Three important events marked the year 1896: the College became self-governing as Canterbury Agricultural College, a constituent college of the University of New Zealand (Act of 1896); the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural was established; and the official College Seal was adopted. A physical seal finally arrived in 1899 after being engraved in England

Circular in design, the seal features Ivey Hall in 1896 when the west wing ended in a narrow two-storey bay window, before the Memorial Hall was added. The arc above the building carries twin shields: the one on the left, with a cross and the figures of a clergyman and Maori chief, symbolising the days of settlement; and the one on the right, with a sheep's head, a wheat sheaf, an ox head, and a hand with mortar and pestle, symbolising agricultural science. The agricultural symbols were later redrawn in proper heraldic form and used in the design of the College's coat of arms.

This version was updated in 1962 with the words 'Lincoln College" replacing "Canterbury Agricultural College".