Lincoln University International School Leavers Scholarship 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The Lincoln University International School Leavers Scholarship (ISLS) is a generous financial award designed to support high-achieving international students who are transitioning directly from high school into their first year of undergraduate study at Lincoln University in New Zealand. Valued at NZ$10,000, this scholarship is one of the most substantial financial awards available to new international undergraduate students at Lincoln University, and it goes directly toward reducing the cost of tuition from day one.

Established in 2020, this scholarship was created with a clear purpose: to make it easier for academically strong school leavers from around the world to take their next step into university education in New Zealand. Whether you are leaving a high school in your home country or finishing secondary school in New Zealand as an international student, this award recognises your academic achievement and helps you begin your university journey with meaningful financial support.

This post covers everything you need to know about the Lincoln University International School Leavers Scholarship: who qualifies, what the scholarship includes, what documents you need to prepare, how to apply step by step, the correct deadlines for each semester, and practical tips to give your application the best possible foundation.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

To qualify for the Lincoln University International School Leavers Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• New Student Status: You must be a new-to-programme international student at Lincoln University. Students who have previously studied in any academic programme at Lincoln University are not eligible.
• School Leaver Status: You must be a school leaver from either a New Zealand high school or an overseas high school. This scholarship is specifically targeted at students moving directly from secondary education into their first year of a Bachelor’s degree. 
• Degree Programme: You must be registered or planning to register in an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree programme at Lincoln University. Pathway programmes, diplomas, and postgraduate qualifications are not covered by this scholarship.
• International Student Status: You must be classified as an international student. Domestic New Zealand and Australian students are not eligible.
• No Other Scholarship: You must not be in receipt of any other scholarship at the time of application or award. This scholarship cannot be held alongside any other scholarship funding.
• Academic Requirements: You must meet all academic entry requirements for admission to your chosen Bachelor’s degree programme at Lincoln University. Strong secondary school results are essential given the merit-based nature of this award.
• English Language Requirements: You must meet Lincoln University’s English language requirements for admission to your programme. 
• Immigration Requirements: You must meet all New Zealand immigration requirements necessary to study in New Zealand as an international student, including being eligible for or holding a valid student visa.

Eligible Countries

This scholarship is open to all international students, meaning applicants from any country outside New Zealand may be eligible as long as they meet the full set of criteria. Both overseas school leavers and international students who completed high school in New Zealand are eligible.

Africa: All African countries may apply, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, and all others.

Asia: All Asian countries may apply, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and others.

Americas: Students from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and all other countries in North, Central, and South America may apply.

Europe: Students from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and all other European countries may apply.

Middle East: Students from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern nations may apply.

Pacific and Oceania: Students from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and other Pacific Island nations may apply. Students from non-New Zealand countries in the broader Oceania region are also eligible.

Eligible Fields of Study

This scholarship is available to international school leavers enrolling in any undergraduate Bachelor’s degree programme at Lincoln University, subject to meeting the relevant admission requirements.

• Agriculture and Food Science
• Environmental Management and Ecology
• Commerce and Business Management
• Biological and Applied Sciences
• Landscape Architecture and Design
• Information Technology and Computing
• Tourism, Recreation, and Sport Management

Benefits

The Lincoln University International School Leavers Scholarship provides the following:

• Tuition Fee Credit: A NZ$10,000 scholarship credited directly to the recipient’s Lincoln University tuition fees account. This is applied as a reduction to your tuition bill, not as a cash payment to you personally.
• Payment Timing: The credit is applied upon confirmed enrolment in the relevant Bachelor’s degree programme at Lincoln University. You must be fully enrolled before the award is released.

Required Documents

Based on the nature and criteria of this scholarship, the following documents are likely required. Confirm the full list in the official application form before submitting:

1. Completed International School Leavers Scholarship Application Form (PDF available on the official Lincoln University website)
2. Copy of passport or national identification document
3. Secondary school academic transcripts (final year results and any predicted grades if not yet completed)
4. Secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for example, IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, or equivalent)
6. Offer of admission or enrolment confirmation in a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University
7. Evidence that you are a school leaver from a New Zealand or overseas high school 
8. Proof of meeting New Zealand immigration and student visa requirements
9. Any additional documents specified in the official application form

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official Lincoln University website and go to the Scholarships section. Find the International School Leavers Scholarship page to access current information and the PDF application form.

