Important information
Academic documents provide evidence of your prior study and are essential for assessing your application. Below is a guide to what documents you need for different admission pathways.
Please note, we reserve the right to request original documents at any time during your study. If you are an international student, please bring these with you to New Zealand.
Admission to certificate, diploma and bachelor programmes
Admission with New Zealand qualifications
If you have completed one of the following secondary qualifications, you do not need to submit additional academic documents:
- University Entrance through NCEA
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma – ensure your results are released to Lincoln University to mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE/CAIE) – provide your candidate and exam centre numbers to mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz
For other NZ secondary qualifications such as ACE, CENZ, or Steiner, certified copies of your academic documents are required.
Note: Include academic transcripts for any tertiary-level study you have undertaken, even if incomplete. If you are seeking credit transfer, official course outlines for each course will be required.
Admission for domestic students aged 20+
Domestic students aged 20 or older by the start of their intended semester, without University Entrance (NCEA or equivalent), may be eligible for special admission.
Requirements:
- Submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé and Personal Statement via the MyLinc application portal, explaining your motivation for the programme and how it aligns with your career goals.
- You may also be required to attend an interview.
Discretionary Entrance
Discretionary Entrance provides an alternative pathway to university admission for domestic students who have exceptional circumstances such as having been on an exchange programme in Year 13, or exceptional Year 12 results.
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.
For further information, please email us at mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz
Admission with overseas qualifications
Applicants with international qualifications must provide:
- Up-to-date high school or secondary school full transcripts, including official grading scales.
- Awarded graduation certificates for completed secondary school studies.
- Academic transcripts for any tertiary-level study undertaken, even if incomplete.
If applying for credit transfer, official course outlines from the institution will be requested.
Conditional offers:
A conditional offer from Lincoln University means you must meet specific requirements to finalise your place. These conditions can include submitting academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable) or completing University Entrance. Once you meet all conditions, you will receive an ‘Offer of Place’. Conditional offers can be issued if final results are pending; official transcripts should be submitted once available.
International students with New Zealand qualifications
If you studied at a New Zealand secondary school or university, you may follow the relevant New Zealand admission pathway.
Admission to graduate and postgraduate programmes
Applicants must provide:
- Full academic transcripts for all tertiary studies (semester-wise and consolidated results), including the grading scale even if incomplete.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and graduation certificate, if applicable
- Official course outlines if seeking credit transfer
Important notes on academic documents
- Documents must be correctly certified before uploading.
- Non-English documents must have certified translations from an accredited translation service centre.
- Combine certified copies into a single PDF per qualification and upload them to the MyLinc application portal.
- You can send us a link to your certified documents via My eQuals if you completed your study at universities who use My eQuals. Enter mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz as the third-party address and include your date of birth in the filename for matching purposes.
- Applications may not be assessed if suitable evidence is missing.
You will need to provide a certified copy of your government-issued identity document, which will confirm:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- Your citizenship or residency status
- Any official name changes
Please note:
- All documents must be certified correctly before uploading.
- Combine all certified copies into a single PDF file and upload through the MyLinc application portal.
- Driver’s licences are not accepted as proof of citizenship or residency.
- If any documents are not in English, you must provide certified translations from an accredited translation service centre.
Submitting uncertified or incomplete documentation may delay your application.
Jump to key information for your situation
- New Zealand citizens born in New Zealand
- New Zealand citizens born in the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau
- New Zealand citizens born outside New Zealand
- Australian citizens
- NZ Residence Class Visa or Australian Permanent Resident
- New international students
- Continuing international students
- Refugee or protected person status
- Name changes
- If your residency or citizenship has changed
New Zealand citizens born in New Zealand
If you are a New Zealand citizen, provide one of the following:
- Your New Zealand passport
- Your New Zealand birth certificate
- If born before 1 January 2006, a standard birth certificate is sufficient.
- If born on or after 1 January 2006, your birth certificate must confirm you are a New Zealand citizen.
New Zealand citizens born in the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau
If you were born in one of these Pacific nations and hold New Zealand citizenship, provide either a New Zealand passport or a full birth certificate
- Cook Islands: Must show an RG6 shoulder number and a place of birth in the Cook Islands.
- Niue: Must list a place of birth in Niue.
- Tokelau: Must list a place of birth on one of the three islands of Tokelau.
