Student numbers at Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University continue to rise, with enrolments expected to reach 4000 by the end of the year.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards said Lincoln’s “world class” programmes and its fees waiver scheme, brought in during covid restrictions, have contributed to the boost in student numbers.
As of May 1, 3288 students were enrolled at Lincoln, up 16% from 2843 at the same time last year. The University expects total enrolments to approach 4000 students by the end of the year.
Edwards said the strong growth signals Lincoln University’s influence in shaping the future of the land-based sector in New Zealand and globally.
“Our world-class education programmes position our students to contribute directly and consequentially to industry when they enter employment, and our graduate employment rate of 85% is consistently the highest of all the New Zealand universities,” he said.
Edwards said research at Lincoln is increasingly leading positive and impactful change in the land-based industries “in an era where all sectors of society are demanding the application of more efficient and sustainable production practices that safeguard the environment and intergenerational wellbeing”.
International student numbers have returned to 62% of pre-covid levels, and the university has experienced strong domestic growth since 2019.
The number of domestic students currently enrolled, at 2534, is 57% higher than the 2019 number of 1613. The Lincoln University halls of residence are at capacity, including 64 newly refurbished self-catered units brought on stream for the 2023 cohort.
Edwards said contributing to Lincoln’s popularity is its fee waiver scheme.
First introduced in 2020 amid pandemic-related restrictions, the scheme has been extended to cover postgraduate study options until the end of 2024.
The fee waivers aim to help meet a growing demand for experts in the food, fibre, and environment management sectors.
The most popular programmes at Lincoln this year are the Bachelor of Land and Property Management and Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture).
Programme director for the Bachelor of Land and Property Management, Professor Graham Squires, said the popularity reflects New Zealanders’ high interest in property matters, in both a personal and professional capacity.
“The reputation of our Bachelor of Land and Property Management is underpinned by the quality of the programme and our high-profile and highly regarded teaching staff, as well as our strong industry connections. The programme is accredited for five main industry bodies, which is a draw card for those in the industry or anyone seeking employment in the sector.
“Our close engagement with the property sector enables us to provide valuable practical experience, and the employment rate from the programme is extremely high, at pretty much 100%.”
Squires said he expects the growth in domestic student numbers will soon be matched by the emerging international market for real estate/property studies.
“Skilled practitioners in the land and property management sectors will continue to be highly sought-after and well-rewarded going into the future, both nationally and internationally.”
