scholarship:
- International Pathway Merit Scholarship: New student entering the Pathway Certificate (Foundation) or First Year Pathway Diploma.
- International Undergraduate Scholarship: New-to-programme student entering an undergraduate programme.
- Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: New international student who hasn’t previously studied at Lincoln, entering a Bachelor’s degree programme.
- International School Leavers Scholarship: Recent school leaver from a New Zealand or overseas high school, entering first-year Bachelor’s study.
- Taught Master Merit Scholarship: Bachelor’s degree holder with a minimum B+ GPA average in their final year of study; no separate application needed, as Lincoln automatically assesses eligible students.
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme: Must be a citizen of one of the listed partner countries; check the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website for the current country list.
Selection for merit-based scholarships also weighs leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement alongside academic performance.(Lincoln University Scholarships)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Completed Lincoln University application for admission
- Scholarship application form (for scholarships that require a separate application)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Passport copy
- CV or personal statement, where requested
- Evidence of leadership, community involvement, or extracurricular activity, where relevant
- For Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: additional documents as required by MFAT’s application process
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Apply for admission. Submit your application for admission to Lincoln University online.
Step 2: Check automatic consideration. Some scholarships, like the Taught Master Merit Scholarship, are automatically assessed once you’re admitted — no separate form needed.
Step 3: Complete a scholarship application, if required. For scholarships like the International School Leavers or International Undergraduate Scholarship, download and submit the relevant scholarship application form from Lincoln’s scholarships website.
Step 4: Gather supporting documents. Prepare transcripts, English test results, and any other requested materials.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline. Some scholarships must be applied for before the semester’s commencement date, so check the specific deadline for your award.
Step 6: For Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, check your country’s eligibility on the official Manaaki website, then apply through that separate MFAT-run process. If shortlisted as a “Preferred Candidate,” Lincoln’s International Office will fast-track your university application.
Step 7: Await the outcome. Confirmed scholarship recipients receive their award as a credit toward their Lincoln University tuition fees account upon enrolment. (Lincoln University Scholarships)
IMPORTANT DATES
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Admission Applications | Ongoing, ahead of each semester intake |
| International Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline | Before the relevant semester’s commencement date |
| Taught Master Merit Scholarship | No separate deadline — automatically assessed upon admission |
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | Set by MFAT; varies by intake and partner country |
Because deadlines vary by scholarship and by intake, always confirm the exact date for your specific award on Lincoln’s official scholarships page before applying.
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Official Lincoln University International Scholarships Page: https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/international-scholarships/
- Lincoln University Scholarships Search Page: https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/search-scholarships/
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme at Lincoln: https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/search-scholarships/manaaki-new-zealand-scholarships-programme/
- International Office Address: Lincoln University, Hudson Building Room 010, PO Box 94, Lincoln 7647, Canterbury, New Zealand
SELECTION PROCESS
- Admission Review — Your application for admission is assessed against academic and English requirements.
- Automatic or Manual Scholarship Assessment — Some scholarships assess you automatically once admitted; others require a separate application.
- Merit Review — Academic performance, leadership, and community involvement are weighed for merit-based awards.
- Award Confirmation — Successful applicants are notified and the award is credited to their tuition fees account upon enrolment.
- Manaaki NZ Scholarships — Shortlisted candidates go through a separate MFAT nomination and contract process.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES
- Apply for admission early, since some scholarships are tied to semester start dates
- Keep your academic transcripts and English test scores well above the minimum entry requirements
- Highlight leadership, extracurricular, and community involvement in your application materials, not just grades
- Check every scholarship you might be eligible for, since Lincoln offers several by study level
- For the Taught Master Merit Scholarship, focus on finishing your Bachelor’s with a strong final-year GPA, since it’s assessed automatically
- Check the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships partner country list early, as that process runs on its own timeline
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Applying for a scholarship tier that doesn’t match your study level (e.g., applying for the School Leavers award as a returning postgraduate)
- Missing a scholarship’s deadline tied to semester start
- Assuming all Lincoln scholarships are fully funded — most are partial tuition credits
- Not checking whether you’re automatically considered before submitting a duplicate application
- Overlooking the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme’s separate country-eligibility list and process
- Submitting weak English test scores that fall short of admission requirements
LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND
- Accommodation: On-campus accommodation is available; students can apply through Lincoln’s MyLinc portal.
- Cost of living: New Zealand is moderately priced compared to other English-speaking study destinations, with Canterbury generally more affordable than Auckland.
