Lincoln University - Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce

Lincoln University’s Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce integrates specialised business education with land‑based expertise to prepare graduates for leadership across primary industries and food value chains. As one of the university’s core academic pillars, it delivers teaching and research that link agribusiness, agriculture and environmental systems. With more than 50 academic staff, the Faculty focuses on productivity, commercialisation and sustainability outcomes that support New Zealand’s export‑driven primary sector.

The Faculty positions itself as a hub for industry‑connected, applied research, ensuring teaching is informed by real‑world challenges. Programmes span undergraduate commerce degrees to advanced master’s pathways, all delivered at the Te Waihora campus in Canterbury.

The Faculty maintains strong connections with agribusiness firms, sector organisations and government agencies, ensuring curricula remain aligned with evolving industry needs. These partnerships support internships, applied projects and employer engagement activities that enhance student employability across agribusiness, food marketing, farm management and valuation roles.

Graduates move into management, accounting, finance, product development and supply‑chain positions in New Zealand and internationally. Postgraduate students gain opportunities in policy, research, consultancy and senior leadership. Active alumni networks and faculty‑led industry collaborations further strengthen pathways into commercial and research‑based careers.

The Faculty offers a distinctive focus on the intersection of land, food and commerce, giving students targeted expertise unavailable in general business schools. Its teaching integrates sustainability, farm systems knowledge and modern agrifood supply‑chain insights, providing a competitive advantage for careers in primary industries.

Students benefit from applied learning, strong industry ties and access to professional facilities, including on‑campus farms and research labs. Specialised degrees—such as the flagship Agribusiness and Food Marketing programme—strengthen Lincoln’s position as a leading choice for those seeking careers in global agrifood and land‑based business sectors.

The Faculty leads applied research aimed at strengthening productivity, resilience and sustainability across New Zealand’s land‑based value chains. Its teams collaborate with industry on projects spanning digital tools, market analytics, rural finance, supply‑chain optimisation and commercialisation of emerging technologies.

Research centres work closely with policy makers and agribusiness partners to test innovations on farms and within supply systems. Sustainability underpins major initiatives, with emphasis on resource efficiency and environmental performance. International collaboration and peer‑reviewed outputs reinforce the Faculty’s role as a catalyst for agribusiness innovation and evidence‑driven decision‑making.

What English language requirements apply? Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Lincoln University’s published standards for their chosen programme, using approved tests and minimum score thresholds.

Are internships or practical placements available? Yes. Many programmes embed field trips, case studies and work‑integrated learning, supported through strong industry partnerships.

Can international students take research‑led master’s degrees? Yes. Both taught and research pathways—including the Master of Commerce (Agricultural)—are open to qualified international candidates who meet academic and English requirements.

Entry requirements vary by level: undergraduate applicants need University Entrance or an approved equivalent, while postgraduate candidates require a relevant level‑7 bachelor’s degree with specified grade averages. Some programmes recommend prior study in accounting, agriculture, biology or mathematics.

Non‑native English speakers must meet programme‑specific language standards. Programmes start mainly in Semester 1 or 2, with fees differing for domestic and international students. Scholarships, accommodation options and support services are available through Lincoln’s official student portals, with all agribusiness programmes taught at the Te Waihora campus.