Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship (IUGS) is a merit-based financial award offered by Lincoln University in New Zealand to support international students beginning their undergraduate studies at the university. Established in 2020, the scholarship provides a NZ$3,000 credit toward tuition fees, making it a meaningful financial contribution for students who have worked hard academically and are ready to take their education to the next level in New Zealand.

This scholarship is specifically designed for international students who have not previously studied at Lincoln University. It recognises and rewards academic achievement while helping to reduce the cost of starting an undergraduate degree at one of New Zealand’s leading agricultural and environmental universities. If you are a high-achieving international student with your sights set on Lincoln University, this award is well worth pursuing.

This post covers everything you need to know about the Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship: who is eligible, what the award covers, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, the correct deadlines for each semester, and practical tips to give your application the best possible chance of success.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

To be considered for the Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• New Student Status: You must be an international student who has not previously studied in an academic programme at Lincoln University. Any prior academic enrolment at Lincoln University will disqualify you.
• International Student Status: You must hold international student status, meaning you are not a domestic New Zealand or Australian student.
• Academic Qualifications: The scholarship is described as merit-based, meaning your previous academic results will be assessed. You must meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate programme at Lincoln University.
• English Language Requirements: You must meet Lincoln University’s English language requirements for admission to your undergraduate programme. This typically requires a recognised English proficiency test score.
• Immigration Requirements: You must meet all New Zealand immigration requirements necessary to study in New Zealand as an international student. This includes holding or being eligible for a valid student visa.
• Application Timing: Your application must be received before the semester commencement date, meaning before the first day of your intended semester. This is in addition to the standard closing dates.

Eligible Countries

This scholarship is open to all international students, which means applicants from any country outside New Zealand may be eligible, provided they meet all the criteria above.

Africa: All African countries may apply.

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

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

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

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

Pacific and Oceania: Students from Pacific Island nations and other non-New Zealand countries in the region may apply.

Eligible Fields of Study

Based on the scholarship being for undergraduate study generally at Lincoln University, it is likely open to all undergraduate programmes offered by the university. However, you should confirm the following on the official website:

• Whether the scholarship applies to all undergraduate degrees or only specific programmes
• Whether there are any excluded qualifications such as pathway programmes (which have a separate scholarship)
• Whether part-time students or students enrolling in only a few papers are eligible

Benefits

The Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship provides the following:

• Tuition Fee Credit: A NZ$3,000 scholarship credited directly to your Lincoln University tuition fees account. This reduces the total amount you owe in tuition and is not paid as cash.
• Payment Timing: The credit is applied upon your confirmed enrolment in the relevant undergraduate programme. You must be fully enrolled before the scholarship is released to your account.
• Living Allowance: Not included. This scholarship covers tuition costs only.
• Travel Costs: Not included.
• Health Insurance: Not included. Note that New Zealand requires international students to hold appropriate health insurance. 
• Visa Fee Coverage: Not included.

Required Documents

The following documents are likely required based on the nature of this scholarship. Confirm the exact requirements in the official application form:

1. Completed LU International Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form (PDF available on the official Lincoln University website)
2. Copy of passport or national identification document
3. Academic transcripts from secondary school and any previous tertiary institution
4. Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, or equivalent)
5. Offer of admission or enrolment confirmation from Lincoln University for an undergraduate programme
6. Evidence that you have not previously studied at Lincoln University 
7. Proof of meeting New Zealand immigration or student visa requirements
8. Any additional supporting documents specified in the scholarship application form

How to Apply

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

Step 2: Review all eligibility requirements carefully. Confirm that you are a new international student, that you have not previously studied at Lincoln University, and that you do not hold any other scholarship. 

Step 3: Apply for admission to Lincoln University if you have not already done so. You need to be admitted to or in the process of being admitted to an undergraduate programme before you can apply for this scholarship.

Step 4: Download the official LU International Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form from the Lincoln University website. This is the document you will complete and submit.

Step 5: Gather all required supporting documents. Collect your academic transcripts, passport copy, English language test results, and any other documents listed on the application form.

Step 6: Complete the application form fully and accurately. Answer every question. Do not leave sections blank unless they clearly do not apply to your situation.

Step 7: Identify the correct closing date for your intended semester. The deadlines are 31 January for Semester 1, 30 June for Semester 2, and 31 October for Summer School. Submitting for the wrong deadline could affect your application.

Step 8: Also confirm that your application will be received before the semester commencement date, which is the first day of classes. Both conditions must be met: the closing date and the pre-commencement submission requirement.

Step 9: Submit your completed application form along with all required documents to Lincoln University through the official submission channel. 

Step 10: Save copies of your completed application and all submitted documents. Note down any reference numbers or confirmation emails you receive after submission.

Step 11: Follow up with the Lincoln University scholarships office if you have not received any acknowledgement within a reasonable time after submission.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

There are three deadlines depending on your intended start date:

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

In addition to these dates, your application must be received before the first day of your semester, whichever comes first.

Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted.

Do not wait until the deadline. Aim to submit your complete application at least one week in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Selection Criteria

The Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship is merit-based. Here is what the selection process considers:

• Academic Performance: Your results from secondary school or any previous tertiary qualifications are the primary measure of merit. Strong, consistent academic performance across subjects is important.
• Meeting Admission Standards: You must fully satisfy Lincoln University’s academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate programme. Simply being admitted is not enough on its own; the quality of your academic record matters.
• New Student Status: The scholarship is exclusively for students coming to Lincoln University for the first time. This is both an eligibility condition and a selection factor, as the award is targeted at first-time Lincoln students.
• Immigration Compliance: Applicants must demonstrate full compliance with New Zealand’s international student immigration requirements. This is non-negotiable.

Important Tips

1. Apply for university admission before applying for the scholarship. You need to be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in an undergraduate programme at Lincoln University before your scholarship application can be considered. Prioritise your admission application first.
2. Identify your correct deadline early. There are three different closing dates for three different intakes. Make sure you know whether you are applying for Semester 1, Semester 2, or Summer School and use the right date.
3. Note the two-part deadline rule. Your application must be submitted both by the closing date and before the first day of the semester. These are two separate conditions. If your semester starts before the closing date, you must submit earlier.
4. Prepare your English proficiency test score in advance. If you have not yet taken IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English test, schedule it immediately. Test bookings, preparation, and result processing all take time.
5. Request official transcripts early. Academic transcripts from your previous school or institution often require weeks to prepare and deliver. Start this process as soon as you decide to apply.
6. Double-check that you have never studied at Lincoln University before. Even if you attended a short programme, exchange, or partner arrangement that involved Lincoln University, verify whether it counts as prior academic study before applying.
7. Download and read the full application form before filling it in. Understanding the entire form before starting will help you gather the right documents and avoid gaps in your submission.
8. Keep copies of everything you submit. Store your completed application form and all supporting documents in a safe place. If there is ever a question about your submission, you will need these records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Link

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

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

Need Personal Guidance to Study or Work Abroad?

You can now book for a personal guidance for your scholarship applications, visa requirements, or if you’re financially ready to study or work abroad and just need someone to walk you through the process.

Book Consultation

- SPONSORED ADVERT -