Lincoln University

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational commerce subjects with agriculture‑focused units to give you a practical understanding of farm and agribusiness operations. In early years you study core business topics such as accounting, economics, statistics, management and marketing alongside introductory agricultural science and land‑based systems. In later years you specialise in subjects such as agricultural economics, farm business management, agribusiness strategy, commodity and supply‑chain management, rural property law, agricultural finance, and sustainability and natural resource management.

Learning emphasises applied and experiential modes: case studies, farm visits, fieldwork on Lincoln’s teaching farms, computer‑based modelling of business and production systems, and an industry‑linked capstone or practicum. Typical modules include:

• Agricultural Economics and Policy
• Farm Business Management and Accounting
• Agribusiness Marketing and Supply Chains
• Agricultural Finance and Risk Management
• Soil, Pasture and Production Systems (applied farm science)
• Rural Law and Land Use Planning
• Sustainability, Resource Management and Environmental Economics
• Research methods and a final‑year capstone project or industry placement

Entry requirements

Entry is typically at bachelor level. Domestic applicants usually need a university entrance qualification from secondary school (for example NCEA Level 3 or equivalent) including specified literacy and numeracy requirements. Strong performance in mathematics, economics or business subjects is advantageous. Relevant practical experience or study in agriculture can strengthen an application but is not always mandatory.

International applicants are considered with comparable secondary school qualifications (for example IB or recognised national school certificates) and must meet the university’s English language proficiency standards (such as IELTS or equivalent). Applicants with prior tertiary study may be eligible for advanced standing or credit transfer subject to assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of commercial roles across the primary and secondary sectors, and in businesses that service those sectors. Common career paths include:

• Farm or agribusiness manager
• Agribusiness analyst, commodity trading or market intelligence
• Supply‑chain and logistics roles for food and fibre businesses
• Rural banking, finance and insurance services
• Farm consultancy, extension and advisory services
• Policy, planning and resource management in government or industry bodies
• Sales and business development for agricultural inputs and technology providers
• Further study at honours, masters or professional levels in agribusiness, agricultural economics or related disciplines

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln is a specialist land‑based university with long experience in agriculture and agribusiness education, offering close links to New Zealand’s primary industries. Teaching is applied and industry‑focused, drawing on on‑campus farms, laboratories and strong relationships with agribusiness firms, co‑operatives and government agencies. Class sizes tend to be smaller than at larger metropolitan universities, enabling closer supervision of practical projects and capstones.

Study at Lincoln also provides opportunities for industry placements, field trips across diverse farming systems, and engagement with research centres that focus on sustainable land use, agribusiness innovation and supply‑chain resilience. The university’s regional setting gives ready access to working farms and primary sector networks while being well connected to national and international industry partners.