- Transport: Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region are well connected by bus, and the campus itself is compact and walkable.
- Student life: Lincoln has a close-knit international student community and dedicated support staff for newcomers.
- Weather: Four distinct seasons, with cooler winters typical of New Zealand’s South Island.
- Part-time work: International students on a valid student visa can generally work part-time within visa limits.
VISA INFORMATION
International students accepted to Lincoln University will generally need to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. Typical requirements include:
- Proof of admission (Offer of Place) from Lincoln University
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
- Valid passport
- Health and character requirements, as set by Immigration New Zealand
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship recipients follow a slightly different process, since their scholarship contract is signed with MFAT after Lincoln issues an Offer of Place. (Lincoln University Scholarships)
WHY STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND
- Globally recognised education system with strong research output
- Lincoln University’s specialist focus gives students a genuine edge in agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability careers
- Safe, welcoming environment with a manageable cost of living compared to other major study destinations
- Small class sizes and hands-on, practical learning
- Post-study work visa options for eligible graduates
- Access to New Zealand’s strong agricultural, environmental, and food industry networks
IMPORTANT FAQs
1. Is the Lincoln University Scholarship fully funded? Most Lincoln scholarships are partial, ranging from NZ$2,500 to NZ$15,000 toward tuition. The separate Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme is fully funded but limited to specific partner countries.
2. Who can apply? International students who meet Lincoln’s academic and English requirements for their chosen scholarship and programme level.
3. Can European students apply? Yes, most Lincoln scholarships are open to students from all countries.
4. Can African students apply? Yes, students from African countries are eligible for the standard Lincoln scholarships; some may also qualify for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships if their country is a listed partner.
5. Can Asian students apply? Yes, applicants from across Asia are eligible.
6. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistani students can apply for Lincoln’s standard international scholarships.
7. Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian students are eligible under the same general criteria.
8. Can Americans apply? Yes, applicants from the USA and other countries are eligible for the standard scholarships.
9. Is IELTS mandatory? An English proficiency test is generally required as part of Lincoln’s standard admission requirements; IELTS is commonly accepted, alongside other approved tests.
10. Can I apply without IELTS? Possibly, if you can provide an approved alternative English proficiency result accepted by Lincoln.
11. Is there an application fee? No, there’s no application fee for Lincoln’s international scholarships.
12. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status doesn’t affect eligibility.
13. Can I bring my family? Dependent visa arrangements are separate from the scholarship — check Immigration New Zealand’s requirements directly.
14. What GPA is required? It varies by scholarship — for example, the Taught Master Merit Scholarship requires at least a B+ average in your final year of study; other scholarships assess academic performance more broadly.
15. Can I work while studying? Yes, international students on a valid student visa can generally work part-time within New Zealand’s visa conditions.
16. How many students are selected? Up to 50 scholarships are awarded annually across all categories combined.
17. Can I apply for multiple programmes? Each scholarship is tied to a specific study level, so you’d apply for the one matching your intended programme.
18. Is age important? No specific age limit is published for these scholarships.
19. What happens after selection? Your scholarship is credited to your Lincoln University tuition fees account upon confirmed enrolment.
20. How competitive is this scholarship? Selection is merit-based and considers academic performance, leadership, and community involvement, so a strong all-round application matters.
21. Can I apply with a pending degree? For the Taught Master Merit Scholarship, you need to have completed your Bachelor’s with the required GPA; check individual scholarship pages for pending-result cases.
22. What expenses are not covered? Living costs, accommodation, and travel are not covered by most Lincoln scholarships, since they’re applied only as tuition fee credits (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the exception).
23. Can I defer the scholarship? Deferral policies vary by award; contact Lincoln’s International Office directly for your specific scholarship.
24. Can I apply if I already have another scholarship? Most Lincoln scholarships require that you’re not already holding another scholarship — check the specific terms for your award.
25. How will I know if I’m selected? Lincoln University will notify successful applicants directly, and the award will appear as a credit on your tuition fees account upon enrolment.
FINAL SUMMARY
Lincoln University’s international scholarships give students a practical way to reduce the cost of studying in New Zealand’s only specialist land-based university, with awards ranging from NZ$2,500 to NZ$15,000 across foundation, undergraduate, and taught master’s programmes. Students from Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme partner countries can also pursue a separate, fully funded government scholarship through Lincoln.
If you’re planning to apply, check which scholarship matches your intended study level, confirm your English and academic requirements early, and submit your application for admission well ahead of your target semester. (Lincoln University Scholarships)