New Zealand citizens born outside New Zealand
If you were born outside New Zealand, please provide one of the following:
- New Zealand passport
- New Zealand citizenship certificate
- New Zealand citizenship by descent certificate
Australian citizens
If you were born before 20 August 1986, you will need to provide one of the following:
- Full Australian birth certificate
- Australian passport
- Australian citizenship certificate
If you were born on or after 20 August 1986, you will need to provide 1 of the following:
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian passport issued on or after 1 January 2000 (valid for at least two years), or
- Evidence that at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth.
Note | Australian citizens are considered domestic students for tuition purposes if they are living in New Zealand during their studies.
NZ Residence Class Visa or Australian Permanent Resident
If you are a New Zealand resident, New Zealand permanent resident, or Australian permanent resident, please provide:
- Your passport and 1 of the following:
- Your residence visa or eVisa documentation (NZ residents), or
- A confirmation email from the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system verifying your eVisa (Australian residents).
You will be considered a domestic student for tuition purposes if you are residing in New Zealand during your study period.
New international students
If you are a new international student studying on campus, please upload a verified copy of your passport or birth certificate during your application (via the MyLinc application portal). When you arrive on campus, please bring your passport and eVisa to the Admission & Enrolment Office at Level 1, Forbes Building, Lincoln University to be sighted.
Continuing international students
If you are a continuing international student and have previously shown your current passport to the Admission & Enrolment Office, you can email a copy of your new visa to us instead of coming on campus to complete your enrolment.
If you have a new passport, you will need to bring it to Level 1, Forbes Building, Lincoln University for sighting by the Admission & Enrolment office.
Refugee or protected person status
If you hold refugee or protected person status, please provide your Immigration Service letter confirming your entitlement to live in New Zealand or Australia. The letter must include your full legal name and date of birth.
Name changes
If your current name differs from the name shown on your academic documents, National Student Index (NSI), birth certificate, passport, or other official documents, please provide evidence of your name change.
Accepted documents include:
- Updated New Zealand birth certificate (for those born in NZ)
- Official name change certificate (for those born outside NZ)
- Marriage or civil union certificate
- Certificate of dissolution of marriage or civil union
- Deed Poll
- Statutory declaration issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Where possible, the document should show both your previous and current names.
If your residency or citizenship has changed
If you first submitted your application as an international student and have since been granted domestic status, please provide updated documentation based on your new residency or citizenship.
New Zealand residence:
- Passport and Residence visa or eVisa confirmation
New Zealand citizenship:
- NZ passport or
- NZ citizenship certificate
Australian residence:
- Passport and VEVO confirmation email verifying your eVisa
Australian citizenship:
- Australian passport or
- Australian citizenship certificate
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé
Check the entry requirements for your preferred programme of study to find out if you are required to submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé to help assess your application.
This helps us to evaluate your experience in support of your application. It should be concise and should include:
- Tertiary education
- Employment or project experience
- Statement of career intentions
- List of publications if applicable
Personal statement
Check the entry requirements for your preferred programme of study to find out if you are required to submit your Personal Statement (200–300 words) to help assess your application. It should include:
- Motivation for applying
- Reasons for choosing the programme
- How the study will support your future career
Statement of research interest
Required for PhD, Research Master’s (including Taught and Research Master’s i.e. Exam and Thesis), and Master of Planning applications.
The form is available as a fillable Word document (preferred) or, for those unable to use the Word version, as a PDF following the provided guidelines.
- Fillable word document: Statement of Research Interest [DOCX 48 KB]
- PDF form: Statement of Research Interest [PDF 395 KB]
- Honours: Honours: Statement of Research Interest [DOCX 571 KB]
- Master of Planning: Research Statement for Master of Planning [DOCX 564 KB]
References
Applicants for PhD or Research Master programmes (including Taught and Research Master i.e. Exam and Thesis) are required to provide two references.
Referees should be able to comment on:
- Your academic performance
- Your research capability
- Your ability to complete the degree.
At least one referee (preferably both) should be familiar with your recent work.
- If you have completed a thesis, dissertation, or project, your supervisor is expected to provide one of the references.
Suitable referees may include:
- An employer (recommended)
- A colleague
- A tutor or lecturer
- A religious or community leader
Not acceptable: Immediate family members, friends, or flatmates.
