More than 3,000 visitors have attended Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University’s recent Open Day, with agriculture, agribusiness and land management sessions attracting the largest audiences.
Enrolments at Lincoln University have grown strongly since 2019, with the total student head count topping 5,000 for the first time in 2024. As a specialist university focused on the land-based sectors, the University offers world-class education and research programmes in agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, conservation, environmental management and recreation.
The University says growing interest in its programmes align with increasing demand for graduates with specialist experience in land-based sectors. This is reflected in a recent graduate outcomes survey, which revealed that 83% of Lincoln University graduates were in paid employment, with 83% also reporting a high degree of employment satisfaction.
A total of 3,112 visitors, including prospective students, friends and whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand, and as far away as Tasmania, attended Open Day presentations, campus tours and authentic campus experiences showcasing life at Lincoln University. The day featured more presentations, facilities tours and opportunities to engage with staff and students than ever before.
Open Day presentations covered undergraduate degrees, accommodation options, scholarships and practical work and student exchange programmes. Sessions on the Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Farm Management, Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management, as well as presentations on scholarships and practical work each attracted more than 100 attendees. Sports Scholarship Code Managers were on hand to provide information and advice for prospective students interested in hockey, netball, basketball, rugby and rowing.
Visitors took part in 38 campus tours, with 434 people exploring the campus, while many more toured the vineyard, the School of Landscape Architecture, the horticultural glasshouses and the University’s state-of-the-art gym – Whare Hākinakina. A special ‘dining hall experience’, where visitors had the opportunity to dine like a student, attracted 180 guests.
The Lincoln University staff and student whānau were quick to get behind the event, with more than 100 staff and 32 student Future Leaders helping with presentations, tours and information stations.
Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards said Hui Whakatuwhera Open Day is one of the biggest events on the campus calendar, and is the flagship event of the University’s student recruitment activities.
“Open Day is always a great occasion, with the entire University whānau focused on showcasing our education and research programmes and our renowned campus environment,” he said.
“Lincoln University is committed to providing a world-class end-to-end student experience underpinned by our supportive pastoral services, our successful learner success programmes and our rich and diverse campus environment.
“As a specialist university focused on the land-based sectors, our students earn qualifications that position them for rich and rewarding careers, and equip them with the skills and expertise needed to tackle the immense challenges facing land-based sectors from climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental, societal and political influences.
“Our graduates are leading innovation, driving meaningful change and creating impact in their communities and across land-based sectors and in communities throughout Aotearoa and globally.”
To explore Lincoln University’s land-based study programmes, visit the website here.
To explore Lincoln University’s scholarship opportunities (closing 15 August), visit the website here.