Step 2: Read through the eligibility requirements carefully before you begin. Confirm that you are a new international student, that you are a school leaver, that you are enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree, and that you are not holding any other scholarship.

Step 3: Apply for admission to Lincoln University if you have not already done so. You must have an offer of admission or be actively applying for a Bachelor’s degree programme before you can complete the scholarship application.

Step 4: Download the official International School Leavers Scholarship Application Form from the Lincoln University website. This PDF is the required document for your scholarship application.

Step 5: Gather all your supporting documents. This includes your high school transcripts, school leaving certificate, English language test results, passport copy, and any other documents listed in the application form.

Step 6: Complete the application form fully and accurately. Fill in every section. Do not leave blank spaces unless a section clearly does not apply to you, and in that case, briefly explain why.

Step 7: Identify the correct deadline for your intended semester. The deadlines are 31 January for Semester 1, 30 June for Semester 2, and 31 October for Summer School. Using the wrong deadline or missing it entirely will disqualify your application for that intake.

Step 8: Confirm the submission method. Get the exact submission address or link before sending your application.

Step 9: Submit your completed application form and all required supporting documents to Lincoln University before the relevant deadline. Make sure everything is attached and clearly labelled.

Step 10: Keep copies of your entire application including the form and all attachments. Record any reference numbers or acknowledgement emails you receive after submission.

Step 11: Monitor your email regularly for any follow-up communication from the Lincoln University scholarships office. Respond promptly to any requests for further information.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

There are three deadlines depending on when you plan to begin your studies:

• Semester 1: 31 January
• Semester 2: 30 June
• Summer School: 31 October

Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted.

Do not submit on the deadline day if you can help it. Aim to have your complete application ready at least one week in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues or missing documents.

Selection Criteria

The International School Leavers Scholarship is merit-based and focuses on academically proven international students. Here is what the selection committee considers:

• Academic Achievement at Secondary School Level: Your high school academic results are the primary basis for selection. Strong, consistent performance across your secondary school subjects will be the most important factor in the evaluation of your application.
• School Leaver Status: The scholarship is specifically for students who are transitioning directly from high school to a Bachelor’s degree. Your status as a genuine school leaver from either a New Zealand or overseas high school is a core part of the selection process.
• Meeting Admission Standards: You must fully satisfy Lincoln University’s academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen Bachelor’s degree programme. Applicants who just meet the minimum may be at a disadvantage compared to those who exceed it.
• New Student Status: This scholarship is for students coming to Lincoln University for the very first time. Prior academic enrolment at Lincoln University disqualifies an applicant.
• No Concurrent Scholarship: You must not hold any other scholarship. The award is intended to stand alone as a recognition of academic excellence at the school leaver level.
• Immigration Compliance: Demonstrating that you meet all New Zealand immigration requirements for international students is a condition that must be satisfied alongside the academic criteria.

Important Tips

1. Apply early, not on the deadline. The deadlines are firm and late applications will not be accepted. Submit your complete application at least one to two weeks before the closing date for your intended semester to avoid any last-minute problems.
2. Secure your English language test score before applying. If you have not yet taken an accepted English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL, book your test immediately. Test dates fill up quickly and results can take several weeks to arrive.
3. Request your official high school transcripts as early as possible. Schools and examination boards can take weeks to process and send official transcripts. Do not wait until the deadline is approaching before making this request.
4. Apply for university admission first. You need an offer of admission or confirmed enrolment in a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University before your scholarship application can be fully processed. Prioritise this step.
5. Confirm your school leaver status. This scholarship is designed for students moving directly from high school to university. If there has been a gap between your high school graduation and your intended enrolment, confirm with Lincoln University whether you still qualify as a school leaver for the purposes of this award.
6. Do not hold any other scholarship when applying. If you are applying to multiple scholarship programmes, understand that accepting this award means you cannot simultaneously hold any other scholarship. Plan your scholarship strategy accordingly.
7. Research Lincoln University’s Bachelor’s degree programmes thoroughly before applying. Knowing your intended programme well will help you complete the application form with clarity and confidence, and may strengthen your written responses.
8. Keep copies of all submitted documents. After submission, save everything, including your completed form, attachments, and any confirmation emails. These records will be important if any questions arise about your application later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Link

Access the official scholarship page and download the application form from the Lincoln University website: 

https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/search-scholarships/lincoln-university-international-school-leavers-scholarship/

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