Completed referee forms can be emailed directly to us at: mylinc@lincoln.ac.nz
Important: References must be signed and dated.
Download the referee form [PDF, 97 KB]
Abstract from previous research
PhD applicants must provide the abstract of previously completed research via the MyLinc application portal.
Thesis or dissertation from previous research
PhD applicants must provide their full thesis or dissertation from their prior research via the MyLinc application portal.
How to certify your documents for university applications
When you apply to study, you may need to provide certified copies of your documents, especially if you are updating your legal name on university records. Certification confirms that your copies are genuine and match the originals.
Many documents can now be uploaded digitally, but your identity documents must first be certified by an approved person.
Who can certify copies of documents in New Zealand
You can have copies of your documents certified by:
- A New Zealand Justice of the Peace (JP)
- Solicitor
- Court Registrar or Deputy Registrar
- Notary Public
- Designated Lincoln University recruitment and admissions staff
Who can certify copies of documents outside New Zealand:
- NZ Embassy / High Commission / Consulate staff
- Australian Justices of the Peace
- A Lincoln University approved Agent
- Notary Public / Apostille
- A Solicitor
- Court Official (Registrar or Deputy Registrar)
Police officers, bank managers, WINZ, legal executives, certified translators, StudyLink, medical professionals, or employers cannot certify true copies of documents.
How to certify copies of your documents
To be accepted for admission, each certified copy of your documents must clearly show that it is a true copy of the original. Follow these steps:
Requirements for each page
- Statement in English: “This is a true copy of an original document that I have sighted” (or “Original Sighted, Certified True Copy”)
- Certifier’s full name, designation, and address
- Registration number (if applicable)
- Location, signature, and date
- Official stamp
Step-by-step process
1. Photocopy your documents
- Include both sides of the original document.
- Include photocopies of certified translations, if applicable.
2. Take originals and copies to an authorised certifier
- Only approved individuals (e.g., Justice of the Peace, lawyer, notary public) can certify your documents.
3. Certifier completes each page
- Sign, date, and include full name, designation, address, and registration number (if applicable).
- Apply official stamp.
- Include the certification statement on every page.
If you are a domestic student but your first language is not English
You need to satisfy Lincoln University's English Language Requirements.
A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident may take Lincoln University's English Language Proficiency (ELP) test as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL. Details are on the English Language Proficiency Test Information Sheet. If you are eligible to sit the ELP Test, Lincoln University Admission staff have advised the English Language Centre that you may be in contact with them to arrange a test.
English Language Proficiency Test Information Sheet [PDF 288KB]
Lincoln University English language requirements
The information below is a quick reference. You can find more details across our website or by contacting us.
1. Tuition fees
The fees may vary if you take extra courses during the year, change your programme, take a break from study, or take longer than the minimum time to complete your qualification. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, accommodation, Recreation Centre membership or other incidental course-related costs.
International students have programme-based fees. This is a set tuition fee for the qualification that you are enrolled in and this is the fee that you will pay, per year, for the minimum time to complete the qualification.
Refer to our Fees page for further information
Your continued enrolment in your programme is dependent upon payment of all fees, and on meeting the academic progress standards outlined in the Lincoln University Calendar.
Lincoln University Academic Calendar [PDF 1.8 MB]
2. Refund Policy
The Refund Policy is published in full on this website at the link below:
Students are encouraged to read this carefully before deciding to withdraw from study. The staff at Student Finance are available to discuss this policy with students. International students should refer to the International Student Refund Policy for detailed information.
International Student Tuition Refund Policy [PDF 776KB]
3. Student Visa
International students must hold a current and valid student visa.
Please check the Immigration New Zealand website for application details.
New Zealand Visas - Immigration New Zealand
We will assist your application by supplying you with an Offer of Place and tuition fee receipt when you have been admitted to your programme and your fees have been paid. Immigration NZ can approve a visa ‘in principle’ without these documents but will need them to issue your visa. A visa application will be assessed more quickly if you supply all the documents as soon as you can.
Note | The Conditional Offer of Place letter cannot be used to obtain a Student Visa.
Lincoln University is not obliged to continue your admission or provide any service in the event that your Student Visa expires, is denied or withdrawn.
4. Insurance
New Zealand legislation requires that all International Students (including Australian students) have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance. There are minimum standards of cover. Studentsafe – University is the preferred insurance at all New Zealand Universities. The plan is designed specifically for university students and complies with all the legal requirements in New Zealand.
