Lincoln University and Beijing Forestry University (BFU) have announced the establishment of a Joint Education Programme, which will see the shared delivery of Lincoln Uni’s Bachelor of Landscape Management degree, with students graduating with degrees from both universities.
The new Programme will be located at BFU’s campus in Beijing, China, with students to graduate with degrees from both facilities: Bachelor of Landscape Management from Lincoln University and Bachelor of Agronomy (major in National Park Construction and Management) from Beijing Forestry University.
The JEP has been officially approved by China’s Ministry of Education, and is the only New Zealand JEP to receive approval from Beijing, and the first JEP specialising in national parks management in China.
The first cohort of students to enrol in the JEP will begin their studies in September 2027.
Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Edwards, said the new JEP is a great opportunity to partner with a prestigious international specialist university, and further advances Lincoln University’s goal to expand its international partnerships and pathways to support student growth and global engagement.
“Lincoln University is Aotearoa’s only specialist land-based university, and we have a proud history of delivering world-renowned parks and recreation education programmes,” he said.
Dean of Lincoln University’s Faculty of Environment, Society and Design, Professor Emma Stewart said: “For more than 50 years our programmes have had considerable positive impact in the areas of parks, recreation and tourism management, with many of our graduates taking up leadership roles in the conservation sector in nature-based settings in Aotearoa and overseas – especially in Nepal and Sarawak.
“China has ambitious plans to expand their national park network, and Lincoln University is privileged to support that ambition through assisting in the development of their workforce, while at the same time continuing to expand our international reach.
“The proposed Joint Education Programme in National Parks with Beijing Forestry University represents a significant trans-national education platform to support our shared interests in developing the global workforce for the parks and conservation sector. We look forward to exploring the many opportunities this partnership will create for both institutions,” she said.
Professor Liang Li from Beijing Forestry University said the degrees offered by both Lincoln University and Beijing Forestry University will complement each other.
“Through the Bachelor of Landscape Management, delivered at BFU, students can broaden their international views and learn advanced concepts and practice from understanding New Zealand’s perspective on national parks.
“Lincoln University can establish a unique position and strong reputation in China’s national park talent development through its educational programmes.”
In the lead-up to the agreement, a high-level delegation from Beijing Forestry University, led by BFU President, Professor Li Zhaohu, visited Lincoln University in March 2026. During the visit, New Zealand Department of Conservation shared practical experience in national park governance.
This newly approved JEP represents the fruitful outcome of the long-standing collaboration between the two universities.
As early as September 2017, Lincoln University and Beijing Forestry University jointly co-hosted the exhibition Land of the White Clouds: New Zealand National Parks at the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture in Beijing.
In May 2023, Beijing Forestry University established China’s first School of National Parks and took the lead in launching the country’s first undergraduate and postgraduate programme in National Park Construction and Management.
In October 2025, the two universities also established the International Joint Laboratory on National Parks Management.
