07 August 2025 First student cohort from new Joint Institute visits Lincoln University campus

Twenty Chinese students — out of the 220-strong initial cohort — from the Huazhong Agricultural University-Lincoln University Joint Institute of Higher Learning, launched in August 2024, are visiting the Lincoln University campus.

The students are on campus to sample a taste of the celebrated Lincoln University student experience and to learn about teaching methods in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Joint Institute of Higher Learning (JIHL) is a collaborative education initiative between Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University and Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), a top-ranked Chinese institution specialising in land-based disciplines.

The JIHL enables the shared delivery of four Lincoln University programmes to students studying fully offshore at the HZAU campus in China. Students who successfully complete the JIHL programme will graduate with degrees from both universities.

The JIHL comprises four Lincoln University programmes: Bachelor of Commerce (Horticulture), Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Ecology), Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, and the Master of Environmental Policy and Management.

The JIHL students currently visiting the Lincoln campus are from the inaugural intake, and have been observing guest lectures in relevant subject areas and attending Academic English workshops. During the visit the students have also taken time out to explore the University’s vibrant and biodiverse campus, which is rated as a green campus by the GreenMetric World University Rankings – the only New Zealand university to be recognised in the global sustainability ranking system.

The group, visiting from 4–15 August, are also scheduled to visit Castle Hill and other sights around Canterbury, including Christchurch city.

Lincoln University Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Student Life, Damian Lodge, said it has been inspiring to welcome the visiting JIHL students to campus.

“These students are on a study pathway that will see them contributing to the sustainable development of communities and the environment, and they are eager to learn more about New Zealand’s land-based sectors.

“The JIHL students will become ambassadors of cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.”

Lincoln University Provost, Professor Chad Hewitt, said the HZAU-Lincoln University JIHL has been an outstanding success, and is part of the University’s strategic objective to develop and nurture national and international partnerships.

“Our collaboration with HZAU has further enhanced the University’s growing network of global partnerships with complementary institutions, while also providing an extra level of financial resilience. The Joint Institute supports our strategic priorities with increased funding from international tuition fees without the requirement for large-scale investment in overseas infrastructure.

“The partnership adds value to both institutions and enhances access to high-quality, research-led education in agriculture, environment and commerce.”

For media enquiries, email media@lincoln.ac.nz