Studentsafe Inbound University — InsurancesafeNZ website
All international students are automatically insured with Studentsafe. Pre-existing medical conditions are not automatically covered. If you want Studentsafe to consider cover, complete a Medical Risk Assessment form before you begin your studies.
Medical Risk Assessment form [PDF 235KB] – InsurancesafeNZ website
This form is also available from the Admission & Enrolment Office.
The period of insurance starts on the later of, 31 days prior to the course start date, including transit from your country of origin to New Zealand, for students who were not insured under the Policy in the preceding semester, or any date otherwise agreed in writing. Students do not need to apply or fill out an application form. Students must pay the insurance premium when they complete their enrolment.
Amounts include levies imposed by the New Zealand Fire Service and Earthquake Commissions. These levies are passed on by the insurer to the service organisations. Students should refer to the InsurancesafeNZ website for all updates and changes.
5. Enrolment and orientation
Enrolment opens 1 October for the following year and is completed online through LUCAS:
LUCAS Enrolment Student Guide [PDF 1.5 MB]
Full-time study
For domestic students studying in pre-university/sub degree and undergraduate programmes who aim to complete their qualification in the minimum time, you will enrol in four courses (60 credits) per semester, or eight courses a year (120 credits), depending on the requirements of your programme.
International students are required to study full-time. If you are an international student, Immigration New Zealand requires you to enrol in at least 3 courses (45 credits) per semester. However, if you choose to enrol in less than 4 courses you should be aware that this may mean it will take longer than usual to complete your programme and that your tuition fees will therefore eventually increase.
Admission & Enrolment staff are available to assist you to enrol throughout the year. Your enrolment can only be completed when we have checked and approved your visa and insurance. Orientation events are held in the week prior to lectures starting and you are strongly encouraged to attend. Please check the Orientation information below before the start of semester for details.
Hui Whakawhanaukataka | Orientation
6. Practical Work
Some programmes have a compulsory Practical Work component. This means that you will need to do work experience that is aligned to your study programme. The purpose of this is to enable you to develop skills and a better understanding of the type of work being carried out in different industries and to be able to relate it to what you are being taught in your courses. The length of time involved varies widely with different programmes - anywhere between 6 and 56 weeks. This work is usually carried out during the summer break.
We have a Practical Work Coordinator on campus. If you have any questions about your requirements, please contact: practicalwork@lincoln.ac.nz
Students may apply for a Variation of Conditions (VoC) to their student visa to enable them to work in order to fulfil a requirement of practical experience for their course.
Please refer to the Immigration New Zealand website for further information.
7. Postgraduate students: Study Planning and Supervision
When you arrive at Lincoln University you are expected to contact the appropriate course advisor and/or Faculty Postgraduate Co-ordinator to discuss and confirm your study. You will find the names on the Academic departments web pages below.
This ensures that your course of study is well-structured and that your prior studies provide adequate preparation for the proposed programme. Masters and PhD students must note that during the registration process you must have your course of study and your supervision team confirmed. This is to ensure that your supervision team has the appropriate expertise to guide your research.
8. Planning ahead
In the weeks prior to the start of your study we will send you emails with useful information. Please watch for these emails and read them carefully. For those of you coming from out of town, we also recommend you look at the Study in Christchurch information on the ChristchurchNZ website and share this information with your families.
Study in Christchurch – ChristchurchNZ
9. Accommodation and airport transfers
Lincoln’s Halls of Residence are popular with both domestic and international students. You can apply using the MyLinc portal. Please apply early.
Lincoln’s Accommodation Services provides free airport reception for all new international students who have confirmed their accommodation booking and are staying in Lincoln’s Halls of Residence. Email your finalised travel details, including flight numbers, at least 3 working days prior to your arrival to travel@lincoln.ac.nz
10. Pastoral care
The university has a responsibility to ensure that students are well informed, safe and properly cared for. The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 sets out the expectations that education providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their learners.
More information can be found on our Behaviours and Codes web page
Office hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Admission & Enrolment Office
Level 1 Forbes Building
Lincoln University
PO Box 85084
Lincoln 7647
NEW ZEALAND
Email: admissions@lincoln.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 10 60 10, extn: 30044 (within NZ) or +64 3 423 0044 (from overseas)